Looking for TR or 512TR to buy

I'm with ya Andre. Everything I've been reading leads me to think that the 87 to early 88 is the "red headed step child" of the TR's. There is nothing appealing about them yet their values do not reflect this.
Check this one out.

http://www.classicmotorsdc.com/1988-Ferrari-Testarossa/Used-Car/Washington-DC/980/1845582/Details.aspx

Pulled the Carfax. Looks OK with 800 miles over the last 5 years (open to interpretation). At least 3 previous owners and 3 documented services.

 

The testarossa is "the" testarossa. 512TR is technically much better - sure, but (as already mentioned) not the childhood poster artwork on bedroom wall. The F 512 M is seldom, but -sorry- very ugly.

If you want the real thing, go for the testarossa. If your desire is the look of a testarossa, but want just "more" car, go for the 512TR.

The most perfect tr would probably be the exterior of a testarossa and interior plus all technical stuff of a 512TR

 

The chrome front Cavallino is one of the worst things you can do to a tr.

 

Not 100% certain-I think the rear cavallino changed from black to chrome with the launch of the 512TR
In a video I have of the testarossa-Sergio Pininfarina says the cavallino was black to maintain a look of "total sobriety" mine has a chrome one but I would like to revert back to original black.

Tr boy

 

Front Cavallino isn´t original.

Rear Cavallino changed from black to chrome with the launch of the 512TR.

 

So .......... Andre#4 ... alredy made up your mind ...?

 

+1!

 

IMHO, the Flying mirror is THE TESTAROSSA. If you want the real thing, get the O.G.

I am not biased or anything.

Here is my O.G., come on boys... can't we just admit that the flying mirror is the best
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Sure, the monospecchio is the thing - but i like the later testarossa more.

Flying mirror is very strange in my eyes and an obstacle to the general shape/design of the car.

 

... Strange to your eye? What, and the giant cheese graters on the sides of the car look normal

The Testarossa revels in its unusual and exotic shape...the side mirror just adds another element of WTF to the whole equation.

 

So I to have been looking for a "Flying Mirror" TR and Fast Radio has been my sounding board on all technical things related to my search. I've not pulled the trigger due to financial fluctuations and trying to deleverage a bit but since I came to the forum almost 2 years ago, there has been a 85 TR listed in the FerrariAds section by ThornAtty. The price has come down overtime but I'm curious if anyone knows anything about the car and if it is common for a car to be listed for so long without selling? My time table is within the next 3 months so I'm becoming more aggressive in my pursuit. Everyone here seems to be so knowledgeable and willing to help, hopefully someone will know something about this car.

Thanks,

 

It´s not about a "normal" look.

Flying mirror disturbs to the floating lines of the cheese machine and therefore creates confusion to the eyes. I am a symmetry-freak

Just my points of view.

 

Hello Andre#4,

I recently bought a 92 512TR matching the description of the 93 you have considered on AutoTrader. Mine has more sitting wear on the leather and the carpets are a little worn. I like the fact that I don't need to baby the interior with a feeling that I might get something dirty. There are no gaurantees of future reliability. It takes guts, maybe a little luck too. I will be getting mine sorted out thanks to the VERY comprehensive list provided by Mr. Chairman. Many of the faults you are concerned about are related to abuse. Regardless of the stories, drive your TR with respect and it won't fall apart.

I chose a 512TR because the design apeals to me and the engine is awesome, the costs are about the same no matter what goes wrong. I am 6'4" tall, the 512TR has great head room and the console being a seperate design from the connected Testarossa console, provides extra leg room on the right hand side which I know is more comfortable to stretch out a little and relax my leg without it becoming sore against an angle.

My car needs a door lock issue fixed, some interior lighting issue fixed, but driveability is GREAT and I drive the car with a clear mind. The car loves going fast and feels twitchy at low speeds as if it can't wait to be turned loose. It's also true that the cars that get driven show up less in the shop.

Regardless of which Ferrari TR you get, it will be YOUR FERRARI, with all the responsibility and the celebrity factor of OWNING this beast. IT IS A BEAST!!! You'll take care of it and it will take care of you.

So how tall are you? Have you driven one? It will sell you on the 512 TR if you could just drive one. I bought mine as you are considering doing. I just bought it. Whatever goes on, it will be my Ferrari and I will meet the responsibility. My car was my first ride in a Ferrari. My 512 TR was the second 512 TR I ever saw in person. When I started the engine, it was the first time I heard that flat 12 EVER.

SO WHERE'S YOUR GUTS???

 

Testarossa 1 or any of my other F Chat Brethren,

I am going to swap my Rear OEM Black Cavallino with a OEM Chrome Cavallino supplied by my partner in crime Mr. Chairman (Thanks again Buddy Boy )

I will be selling my OEM Black Cavallino if anyone is interested.

I also have a "like new"(less than 300 miles) set of Chrome Assanti Rims and tires that were custom made for my TR that I will be selling as well.

 

Andre, I understand why you're trying to anticipate the potential value of your next car, I've done the same, but once in a while it's good to remind yourself that buying a Ferrari is first and foremost investing in yourself, often achieving a dream, and this is what should matter most. Buy the one you want most, not the one that you think will do better over time from a value standpoint, and enjoy every minute in it! If it looses value, so be it, if it holds its value, fantastic, if it gains value then who cares because it's your dream car and you'll never sell it, right?

 

I still think you should buy mine.. She is fully sorted.. I have over $50,000 in service receipts dating back to the 90's to current.. My car is the no brainer.. The only thing you need to worry about is to make sure a substandard assways mechanic doesnt screw her up. Choose your mechanic wisely.. I know I'm partial but just sayin and to each their own.. I hope you find what your looking for and I hope it brings you years of enjoyment.

R

 

+1

 

There is a EURO tr for sale with 2 flying mirrors. Was that original or the pass side had been added?

 

Pass side was not a factory option and was put on after the fact. Funny thing is that its useless.. The hinge pillar is in the way making it impossible to see out from the driver seat.. plus it looks ugly. If you have a single mirror you need to get a mirror for the right hand drive cars because the right hand drive cars will have the mirror on the right vs. the left.. get it.. lol..

R

 

+2

 

Andre like many others here, including myself, either 1) does not plan on being F-Car poor or 2) does not have the expendable income to afford a depreciation beating. In my opinion, it makes good sense to consider depreciation carefully and besides, it's that mentality that helps current owners maintain value even though the market ultimately determines value. Bad F-cars will continue to find their way into the market keeping a ceiling on the low end but they will eventually always die on the spare parts market. The great cars with owners like Andre will not buy the car for the hell of owning it or worse still, abandon it because they can afford to but instead cherish and maintain it for future value. Again, it helps us all to have future value conscious owners.

 

Just to be clear. Maintaining is one thing. Sorting is another. Two different animals. A maintained TR is good but a maintained and sorted TR is better but unfortunately the maintained ones attract more because owners don't believe in sorting. It's not pure. It's a crock because out Of all the TRs out there owned or for sale only a handful and I mean a handful are sorted. They will bring a premium when the smoke clears and pool shrinks.

R

 

Thanks for the answer! I never realized the pass side was a RHD mirror. I know we all have different taste but I don't really like the look of the flying mirror. I never liked the look of a car with only ONE mirror. The dual flying is helping me to like it a little better. To each is own!

I also prefer the rear of the Testarossa over the 512TR. The black little grill are nice.