Testarossas still gets more attention than many new Ferraris.
That's still a 512TR. Even Testarossa's have sold for that price. And 512M's have passed $700k. The Daytona which is probably a "pure collectable" in your book also, has been sitting at about $6-700k for many years. In the big picture it's also not very valuable.
There are 2x more 246's than Daytona's The production number is part of the equation, but not the main criteria.
From Curated's blog: "The Testarossa's legacy goes beyond its performance specifications or production numbers. It represents a moment when Ferrari created a true cultural phenomenon that continues to fascinate enthusiasts decades after its introduction. Their significance in automotive history only increases as these cars transition from modern classics to bonafide collector pieces." "The Ferrari Testarossa is a testament to an age when engineering ambition and cultural impact came together to create something truly extraordinary. With nearly 10,000 units produced across all variants, it remains the most successful 12-cylinder Ferrari ever made. Yet its volume has not diminished its significance. Instead, it proves that Ferrari successfully democratized supercar ownership without compromising their standards of excellence." https://www.wearecurated.com/blog/ferrari-testarossa-history
Popularized. The TR wasn't democratization. It also incorporated non-traditional Ferrari / Pininfarina design elements, that Pagani copied on the 25th Anniversary Countach and Gandini on the Cizeta V16.
I don't remember mentioning the Dino, so not sure where are we going with this. You compared the prices of the 512M and the Daytona, so I pointed you the reasons. Of course there are some other things, that are important when a car is chosen to join a collection, but the major price related factor for a collector's car will always be the production numbers.
I think you're wrong about the 512M / Daytona. The Daytona has been steady at about $700k for many years. The 512M increased a lot recently (generational demand) and dropped a bit. (https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/1995-ferrari-f512-m-1) The 246 has double the production nrs of the Daytona and it's as or more expensive. The 246 and Boxer have about the same production nrs. Production numbers is part of the equation but it's not the defining factor, particularly as it's rather meaningless by itself. 20 ago, I think the 246 was about $45k, the TR $60k, 512BB $85k, Daytona about $200k.
my impression is, the rounder/swoopier the body lines the more valuable. hence the slow little but pretty dino is in demand. the dino is considered agile whereas the testarossa and daytona are bigger heavier autobahn cruisers.
20 years ago buyers were different, generations were different, prices were different and demand was different. So I am absolutely right and market has proven it perfectly. Production numbers are obviously the factor when we are comparing similar models, not just cars. Testarossa - an iconic model in Ferrari's history is far more cheaper than the uglier 512M and also the 512TR. F40 - probably the most iconic Ferrari ever is the cheapest one from the hyper models. 308 Vetroresina - much more expensive than a regular 308. Manual 599 - much more expensive than a regular 599 (same with the F430 and 612) 355 Spider - same price as a 348 Spider, nevertheless it is a much better and beautiful car. I can go on and on, but anyway, I think my point is perfectly proven.
Popular theory, and in practice it falls apart. You're ignoring the models that don't support your theory. >Testarossa - an iconic model in Ferrari's history is far more cheaper than the uglier 512M and also the 512TR. About 5 years ago, before the pump routine, the TR and 512TR were around the same price and the 512M wasn't much more. Far as looks and "better car", subjective.
Absolutely 100% false. This was never the case. Absolutely never-ever have the Testarossa and the 512TR been in the same price range. Actually now the price difference between them is smaller then 5 years ago.