1994 Ferrari 512 TR

Bamboo is famous for spectacular growth. The plant spends years growing its roots beneath the surface before suddenly shooting up. Once triggered, a bamboo stand can grow up to 100 feet tall within weeks. When a collector car’s value lies dormant, then suddenly and unexpectedly heads for the stratosphere, that’s called “the bamboo effect.” Cars like the Ferrari 512 TR.

Ferrari 512 TR History

Ferrari introduced the Ferrari 512 TR in 1991. The successor to the iconic Testarossa updated its predecessor’s transmission, brakes, steering and suspension They blessed the 4.9-liter flat-12 engine with a new intake, upgraded ECU, larger intake valves and a better breathing exhaust system (then dropped the engine and tranny 30mm for better roadholding).

The result: 428 hp, 362 lb-ft of torque, 195 mph top end and a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds. With its distinct side strakes and bold presence, the 512 TR embodied unmistakable Ferrari styling. The biggest style changes from the Testarossa: the refined nose and tail, the new louvre design over the engine bay and new wheels.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.9-liter flat-12
• Power: 428 hp (319 kW) at 6,750 rpm
• Torque: 362 lb-ft (491 Nm) at 5,500 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive
• Top speed: 195 mph (314 km/h)
• 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration: 4.8 seconds
• Weight: 3,274 lbs (1,485 kg)

Comparables

For years, the Ferrari 512 TR was overshadowed by other contemporary supercars. In the last year, as classic car enthusiasts and collectors have started appreciating this Ferrari model’s unique combination of performance, style, and heritage, prices have skyrocketed.

Other trends have fueled this sudden and dramatic uptick. For one, there’s a growing recognition of ’90s-era cars – the 512 TR is a prime example of the period’s design and engineering. For another, nostalgia. Many enthusiasts admired the 512 TR growing up. Some of the lucky and industrious among them have reached the stage where they can invest in their dream cars.

The Ferrari 512 TR is Bambooing

It’s essential to remember that the 512 TR has a significantly higher production volume than the next and final Testarossa: the 512 M. Ferrari produced 2,261 TR’s compared to 501 M’s. The M’s rarity accounts for its current higher value. However, I believe that the 512 TR will eventually surpass the F512 M in value due to its appealing design and enduring charm.

Buy now or hang fire?

Given the Ferrari 512 TR’s bambooing, it’s natural to wonder if it’s the right time to buy. Again, interest in ’90s supercars is on the uptick, and the 512TR occupies a special place in Ferrari’s history. So there’s a strong case for purchasing one – the right one – as an investment.

Predicting market trends is always a challenge. Time will reveal how the relative values of the Ferrari 512 TR and F512 M progress. Meanwhile, the car featured here offers collectors an excellent opportunity to get a 512 TR while the getting’s still good.

It’s yellow (the new red, article to follow), low mileage and four-star condition. Ferrari said goodbye to the 512 TR in ’94; this one of the estimated two dozen of so that rolled out of Maranello. I peg the price at a hair under $400k. The juice is worth the squeeze. Now and into the future.