Top Gear star’s classic Ferrari 512 TR up for auction

Owned by Top Gear presenter Chris Harris, the red Ferrari 512 TR will be sold as part of the Collecting Cars Supercar Sunday event.

Chris Harris Ferrari 512 TR

A 1992 Ferrari 512 TR belonging to Top Gear presenter Chris Harris is currently listed for auction. 

Described by Harris as being his “favourite classic supercar”, he will wave goodbye to the Ferrari after nine years of ownership. 

The 512 TR is one of 42 cars being sold as part of the special ‘Supercar Sunday’ event, organised by the Collecting Cars auction website.

‘A medallion-man supercar’

Chris Harris Ferrari 512 TR

Launched in 1991, the 512 TR was a development of the iconic Ferrari Testarossa. Powered by a rear-mounted 4.9-litre flat-12 engine, design changes liberated extra performance versus its predecessor. 

Generating 422hp at 6,750rpm, along with 361lb ft of torque, the 512 TR has real supercar performance. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 195mph.

Other improvements over the Testarossa included larger brakes and quicker steering, plus interior changes to make the 512 TR easier to live with. 

More than 2,200 examples were produced, but only 52 are believed to have been made for the UK market.

Driven as Maranello intended

Chris Harris Ferrari 512 TR

Bought by Harris in 2013, this car is actually his second 512 TR. He judged an earlier low-mileage example as too clean to be used regularly. However, Harris had no concerns about driving this Ferrari. 

Around 14,000 miles have been added to the odometer, including video appearances as part of the Chris Harris on Cars series. Seeing the Ferrari going sideways demonstrates that Harris was certainly not shy about using it.

The interior is mockingly described as “junk” by Harris, although it benefits from cream leather and red carpets. 

Maintenance has been undertaken regularly during the past nine years, with the car currently receiving a full cambelt service ahead of its sale.

Sunday drivers wanted

Chris Harris Ferrari 512 TR

Harris says that something has told him it is time to move on from the 512 TR, even though he admits he will miss driving it

The auction for the Ferrari is currently live, with bidding due to end on Sunday 20 March. 

It represents one of 42 hand-picked supercars being sold through the Collecting Cars Supercar Sunday event. 

Other lots available include a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, Lamborghini Diablo VT and an ultra-rare Koenig C62.

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John Redfern
John Redfern
U.S. Editor with a love of all things Americana. Woodgrain-clad station wagons and ridiculous muscle cars a speciality.

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