Was looking at a 512TR with low miles, one owner car. Found it was a Euro car, though has been in US since new. Any particular reasons this car would be better, worse, more difficult to live with? Given identical car-to-car, save for Euro lineage, what price differential would you assume?
It would depend on who did the mods to make the car US compliant, and the quality of the convertion. There were some real hacks back in the grey market days. You may be lucky and the car had no mods done and snuck in under the radar. I would say it is worth what a US car is. Just make sure you get the DOT & EPA compliance letters for peace of mind.
To me its worth more, any euro car is even a Niva Cossack in euro trim is better than its US counterpart. Euro cars are typically lighter, cleaner and faster than the US versions. Not sure on the TR differences but a Testrossa has a different (cleaner) rear bumper, I suspect the front is also unique. Better ECU mapping for more power, also lighter, less complicated and no DOT marker lights. If I bought a Euro version I would be quick to shed the US stuff once it met the smog requirements.
Have a look at THIS one 1987 Ferrari Testarossa (B12 4930cc) Rosso Corsa with Beige interior– formerly owned by Sir Elton John (see photo’s for official letter and newspaper article). The ultimate car for the driving purist as well for the Elton John fan.
Would be great to know if more power on the 512TR, but I just thought of another rather significant 'bonus'.... MANUAL SEATBELTS! I wake up at night sometimes thinking of that crazed track-mouse strangler cinching me in. It is not pleasant. Manual belts would be worth a premium!
Regarding the Testarossa, there were quite some differences between US and Euro versions. Even the engine type was different, mainly related to the catalytic converters. As a result, most sources quote 390 HP for the Euro version, versus 380 HP for the US versions. At the 512 TR, Euro and US versions have the same engine type. Still some differences between the two markets, but I don't expect much difference (if any) regarding horsepower ...
