After applying its revered GTO moniker to the high-performance version of the 599 GTB, Ferrari chose to revive another legendary name from its past for the track-focused development of the F12berlinetta: Tour de France. The nickname was originally given to the 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione in the late 1950s after its stunning streak of wins in the Tour de France Automobile, an endurance race held on French roads from 1899 to 1986.

First unveiled in 2015, the Ferrari F12tdf was the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ferrari to date, featuring a 6.3-litre V-12 tuned to develop 769 horsepower. Its space-frame chassis, co-developed with Carrozzeria Scaglietti, was comprised of 12 different alloys, resulting in a frame 20 per cent stiffer than the preceding 599’s yet more than 60 kilograms lighter. Extensive use of carbon fibre reduced the car’s weight by an additional 110 kilograms versus the F12berlinetta.

The F12tdf also boasted numerous improvements over the already technologically advanced F12berlinetta. A seven-speed, dual-clutch, paddle-shift transmission offered shorter ratios and quicker gear changes, while carbon-ceramic disc brakes from the LaFerrari were specified with single-piece callipers. Notably, the F12tdf was also the first Ferrari to feature four-wheel steering as standard.

The F12tdf’s larger front splitter and rear diffuser, deeper side sills, and additional vents, including the distinctive “Aerobridge” on the front flanks (which directs airflow along the sides of the car), all combine to improve aerodynamics and create a far more aggressive visual profile. A taller rear spoiler and “active” rear diffuser helped achieve 87 per cent more downforce compared with the standard F12berlinetta. Sprinting from zero to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds before reaching a top speed of 211 mph, the F12tdf could blaze through a lap of Ferrari’s Fiorano test track just 1.3 seconds behind the flagship LaFerrari.

In recognition of how special the F12tdf was, Ferrari capped production at 799 cars, and each example is appointed with a special commemorative interior plaque reading “Limited Edition – 1\799”. With guaranteed exclusivity and such a dazzling technical profile, the F12tdf became an instant collectable, attracting the admiration of supercar aficionados and Ferrari purists alike.

As clarified by a special plaque, the livery of the featured F12tdf was inspired by chassis number 0563 GT, an early example of the first-series 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France. Officially finished in Azzurro La Plata paint with a longitudinal French tri-colour racing stripe, chassis number 227277 was upholstered in Alcantara Charcoal (including the boot carpet, boot trim, seats inner trim, headliner, and centre console) with complementary tri-colour racing stripes on the seats.

The berlinetta was desirably specified with a suspension lifter, sports exhaust, and red-painted brake callipers, while carbon fibre was used on a host of elements, including the fog lamps, dashboard inserts, under-door covers, rear bench trim, and hub caps. The spirit of Maranello was imbued with Scuderia Ferrari shields on the wings, and stitched Cavallino Rampante motifs on the headrests.

Configured in right-hand drive for allocation to the United Kingdom, the Ferrari was first registered in May 2017. Invoices on file clarify that by March 2022 the F12tdf was being tended by DK Engineering, one of the country’s foremost Ferrari specialists. From 2022 to March 2024 the car also received occasional attention as needed by the marque dealer HR Owen, including annual services in March 2022 and 2024.

Following four brief ownerships that involved very little driving, the Ferrari was acquired by the consigning owner in December 2024. The F12tdf continues to benefit from a life of mild driving use, exemplified by the current remarkably low odometer reading of just 3,195 miles at the time of cataloguing.

The original Tour de France Automobile race rewarded cars that combined maximum performance with drivability. The F12tdf is, appropriately, the ultimate expression of the concept—an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track. This superb, minimally driven example makes a stunning impression with its unique livery of Azzurro La Plata over Charcoal, matching its uber-athletic performance with an elegantly tasteful cosmetic ode to its namesake road rally.

Accompanied by the owner’s manual and reference guides in the proper pouch, this exquisitely finished and rare Ferrari would make a sensational crowning addition to any stable of Prancing Horses. Chassis number 227277 is sure to provide the next caretaker with the considerable thrills of its outrageous performance envelope and top-shelf rarity, as one of the Italian marque’s most special limited edition models.