This vehicle is for sale by Silverstone Auctions at the Footman James NEC Classic Motor Show in Birmingham on Saturday 17th November 2012. Viewing is available on Friday 16th November, or on the morning of the sale day. Tickets should be purchased in advance through Silverstone Auctions, or the show organisers. Please call Will Smith on +44 7809 430 111 or +44 1926 691 141 for further details.

Registration: L341XLT

Chassis Number: ZFFLA40B000098945

Engine Number: 30318

Number of cylinders: 12

Year of Manufacture: 1994

Estimate (£): 50,000 - 60,000

The Testarossa was first seen at the Paris Motor Show in 1984. Its name derived from the 1957 Ferrari 250 GT which featured a 60 degree V-12 engine and went on to win many endurance races with legendary drivers such as Hill, Collins, and Gendebien. This high output engine featured red valve head covers (instead of the usual black); thus it came to be known as the "Testarossa" which means "redhead".

In 1984, the name Testarossa was given to a car that went on to achieve many awards including "Design of the Year" and the "Car Design Award". This acclaim recognized not only the aesthetics of the car but its technical accomplishments as well. It's difficult to surpass excellence, particularly when competing with such an illustrious predecessor as the original Testarossa - a car which had already attained a very high level of performance, maximum speed, acceleration, and road handling.

So how was it going to be possible to proceed one step further? In 1991, the answer came in the form of Ferrari 512 TR. The new TR represented a significant step up in Ferrari performance. With 41 more horsepower than its predecessor, the new 428 bhp engine shaved a whole second off the already impressive 5.7 second 0-60 mph acceleration. The chassis was extensively reconstructed, as was the 5 speed manual transmission and brakes. The minor facelift was added to the new bodywork and this gave the TR a more aggressive stance, while retaining that timeless Testarossa style.

This left-hand drive 512 TR is finished in Rosso Corsa with black leather interior. It has formed part of a large private collection and the current owner has spared no expense on fastidious maintenance and general upkeep during his ownership. In February of this year a major service was carried out by renowned Ferrari specialist Gary Tait. Bidders that require specific mechanical details can contact Gary for an overview or general discussion at GT Auto Specialist.

Having covered a documented 28,000 kilometres from new (17,400 miles), the Rosso Corsa bodywork is unmarked and dent free, whilst the black leather interior is in superb condition. Supplied with tool roll, full leather maintenance wallet and bills and receipts for recent work, the vendor assures us that L341XLT can simply be driven away from the auction.

Offered at a most realistic estimate, this particular example offers a fantastic investment opportunity due to its collectability, low mileage and impressive overall condition.