One of the most popular and recognizable cars ever built in Maranello, the Ferrari Testarossa was nothing short of a pop-culture icon. Made a household name by a starring role in the hit television show Miami Vice, the Testarossa had looks to kill and performance to match. Of course, to keep customers interested and to fend off competition from Lamborghini and Porsche, Ferrari introduced the 512 TR, which offered a host of improvements to the Testarossa platform.

Still just as popular as it was the day the Testarossa was first unveiled to the public, Ferrari chose to change very little regarding the car’s styling with the 512 TR, namely a mild facelift to the nose to improve aerodynamics. Thanks to customer feedback over the course of several years of Testarossa production, Ferrari was able to give the 512 TR a handful of meaningful updates elsewhere in the car for an overall improvement to the car’s driving experience. Looking to improve comfort and ergonomics in the interior, Ferrari updated the steering wheel and seats, making the 512 TR more comfortable over long drives.

Ferrari’s engineers were also able to extract an additional 38 horsepower from the Testarossa’s 5.0-liter flat-12 cylinder engine for the 512 TR. This was achieved through fitting a more efficient exhaust system and the adoption of Nikasil cylinder liners. Once again, drivability was addressed by installing quicker steering, a single plate clutch and smoother gearbox, and larger cross-drilled disc brakes. Along with this increase in performance, top speed was increased to 195 mph, just shy of the F40’s incredible 201 mph, though at a fraction of the price.

The 512 TR presented here, chassis number 96993, is finished in a highly compelling colour combination of Blue Sera over a red leather interior, a colour combination that is believed to be worn by just four 512 TRs. Its current Italian owner purchased the car in Monaco 10 years ago and is believed to be the second owner. In 2010, the car was serviced by Officina Bonini in Reggio Emilia and fitted with a Tubi-style exhaust at that time. Its most recent timing belt service was completed just 150 kilometres ago. The car has travelled just 37,250 kilometres from new and is presented in highly original condition, sporting not only its original Blue Sera paintwork, but also its original set of tires. The car is accompanied by its original exhaust, a set of blue suitcases, and two sets of keys.

Boasting the iconic looks of the Testarossa with a healthy bump in horsepower and thoughtful updates in comfort and drivability, the 512 TR was a welcome update over the Testarossa and is considered by many to be one of the most desirable Ferraris of the flat-12 cylinder era. This particular example checks all the right boxes when considering its low mileage, seldom-seen colour combination, and its highly original condition. For the enthusiast looking to stand out from the crowd, this would, simply, be the perfect 512 TR.