Guys, I am currently in the market for a 512 TR. This 12 cylinder mid-engined monster just stole my heart. But what are the pitfalls? What should I keep in my mind when I go looking for these cars? Any tips/tricks? Is there some kind of buyers guide available? Thanks for your help. Ton
Just make sure you get a professional to check it over before you buy it, preferrably someone that isn't byassed/working for the garage selling it. Check for a worn gearbox/clutch. A clutch replacement alone will cost you in the region of £1000 to replace, but please don't mention the clutch bill, it's enough to make a grown man cry.
For some serious background info on the 512TR, check www.red-headed.com Make sure you include the dash in the web address otherwise prepare to swallow your false teeth.
Dear Ton, take care of the gear box and differencial!!!! Testarossa & 512TR needs a serious repair of the gear box and differencial around 40-50.000km! You will hear/feel it during the test drive.
I asked much the same when I looked for mine and here is what I learned: 1) You must get full docs evidencing all maintenance since new. Otherwise its just a used car with a potential liability of $10-15 at dealer prices for maintenenance assuming an engine pull and no major breakage; 2) Get a leakdown test. Some cars are grage queens and dont get driven enough to prevent bore/ring wear when started to amuse the kids!; 3) You cannot test the gearbox without pulling it, but you can get a sense of the imminence of a major maintenance. When warm, and that means definite 140 F plus on the oil temp (water temp is not relevant for this) - you should be able to snick from 1st to second and 3rd to second without crunching or sesning that under acceleration (from 1st to 2nd) the gear lever is about to pop out of gear; 4) look at the oil color, it should be clean and pale; 5) Check the coolant by using a turkey baster to check its color, it should be clear not opaque/cloudy; 6) Try a cold start as in the first start of the day: you should hear that delightful jet type whine of the starter and the engine should catch and hold. the revs will hunt a little as the ECu samples the mixture; 7) The 93s are definitely better than than 92s - brakes; abs; but all have the obnoxious seat belts and no PS - so these cars are not for the weak of shoulder, bad back or those unwilling to feel the clutch!; 8) The front hood struts are pathetic and may not hold the hood unless warm - get those replaced by the seller if you can; 9) Pull a plug if you can - with the leak down it can tell you something about the way the car was driven if you know what you are looking for - lastly 10) The belts have to be changed every 5 years or some mileage amount that no one ever gets close to. I would not buy one of these cars if the belt change was not done by someone who can provide a meaningful warranty for that work. Its an expensive job, more so than the TR because the engine must come out and while its a job that some on this forum have done in their own garages (Ferraris are not that complicated) you have to know what you are doing. My 2 bits - they are wonderful entertaining cars and IMO worth their current market price as compared with the alternatives.
I don't know if cars located in the States are of interest to you, but this local car is well regarded here in Dallas. Fchatter Jonathan Peck at the dealership can help you.
My dad's 512TR is (according to him) tricky to steer and manoeuvre because of its' sheer width, and also change gear. But I reckon I can solve the gear changing issue by swapping shiftgate for the Hill Engineering alternative.
I like it ! Its very visceral. You know what its doing all the time without many filters such as the effects of abs and PS. So you can threshold trail brake and feel the back end start to break away on a downhill turn quite a long time before it would happen with abs. Engine is very responsive for its size, nothing like a Challenge car, but quite good. Down sides are: Visibility is poor but a lot better than I first discovered. You really can see out of the rear quarter windows; No possibility of full harnesses without major surgery the way William has done: Its not a GT. I did not want one but some expect it to be; Dont get a flat tire - you will need a flat bed and wheel trolly. But that applies to most Ferraris; Headlights suck until you do the relay and lamp upgrade; The brakes are just adequate for track work; Notice - cost is cost on these things. If that's too hot a subject, stay out of this kitchen.
its wide, really wide. forget going thru london bollards. forget parking garages - you may fit into the space but then you cant get out of the car ! but take it on a blast in the country side or the wide open highway and there is little this side of $100k that will bring a smile like this one ! oh and in case you had not noticed yet, its not subtle.. forget sneaking in anywhere...
You are right of course, but here in 'uMerica, everything is as wide. Even the light 2000 kg trucks are as wide and we use them to pick up a 6 pack from the grocery store. They have better visibility and in a pinch can drive over a TR without spilling a BIG GULP of 7/11 designer coffee !!
Thanks guys, It has been very informative. I recently testdrove one and I am completely hooked! The involvement in the proces of driving is fantastic. I will keep you informed.
Hi Ton, gear box + differencial rebuild seems to be the major sucking point. You have to check out the rebuild costs first - no matter if already done. Consider a sport muffler! Would be nice if already installed, otherwise some extra budget is nessecary. Soundfile: http://www.fuchs-esd.de/animationen/Ferrari F512TR 96web.mp3 I'm sure you don't ignore the black 512 TR in Potsdam cant't wait to see you in the 512 TR cinque
its not just you, the 512TR is the best looking road car Ferrari ever built The Enzo is definately Not
Here are a couple pics of mine. They are very rewarding cars to drive. And the sonic symphony of a flat 12 with a tubi exhaust is as surreal as the car itself. A heroic roar. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
steve f, Hill offers a slotted gate with the corners chewed off, for those challenged by the skill level required to use the gate as Enzo designed it.......... Must be good for at least .00000004 seconds per shift, around town!
They are a d@mn wide car for parking in the grocery store lot........not really the intended use....... "Take the Highway" Marshall Tucker Band
