This Controversial Ferrari 512 TR Is So Unrecognizable, Even Reddit Thought It Was a Replica

The Ferrari 512 TR: An Italian Icon Turned Head-Turning Oddity

The Ferrari 512 TR, a direct evolution of the legendary Ferrari Testarossa, is an emblem of Pininfarina’s design prowess and supercar performance. Cars like these typically age gracefully, commanding respect and admiration from enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, every so often, a classic supercar emerges that leaves the automotive community in disbelief—not for its pedigree, but for unexpected modifications that defy its original character.

Recently, a particularly peculiar Ferrari 512 TR made waves on Reddit. At a glance, some mistook it for a flamboyant Pontiac Fiero or a Toyota MR2-based kit car, but make no mistake: this much-altered Ferrari is absolutely genuine.

Design: Modifications That Divide Enthusiasts

Photos that surfaced online highlight just how dramatically the 512 TR’s appearance can be transformed with a few controversial aftermarket touches. Gone is the harmonious balance of silver-finished wheels—instead, this example features the factory wheels coated in glossy black. On many vehicles, black wheels exude aggression and style, but here, they undermine the car’s original sophistication.

The design disruption continues with the upper half of the Ferrari now painted black. This includes the roof, pillars, rear buttresses, and even the engine cover, creating a stark contrast with the classic lines of the 512 TR and upsetting its iconic proportions.

Perhaps the most striking alteration is a large fixed rear wing—unapologetically aftermarket, reminiscent of the flamboyant Koenig specials of the 1980s and 1990s. While Koenig was celebrated for its wild, widebody Ferrari creations and bold aero kits, not every nod to this era suits every Ferrari.

Signature Details Lost: Doors and Air Intakes

Devotees of Ferrari’s design heritage will notice the absence of the Testarossa’s hallmark straked door panels. The 512 TR traditionally features five horizontal strakes along each door, but this car’s doors are distinctly smooth, with the side air intakes painted black to match.

These restyled doors strip the car of one of its most recognizable traits. The result is a machine that, at first glance, could pass for a home-built replica, leaving both passersby and Reddit commenters questioning its authenticity.

Performance: Legendary Power Beneath the Surface

Despite the jarring exterior, this modified 512 TR retains its core mechanical soul. A check of the license plate reveals that it’s a genuine 1992 Ferrari 512 TR, still registered in Italy and powered by the original 4.9-liter flat-12 engine. This screaming, naturally aspirated powerhouse was renowned in the early 1990s for delivering over 420 horsepower—offering exhilarating performance that rivaled the era’s best supercars.

Beneath the controversial modifications, this 512 TR still offers the pulse-quickening driving experience expected from a true Italian exotic.

Market Position and Comparisons

The Ferrari 512 TR occupies a revered spot in the collector car scene, valued for its rarity, design, and connection to the Testarossa dynasty. Modifications as dramatic as those seen on this example often polarize opinions and can dramatically impact collectibility and market value. While some enthusiasts appreciate personalized touches, purists tend to favor originality—especially with a classic Maranello masterpiece.

Visually, the heavily modified 512 TR is now likened more to a Pontiac Fiero or Toyota MR2 kit car than an authentic Italian thoroughbred, illustrating just how delicate and impactful aesthetic choices can be.

Conclusion: An Italian Supercar Still Roaring Beneath Controversy

Rarity, performance, and design are the hallmarks of a Ferrari 512 TR. Yet, this unique example serves as a reminder that even icons can become almost unrecognizable through questionable customizations. Despite this, the soul of an Italian supercar remains—ready to thrill anyone willing to look past the divisive exterior.