Featured F512M

Car #6

Giallo Modena / Nero / Nero

Our featured car this quarter is serial number 100094. Of the 75 U.S. cars, this one ranks at or close to the top of historically significant F512Ms. It has a storied past that makes for some interesting reading.

The sequence numbers 1 through 75, according to the factory, are accurate. However, you will notice on the VIN number list that 100094 should be sequence number 7 but it is actually sequence number 6. The explanation (heard from multiple sources, although not officially confirmed) is that Ferrari North America wanted two F512Ms to show at the Cavallino Classic in 1995. They had already secured number 4, a Rosso Corsa / Beige but they wanted a second F512M - a Giallo Modena / Nero. The factory had the desired car but delivery would not be in time to show it at the Classic. Through some cajoling apparently the two cars were switched in place on the assembly line and number 6 was delivered in time to be shown.

After the Cavallino Classic, number 6 became the Ferrari North America press car and was used in their “Ride and Drive” promotions. Ride and Drive was an event where Ferrari North America allowed the automotive press an opportunity to drive the car at various venues throughout the United States. In July of 1995 the car was seen at a Ferrari of Atlanta event at Road Atlanta. It was also taken to the west coast as part of this promotion and perhaps to a track in the central section of the United States.

In February of 1996 the car was sold as a “DEMONSTRATOR” through Ferrari North America, instead of a dealership, with 5852 miles. It was originally registered in New York and then began to move around quite a bit with registrations under the first owner in Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and Illinois. In 1999 it was sold to a new owner in California. In 2001 it was sold again in California and then for a third time in 2002. It remained there until 2004 when it was sold to an owner in Utah. In 2005 it was sold to an owner in Texas where it is currently located.

Apparently during its sojourn in California the car fell on some hard times and was neglected for a period of time. Because of this the dash required recovering due to sun shrinkage. In addition, the California sun also affected the seats and the carpets. A great deal of T.L.C. and leather conditioner cured the seats and left them with an interesting patina. Some carpet work and a set of Keith Collins custom mats cured the foot well cosmetics. Also during this time it was discovered that the driving tasks the car was required to perform during the Ride and Drive program took its toll on the engine - a complete upper end rebuild was performed at 16,100 miles. The car currently has 18,862 miles.