Ferrari F512 M

Why it matters

Introduced in 1994, the F512 M—Modificata, or modified—completed the eleven-year development arc that began with the original Testarossa. Ferrari further refined the 4,943 cc flat-12 with lighter titanium connecting rods, revised pistons, a higher compression ratio and updated Bosch Motronic management, increasing output to 440 hp at 6,750 rpm. Weight reduction, revised suspension settings and improved braking made the final version more immediate than the already capable 512 TR, while the five-speed gated manual transmission preserved the mechanical character of the entire family. Pininfarina's final restyle was unmistakable: pop-up headlamps disappeared in favor of fixed projector units beneath clear covers, the nose gained softer oval openings, and the rear horizontal grille gave way to four exposed circular taillamps. New three-piece wheels and twin NACA-style intakes on the engine cover completed the transformation. Ferrari quoted acceleration to 100 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds and a maximum speed of 315 km/h. Only 501 examples were produced, including a very small number in right-hand drive, making the F512 M dramatically rarer than either the Testarossa or 512 TR. It was also Ferrari's final series-production road car powered by the celebrated flat-12 configuration, closing a lineage that stretched back through the Berlinetta Boxer.