550 to 512 TR – Going backwards

Having been on FChat for a while (mostly lurking in the background, gleaning great bits of useful information, and truly appreciating a surprising community of great owners), I thought I would ask for some advice.

I have been privileged to own and enjoy a 550 for almost two years. Prior to that I had my first Ferrari, a 360 Spider, but the 12 cylinder was always where my heart truly was. Like a lot of you, I have had my fair share of cars over the years and have enjoyed different models and marques. However, I really thought the 550 with its incredibly smooth power and understated but elegant looks was going to be my ‘keeper’ and special weekend car. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of driving a colleague’s 512M a while back and the more raw, visceral feel and incredible sound has been haunting me ever since.

I had driven a Testarossa prior to buying my 550, but there was no comparison at that time. I am a child of the eighties and had the TR poster on my wall. I am not a particular fan of the 512M’s fixed headlights or revised taillights, but the right 512 TR could have me very tempted. Prices seem almost on parity with the 550/575. I fully understand the difference in maintenance requirements and costs and the particular issues inherent to both cars.

I have a newer Pcar with similar performance to the 550 as my daily driver, so I guess I am looking for something a little more old school for the weekends. I have searched the older threads where most 550 owners have expressed the same love for their cars, but I am wondering if there is anyone who has ‘gone backwards’ from a 575/550 or who owns both to give an experienced opinion.

With a potential change of cars in mind, I’d also like to get some realistic thoughts on what I might ask for my 550. It is a 2000 in Azzurro California with Cuoio interior, 31,000 miles. Daytona seats, leather parcel shelf and headliner, silver brake calipers, and factory shields. Just had its annual service and isn’t due for the major for two years (had the 575 belt tensioners installed at its last service). I have all of the service records, manuals, tools, covers, a black and a red remote, tire kit, etc.. Only aftermarket addition is a new stereo head unit and replaced speakers (car did not come with the original radio) and clear bra on the front. No accidents but the paperwork indicates the nose and lower rocker panels were painted in the past. I attached a picture from when I purchased it. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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looks like a bobileff car....

i may be interested.....pm me

 

Hi there,

I was also a child back in the 80's with Testarossa poster hanging on the wall... Before I got into the 550/575 Maranellos, I had been through 1 1990 Testarossa, and 1 1992 512TR, and 1 1993 512 TR Euro Spec with ABS like the 1994 512 TR US model... Sold the Testarossa, and 93 TR, crashed the 1992 TR... Back than, with my very limited Ferrari knowledge, I used to think and believe that mid engine 12 cylinders 512TR was the best Ferrari could get... I was way wrong...

After 550/575 Maranello, night and day differences...

I love the styling, beauty, and sound of the 512TR... And if I have extra money, I would not mind and hestitate to buy one 512TR to keep in the garage and or showroom as one piece of furniture for show purpose...

Driving slowly around speed limit is enjoyful... Heavy direct non-power assissted steering feel, nice tight stick shift... excellent sound... nice in cruising driving speed...

But, terrible when driving fast in speed... Horrible in aerodynamics... can't take corner in high speed, and quite definitely uncontrollable at limit when driving in circuit track... Not a very nice DRIVER's Car like the Maranellos...

I keep 3 Maranellos now, and probly would not go back to TRs... So the TRs will stay in my younghood memories...

Hope you will enjoy your new TR... and by the way, you do have a beautiful 550 Maranello...

Alex Lin

 

Thanks Alex. Just the kind of input I have been looking for and right on point. Three TRs to three Maranellos is an impressive history. I still love my 550 but it is all of those attributes you pointed out (good and bad) on the 512TR that are attractive. Limited garage space and a realistic 'need' for just one Ferrari have me on the fence. Did you find any real usable difference with the ABS model?

 

Hello Alex...

The 1990 Testarossa Brake was a joke... not worth mention it... The 1992 TR US spec car was improved, but, non ABS 512TR brakes sharp, not so easy to control and yet also lock up easily... The 512TR non-ABS brake performs nothing like the F40 and or F50... so you need to really watch out when driving fast and urgent brake needed, please avoid crashing non-ABS car like what I did...

The 1993 512TR which I bought in Sigen Germany, and drove in Germany where high speed is permitted... was awesome..., the brake feel and stopping distance is once again improved... But again, nothing like modern performance sports car, but for 90's Testarossa series... It's good for it's standard back in it's time....

So, to find a 512TR with ABS in USA will only be available in 1994... The 1995 F512M was limited to 75 cars only... and I believe if I am correct and I may be wrong too... the 1994 512TR with ABS were even more rare somewhere around 60 cars only... So I would think 1994 512TR with ABS sould be the way to go for you....

Alex Lin

 

i love my 92 512tr. no abs, no power steering, no asr, nothing. you either have the will and ability to drive it without electronic help or not. personally, i have enough cars that have nanny aids, so dont mind this one being less advanced.

i love the shape of the 512tr. miles better than the testarossa before it, and the 512m - which seems to be confused about what it is trying to be.

512tr's are iconic, still turn heads, still manage to perform in supercar territory. dont worry so much about tracking it - its a 20 year old car, was never meant to be tracked, and is just not the best bang for your buck on track, ferrari or non-ferrari.

 

If you're going to go back in time to a 512 TR, why not go one more step back to the 512 BBi?

Even more "old school" and truly a stunning looking car.
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+1

The 512BB is what I had a poster of. Never cared for the styling of the 512TR. Actively dislike it, as a matter of fact.

That said, I go back to my '74 Fiat X-1/9 with mid engine cars, and mid engine autos with big horsepower are treacherous beasts. This is especially true of older versions without, "nanny aids." like traction control and ABS: Too much throttle at the wrong point in a turn, and you can be in the weeds before you can think about it, much less react to it.

Conversely, the front engine platform of the 456/456M/550/575M is a very forgiving car with a tendency to understeer: Understeer good/oversteer bad, unless you are a gifted driver.

I sure wouldn't trade a 550 for a 512, but that's just me. Logic plays very little part in the purchase of Ferraris. ;^)

Cheers,

George

 

+1 on the Boxer
+1 on the TR

...gosh, what other automaker has so many "must-haves"?

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Growing up my uncle had both a 512BB and a Pantera in his garage. He still has the Pantera but speaks wistfully of the red/black Ferrari. The sound of the engine is all that I can really remember about my youthful rides in that one. I realize the TR is a very polarizing car with love it or hate it looks but I was at the 92 LA auto show when it was introduced (still have the program) and it has been 'on the list' ever since. My brain rightfully tells me what a better and more advanced car the 550 is but, as Ross put it, the basic far less sophisticated nature of the TR along with the iconic looks are a big draw. You're right about logic and cars George.

Guess I am in the market so if anyone has a line on a nice 512TR I would very much appreciate the heads up.

 

+1 this is what it is all about the cars we loved when we were young and unable to buy is reason enough to give it a shot ..
best of luck

 

About a year ago I traded my 92 512TR for for 03 575M. Just based upon maintenance cost alone I would never go back. I still love the cool look of the TR while the 575 has much more conservative look. The comfort and power factor are so much better with the 575 and surprisingly I have grown to love the F1. Anyway, just my 2 cents.