Ferrari F512 M 1995 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ferrari F512 M 1995

By 1994, Ferrari’s Testarossa had been in production for 10 years. As exciting and beautiful as it was, it was undoubtedly aging. The competition from Lamborghini, Porsche, and even Acura, with the NSX, was becoming tougher. While the 550 Maranello was in development and waiting to take the reins as Ferrari’s 12-cylinder flagship, Ferrari would release one more iteration of the Testarossa platform to keep its competitors at bay, the F512 M.
Compared to the evolution from the Testarossa to the 512 TR, the jump to the F512 M was much more radical than Ferrari’s previous evolution. The most evident exterior change was to the nose; the F512 M was fitted with fixed headlights rather than the older retractable units. The front bumper and grille were restyled to bear a resemblance to the F355 and the 456, with new turn signal indicators and fog lamps. The rear also carried cues from its siblings, and it was fitted with round taillights, which were similar to those of the F355 and would become signature Ferrari design cues for years to come. Inside, the F512 M received some minor changes as well, such as a new, more modern steering wheel, adjustable aluminum pedals, a more refined air-conditioning system, and updated trim. New five-spoke alloy wheels were also fitted to complete the look.

Ferrari F512 M 1995

The F512 M’s mechanicals received a number of changes as well. Its suspension was updated with gas-filled shock absorbers, and a Bosch ABS system was fitted. The engine retained the same cubic capacity and fuel-injection system as the 512 TR, but it also received a number of upgrades internally, resulting in a rise to 440 brake horsepower. Titanium alloy connecting rods and new forged aluminum pistons were fitted, along with a lightened crankshaft, which helped to increase the compression ratio to 10.4:1. A new stainless steel exhaust was also installed, once again helping to raise horsepower.

Ferrari F512 M 1995

By the time production ceased in 1996, as Ferrari was introducing the 550 Maranello, 501 examples had been produced, with a mere 75 allocated for the U.S. market, which was a seemingly miniscule amount for a market that generally commanded the largest allocation of any Ferrari production model. As such, the car instantly became collectable in the United States.
It is one of just five of the 75 F512 Ms built for the United States believed to have been finished new in Giallo Modena. Outside, it wears its original paint, which is described to be in excellent condition.