Ferrari 512 Testarossa (1984-96)
The total production of the Ferrari 512 Testarossa from 1984 to 1996 was approximately **9,939 units**.
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Price New: In 1984, the new price for a Ferrari 512 Testarossa in the UK was approximately **£50,000**. £2,500 in 1950 is equivalent to approximately **£75,000** today.
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Rivals: In 1984, the main rivals of the Ferrari 512 Testarossa and their approximate new prices in the UK were:
- **Porsche 911 Carrera**: Approximately £23,729
- **Jaguar XJ-S**: Approximately £23,385
- **BMW 3-Series**: Approximately £7,260 - £10,300
These cars were all competing in the luxury and high-performance segments.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, the DVLA records approximately **100 Ferrari 512 Testarossa (1984-96)** vehicles registered in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1984, the road tax for a Ferrari 512 Testarossa in the UK would have been based on its engine size and horsepower. Given that the Ferrari 512 Testarossa had an engine capacity of around 4.9 litres, the road tax would have been approximately **£35 per year**.
£35 per year in 1984 is equivalent to approximately **£110** today.
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Petrol: The average price of four-star petrol in the UK in 1984 was 38.7 pence per litre.
The average price of four-star petrol in the UK in 1984 (38.7 pence per litre) equates to approximately £1.59 per litre in today’s terms (2025), after adjusting for inflation at a cumulative rate of 310.77%
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Insurance: The average cost of insuring a Ferrari Testarossa in the UK in 1984 was approximately £4,387 per year, though actual costs varied depending on individual circumstances such as driver age, location, and driving history.
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1984/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1984, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£6,500** for male manual workers and **£3,250** for female manual workers.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **£6,500 in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **£34,000 to £35,000** in 2025.
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In 1984, the average price of a house in the UK was around **£30,000**.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **£30,000 in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **£158,000 to £160,000** in 2025.
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In 1984, the average price of a new car in the UK was around **£6,500**.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **£6,500 in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **£34,000 to £35,000** in 2025.
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In 1984, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **38 pence**.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **38 pence in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **£1.60 to £1.70** in 2025.
In 2025, the average cost of a loaf of bread in the UK is approximately **£1.60 to £1.70**.
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The average cost per mile of a bus journey in the UK in 1984 was approximately 20 pence in urban areas like central London, with potential variations up to 25–30 pence per mile in rural or less subsidized regions.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **20 pence in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **85 pence to 90 pence** in 2025.
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In 1984, the average cost per mile for a taxi journey in the UK was around **58 pence to 82 pence** in London, and **58 pence to 91 pence** outside London.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **58 pence in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **£2.45 to £2.50** in 2025.
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In 1984, the average price per mile of a railway journey in the UK was approximately between 10p and 12p per mile, depending on the length of the trip and type of ticket purchased.
Using the average annual inflation rate of **2.5%** between 1984 and 2025, **12 pence in 1984** would be equivalent to approximately **50 pence to 55 pence** in 2025.
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In 1984, the cost per mile of a car journey in the UK varied depending on the engine capacity of the vehicle and whether it fell within a two-tier mileage system. According to the motor mileage allowance rates approved for Members of Parliament in 1984, the following rates applied:
For vehicles with an engine capacity up to 1300cc:
23.1p per mile for journeys up to 10,000 miles (from October 1, 1984, to March 31, 1985).
11.6p per mile for journeys exceeding this limit.
For vehicles with an engine capacity between 1301cc and 2300cc:
28.2p per mile for journeys up to 10,000 miles.
14.7p per mile for journeys exceeding this limit.
For vehicles with an engine capacity above 2300cc:
36.9p per mile for journeys up to 10,000 miles.
18.5p per mile for journeys exceeding this limit.
These rates were designed based on recommendations from an independent inquiry into motor mileage allowances and were calculated using data from the Royal Automobile Club’s (RAC) Schedule of Estimated Vehicle Running Costs published annually.
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In 1984, there were approximately **18 million vehicles** on UK roads.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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Common Faults
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The **Ferrari Testarossa** and its later variant, the **512 TR**, are iconic sports cars, but like any high-performance vehicle, they can experience certain issues. Here are some common faults associated with these models:
1. **Differential Problems**: The differentials on Testarossas are known to split internally, increasing pressure on the housing until it ruptures and causes gear oil leakage¹. However, this issue was fixed for the later 512 and 512 TR models.
2. **Catalytic Converter Failures**: Some Testarossas and 512s may experience failing catalytic converters, which can affect emissions and performance.
3. **Excessive Oil Consumption**: Like many high-performance engines, Testarossas might consume more oil than typical passenger cars. Regular oil checks and maintenance are essential.
4. **Electrical Connector Issues**: Over time, electrical connectors can degrade or become loose, leading to various electrical problems.
5. **Mass Air Flow Sensor Failures**: Malfunctioning mass air flow sensors can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
6. **Major Mechanical Repairs**: In some cases, Testarossa engines may require significant mechanical repairs, including complete engine replacement².
Remember that owning a Ferrari, especially a classic like the Testarossa, requires proper care, regular maintenance, and attention to detail. If you're considering purchasing one, thoroughly inspect the vehicle and consult with experts to ensure a trouble-free ownership experience.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The **Ferrari Testarossa** had **three generations**, each with its own unique characteristics:
1. **Testarossa (1984-1991)**: The original Testarossa, designed by Pininfarina, was produced from 1984 to 1991. It featured a distinctive flat-12 engine, straked-side wedge design, and a top speed of 180 mph.
2. **512 TR (1991-1994)**: Following the Testarossa, the **512 TR** (where "TR" stands for Testarossa) continued the platform and design. It had smoother, rounder lines inspired by the contemporary Ferrari 348. The 512 TR boasted an impressive 428 hp, a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 195 mph.
3. **F512 M (1994-1996)**: The rare **F512 M** (M for "modified") marked the end of the Testarossa lineage. It incorporated aesthetic changes inspired by other Ferrari models, including the 456 and 355. Only a limited number of F512 M cars were produced, making them highly sought after by collectors.
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Engines
The **Ferrari 512 TR** featured a remarkable flat-twelve engine, which underwent significant upgrades compared to its predecessor, the Testarossa. Here are the details of the engine used in the 512 TR:
- **Engine Type**: The 512 TR was powered by a **4.9-liter V12 engine** with a 180° flat configuration. This dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine was designated as the **Tipo F113 D 040**.
- **Revisions and Improvements**:
- The engine block casting was redesigned.
- The cylinder heads were modified to feature four valves per cylinder (48 valves in total).
- Compression ratio increased from 9.2:1 to 10.0:1.
- Ferrari adopted the latest **Bosch Motronic M2.7** engine management system for improved performance and efficiency.
- **Output**:
- **Power**: The upgraded flat-twelve engine produced an impressive **430 horsepower**.
- **Torque**: It delivered **362 lb-ft** of torque at 5500 RPM.
- The factory also offered a sports exhaust system that enhanced the engine's sonorous soundtrack.
The 512 TR's engine was a masterpiece, combining power, refinement, and that unmistakable Ferrari sound.
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Performance
The **Ferrari 512 Testarossa** offered impressive performance for its time Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/ferrari/testarossa/). Here's a breakdown of its performance:
- **Engine**: 4.9-liter flat-12
- **Power Output**: 390 horsepower (287 kW) at 6750 rpm
- **Torque**: 361 lb-ft (490 Nm) at 4250 rpm
- **Top Speed**: Approximately 180 mph (290 km/h)
- **0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) Acceleration**: Around 5.3 seconds
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Rivals
In 1989, the main rivals of the **Ferrari 512 Testarossa** in the UK included the **Porsche 911 Carrera** and the **Jaguar XJ-S**. Here's a comparison of their performance:
- **Porsche 911 Carrera**: The Porsche 911 Carrera was equipped with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine producing around **250 horsepower** and **310 Nm of torque**. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately **5.5 seconds** and had a top speed of around **160 mph** (257 km/h).
- **Jaguar XJ-S**: The Jaguar XJ-S had a 5.3-liter V12 engine producing around **295 horsepower** and **432 Nm of torque**. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around **6.0 seconds** and had a top speed of approximately **150 mph** (241 km/h).
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Ferrari 512 Testarossa** was designed by a team at **Pininfarina**, including **Leonardo Fioravanti**, **Diego Ottina**, **Ian Cameron**, **Guido Campoli**, and **Emanuele Nicosia**.
Here are the dimensions of the Ferrari 512 Testarossa:
- **Length**: 4485 mm (176.4 inches)
- **Width**: 1976 mm (77.8 inches)
- **Height**: 1130 mm (44.5 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2550 mm (100.4 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: Approximately 1506 kg (3320 lbs) | Technical specs, data ...](https://www.auto-data.net/en/ferrari-512-tr-4.9-i-v12-48v-428hp-6520)
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Spares/Specialists NI
BATTERIES
For a Ferrari 512 Testarossa, the recommended battery make and model in the UK in 2015 was typically the **Odyssey PC1220F** or an equivalent AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery. This battery has a capacity of **60 Ah (ampere-hours)** and provides the necessary cold cranking amps (CCA) for the vehicle.
In 2025, the price of an Odyssey PC1220F battery in the UK is approximately **£95.00**.
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TYRES
For the Ferrari 512 Testarossa, the recommended tyre make and size in the UK in 2015 was **Pirelli P-Zero** with the sizes **225/50YR16** for the front and **255/50YR16** for the rear.
In 2025, the price for a set of **Pirelli P-Zero tyres** with sizes **225/50YR16** for the front and **255/50YR16** for the rear is approximately **£1,539.00** for both tyres from Longstone Tyres.
The cheapest offer I found for a set of **Pirelli P-Zero tyres** with sizes **225/50YR16** for the front and **255/50YR16** for the rear is on **eBay** for **£199.95**.
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You can locate **Ferrari 512 Testarossa spares** in the UK and Ireland through several sources:
1. **Eurospares Ltd**: They offer a wide range of genuine and OEM parts for the Ferrari 512 Testarossa.
2. **Superformance UK Ltd**: They provide a comprehensive selection of parts for the Ferrari 512 Testarossa.
3. **Classic Ferrari Parts**: They specialize in parts for classic Ferraris, including the 512 Testarossa.
For **garage services** in Northern Ireland, you can consider:
1. **Charles Hurst**: Located in Belfast, they are an authorized Ferrari dealer offering servicing and repairs.
2. **JMH Automotive**: They provide Ferrari servicing and maintenance, including fixed-price service packages.
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Racing
The **Ferrari 512 Testarossa** did compete in racing. Ferrari introduced the **Ferrari 512 TR** (Testarossa) and **Ferrari F512 M** models, which were part of the **Ferrari 512 Challenge** series. This single-marque racing series was aimed at wealthy amateurs and helped generate positive coverage for the 512 Testarossa.
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Valuation
In 2025, the value of a **Ferrari 512 Testarossa** in the UK can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and specific trim level. Generally, prices range from **£48,985 to £363,888**.
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Clubs
There are **Ferrari clubs** in Northern Ireland for owners! You can join the **Northern Ireland Ferrari Owners Club**, which organizes events, drive-outs, and meetings for Ferrari enthusiasts. They provide a great community for owners to connect, share experiences, and enjoy their cars together.
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