In 1990, Lamborghini attacked the Ferrari Testarossa with their new Diablo, and to counter this attack, Ferrari introduced the 512 in 1992. It was largely similar to the Testarossa both mechanically and cosmetically, as evidenced by the “512”, which referred to the engine’s 5 litres of displacement and 12 cylinders, and the “TR”, which was simply a shortened version of Testarossa. The 512 TR was widely acclaimed by both owners and the motoring press when new, and it was a welcome update to the car it replaced.

Ferrari had learned much from internal testing and customer feedback over the seven years of Testarossa production. As a result, they focused much of their attention on the car’s interior. In order to improve comfort and ergonomics, they updated the steering wheel and seats, making the 512 TR more comfortable for longer drives. Cosmetically, the design remained largely the same, and visually, the exterior also remained largely the same, except for the redesign of the car’s nose.

Of course, the engine also received a few updates. Nikasil cylinder liners, Bosch Motronic engine management, 10.0:1 compression, and a more efficient exhaust system were added, which resulted in a rise in horsepower to 428 and an increase in top speed to 195 mph. Keeping in line with the updates to the interior, Ferrari redesigned the gearbox with a single-plate clutch, which allowed for smoother gearshifts, and they also quickened the steering and fitted larger cross-drilled brake discs. All of these updates didn’t fall on deaf ears, and legendary racing driver Phil Hill wrote in Road & Track magazine that “lurking under that bodywork is about three quarters of an F40 with all the conveniences of any modern GT”.

This 1992 512 TR was finished in the traditional Rosso Corsa over Beige and was delivered to Daniel Künzli, of Teufen, Switzerland, through the Swiss Ferrari dealer Sportgarage on 29 June 1992. Three years later, in January 1995, the car was registered under another owner, Alfred Lienhard, of Erlen, Switzerland. It is believed that this car has remained in Switzerland ever since. The odometer shows just under 9,500 kilometres from new, and a service tag from May 1994, which is included with the car, notes that it had travelled 5,986 kilometres at that time. Overall, the car presents very well and shows few signs of use both inside and out. Its sale is also complemented by a full set of books and a factory tool kit.

With just 2,261 examples produced, it has become increasingly difficult to find 512 TRs in such remarkable condition. As the 512 TR is one of the most iconic cars of the late 1980s and early 1990s, it deserves a place in any collection of Ferraris, and this example would be a wonderful addition.