Ferrari Mailing List: Re: Sexiest looking red Ferrari?

[Fellippe Galletta (fellippe.galletta]

On Mon, May 4, 2009 at 8:53 PM, Larry B <larrybard [at] hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> Nice diplomatic response, and all good points, as usual.  Interestingly,
> one of the reasons I prefer the 512TR is because I don't care for the lower
> black trim on the TR; I strongly prefer the 512TR's more integrated look
> (though I admit it makes it appear somewhat less sleek).
>
>  Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 17:29:44 -0700
>
>  I think an early TR with a slightly updated wheel size would trump the
> 512TR personally.
>
>  The black lower trim on the TR and the early 348s is highly desirable as
> it makes the shape sleeker and lightens it up considerably.
>
>  Also, the early TR's rear buttresses terminate before the end of the
> engine cover and then gently kick back up for a slight "spoiler" look. The
> 512TR's extend all the way to the edge of the engine cover which isn't as
> sexy in my opinion.
>
>  Both are hot!!
>


I used to heavily dislike the 512 TR way back in the days....the bigger
wheels and the way the buttresses go to end of the car as LS points out make
the car look like it is smaller; I actually thought the 512 TR was a short
wheelbase TR at first, lol. Then I came across the 348 and realized the 512
TR is just a slightly tweaked TR.

Eventually my tastes changed and I preferred the 512 TR look more, circa
1999-2000. A big part of it (as has been said) has to do with the rims, and
also I've grown more fond of the modernized grille and taillight piece as
time went on. The black lower trim may make the car appear lighter, but it
also makes the car look more dated IMHO.

Putting modern rims on a TR is a must for me, and with that done it helps
tremendously. I once saw a black 18" TR in south beach back when I first
started getting my 512 TR kick and I must say it was a very close battle in
this configuration.

What would make for an interesting comparison would be to take a black
testarossa with 18s and pit it up against a black 512 TR, and if you want to
take it a step further, use identical rims for both cars. This is about as
close as you'd get I think to a fair comparison if you want to get all
purist about it...and while you're at it, throw in a black F512M with the
same rims as well, hehe.

The novelty factor of an M is cool, but the price makes it hard to justify.

A final piece on the TR/512 TR battle is that the TR does have one other
edge that went unspoken....that is, the high mounted mirrors on the early
euro cars. Since the early cars only had 1 stock, I'd go with dual high
mount....definitely a bit more exotic with the mirrors that way. I think
this was only up to what...the 1986 or 1987 model year?

Ok, so somebody price this out for me:

A nice, medium to high mileage euro spec '84-'86 testarossa, black/black:
Some good 18" wheel/tire combo
Passenger side high mount mirror
F512M engine
F512M transmission
F512M/F50 brakes (or accepted equal)
F512M shifter (or accepted equal)
F512M steering wheel (or accepted equal)

:)

FG