Ferrari
Testarossa - 512 TR - F512 M
Testarossa - 512 TR - F512 M
Versions
This page will describe all possible differences on Testarossas, often related to the market or the year of production.
Mirrors
The early Testarossas were fitted with the famous single high mirror, also known as the "flying mirror". The strange location of this mirror was related to a European law regarding the external rear view mirror, which was interpreted by the designer as the need of having 100% rearward visibility. As this simply was an incorrect interpretation of the law, Ferrari later decided (also after many complaints about the single high mirror) to use double low mirrors, first shown on the Geneva show in 1986. The first cars having double low mirrors were s/n 67079 for Euro versions and s/n 67487 for US versions (first US car with Model Year 1987).
Please note that there are also early Testarossas with double high mirrors or with double low mirrors.
In both cases, this was NOT original and done by the dealers or by the owners.
Wheels
The first Testarossas had single-bolt wheels. There were in fact three types of single-bolt wheels, although they all looked the same. One type (210 TR 415 / 240 TR 415) was for the TRX tires and two types (both 8J x 16 / 10J x 16) were for "regular" tires, very probably made by two different manufacturers.
In June 1988 (starting with s/n 75997) Ferrari changed to five bolt wheels, which were easier to use. The five-bolt wheels were made by two different manufacturers (OZ and Speedline), although they looked the same (except stampings on the inside).
The change to five-bolt wheels also resulted in changes to the steering column, suspension (now with pressed steel top and bottom halves welded together), shock absorbers, disc brakes and a wider track. Testarossas built in 1988 and fitted with five bolt wheels are sometimes indicated with ’88.5’.
Blinkers
US versions have large square blinkers placed in front of the wheels and behind the rear wheels. All other versions have small round blinkers placed behind the front wheels.
The European pre-production cars had more rectangular side indicators instead of the normal round indicators. The serialnumbers of these cars are between 53081 and 54051.
Lights
The pictures below show the difference between the front lights on US versions and on all the other versions.
European versions delivered to France have yellow instead of white lights.
Bumpers
Due to safety regulations, the US versions were equiped with largers bumpers.
Third braking light
In 1986 Ferrari introduced the third braking lights on US versions.
Engine Types
Five different engine types were used:
Engines fitted with catalysts used a different exhaust system and a (slightly) different gearbox. Engine types F113A040 and F113B046 were also fitted with an anti-evaporative emission control system. These engines also had a secondary air pump (except in Saudi Arabia), instead of an air injection system (like on F113A046 and the late F113B).
All engines have a 5-digit engine number. Each engine type has its own numbering, always starting from the beginning (00001). All Testarossas with a serialnumber lower than s/n 75xxx, will have an enginenumber starting with "00" (so: 00xxx). Near s/n 75700, there is a ‘jump’ in the numbers and from that moment, all engine numbers will be like ‘1xxxx’ or even '2xxxx'.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Each car made after 1980 has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), an unique number to identify the car. On Testarossas, the VIN can be found on a small plate on the steering column and at the chassis in the engine room. On US versions, the VIN can also be found on a plate on the door. The VINs of Testarossas look like this:
For more details about the VIN, please check the VIN Decoder.
At Euro, Swiss, Japanese and UK versions (starting from approximately s/n 64xxx), the serialnumber is also printed on all the windows. The five-digit serialnumber is followed by three letters, which have no meaning, but which are stored in Ferrari's administrative system.
All Testarossas produced after June 1st 1989 (around s/n 83xxx), will also have an assembly number, which can be found on a small plate at the right side of the engine compartment.
A separate Australian version for the Testarossa (with the "D" at the 8th digit of the VIN) was never made. At least in the beginning, the Testarossa wasn't officially (certified) for sale in "Down Under": all new cars were purchased directly at the factory or were imported from the UK using a "tourist import". At a later stage this probably changed, as there were specific (factory) parts for Australian cars, like specific mirrors and a different dashboard ...
Technical upgrades
Differences per market
As already shown on this page, there are two "main" markets (Euro and US) for which the Testarossa was made, with quite a lot of differences. To name the most important ones:
Besides Euro and US, there were several other markets too. An overview of the main differences per market:
Options
When ordering a new Testarossa, the list of "options" was quite limited. Besides a choice for the colour for the exterior, the leather interior, the dash and the carpets (see the colours page for available colours), there was just one other option: a Schedoni leather luggage set, specially made for the Testarossa.
This page will describe all possible differences on Testarossas, often related to the market or the year of production.
Mirrors
The early Testarossas were fitted with the famous single high mirror, also known as the "flying mirror". The strange location of this mirror was related to a European law regarding the external rear view mirror, which was interpreted by the designer as the need of having 100% rearward visibility. As this simply was an incorrect interpretation of the law, Ferrari later decided (also after many complaints about the single high mirror) to use double low mirrors, first shown on the Geneva show in 1986. The first cars having double low mirrors were s/n 67079 for Euro versions and s/n 67487 for US versions (first US car with Model Year 1987).
Please note that there are also early Testarossas with double high mirrors or with double low mirrors.
In both cases, this was NOT original and done by the dealers or by the owners.
 single high mirror |
 double low mirrors |
Wheels
The first Testarossas had single-bolt wheels. There were in fact three types of single-bolt wheels, although they all looked the same. One type (210 TR 415 / 240 TR 415) was for the TRX tires and two types (both 8J x 16 / 10J x 16) were for "regular" tires, very probably made by two different manufacturers.
In June 1988 (starting with s/n 75997) Ferrari changed to five bolt wheels, which were easier to use. The five-bolt wheels were made by two different manufacturers (OZ and Speedline), although they looked the same (except stampings on the inside).
The change to five-bolt wheels also resulted in changes to the steering column, suspension (now with pressed steel top and bottom halves welded together), shock absorbers, disc brakes and a wider track. Testarossas built in 1988 and fitted with five bolt wheels are sometimes indicated with ’88.5’.
 single bolt wheels |
 five bolt wheels |
Blinkers
US versions have large square blinkers placed in front of the wheels and behind the rear wheels. All other versions have small round blinkers placed behind the front wheels.
The European pre-production cars had more rectangular side indicators instead of the normal round indicators. The serialnumbers of these cars are between 53081 and 54051.
 Euro blinkers |
 US blinkers |
 Euro Pre-production blinkers |
Lights
The pictures below show the difference between the front lights on US versions and on all the other versions.
European versions delivered to France have yellow instead of white lights.
 Euro lights |
 US lights |
 French lights |
Bumpers
Due to safety regulations, the US versions were equiped with largers bumpers.
 Non-US bumpers |
 US bumpers |
Third braking light
In 1986 Ferrari introduced the third braking lights on US versions.
 Third braking light on a US version |
Engine Types
Five different engine types were used:
| Engine Type | Market | Description |
| F113A | Euro, GB (1984-1986) | No catalyst. Bosch K-Jetronic. |
| F113A040 | US, Japan | Catalyst. Bosch KE-Jetronic. |
| F113A046 | Swiss/Swedish (1984-1986) | No catalyst. Bosch KE-Jetronic. |
| F113B | Euro, GB (1986-1991) | Catalysts since 1989 (starting from s/n 82967). Bosch KE-Jetronic. |
| F113B046 | Swiss/Swedish (1986-1991) | Catalyst. Bosch KE-Jetronic. |
Engines fitted with catalysts used a different exhaust system and a (slightly) different gearbox. Engine types F113A040 and F113B046 were also fitted with an anti-evaporative emission control system. These engines also had a secondary air pump (except in Saudi Arabia), instead of an air injection system (like on F113A046 and the late F113B).
All engines have a 5-digit engine number. Each engine type has its own numbering, always starting from the beginning (00001). All Testarossas with a serialnumber lower than s/n 75xxx, will have an enginenumber starting with "00" (so: 00xxx). Near s/n 75700, there is a ‘jump’ in the numbers and from that moment, all engine numbers will be like ‘1xxxx’ or even '2xxxx'.
 Engine number |
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Each car made after 1980 has a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), an unique number to identify the car. On Testarossas, the VIN can be found on a small plate on the steering column and at the chassis in the engine room. On US versions, the VIN can also be found on a plate on the door. The VINs of Testarossas look like this:
| VIN | Market | Engine Type |
| ZFFAA17B0000xxxxx | Euro version | F113B |
| ZFFAA17C0000xxxxx | UK version (RHD) | F113B |
| ZFFAA17T0x00xxxxx | Middle East version | F113B |
| ZFFSA17Axx00xxxxx | US version without passive restraint system | F113A040 |
| ZFFSA17JAP00xxxxx | Japanese version | F113A040 |
| ZFFSA17S0000xxxxx | Swiss/Swedish version | F113B046 |
| ZFFSG17Axx00xxxxx | US version with passive restraint system | F113A040 |
| ZFFSM17Axx00xxxxx | Canadian version | F113A040 |
| ZFFTA17B0000xxxxx | Euro version | F113A |
| ZFFTA17C0000xxxxx | UK version (RHD) | F113A |
| ZFFTA17S0000xxxxx | Swiss/Swedish version | F113A046 |
| ZFFTA17T0x00xxxxx | Middle East version | F113A |
For more details about the VIN, please check the VIN Decoder.
At Euro, Swiss, Japanese and UK versions (starting from approximately s/n 64xxx), the serialnumber is also printed on all the windows. The five-digit serialnumber is followed by three letters, which have no meaning, but which are stored in Ferrari's administrative system.
All Testarossas produced after June 1st 1989 (around s/n 83xxx), will also have an assembly number, which can be found on a small plate at the right side of the engine compartment.
A separate Australian version for the Testarossa (with the "D" at the 8th digit of the VIN) was never made. At least in the beginning, the Testarossa wasn't officially (certified) for sale in "Down Under": all new cars were purchased directly at the factory or were imported from the UK using a "tourist import". At a later stage this probably changed, as there were specific (factory) parts for Australian cars, like specific mirrors and a different dashboard ...
 VIN on the steering column |
 VIN plate in the engine room (Euro) |
 VIN plate on the doors (US) |
 VIN chassis stamping |
 Assembly number |
 Window Code |
Technical upgrades
- In 1987 Ferrari introduced the Passive Restraint System (special safety belts) on US versions. All cars with the new system have a "G" at the 5th digit of the VIN. Additionally there were some small interior changes too: an extra dash shelf was added at the bottom of the dashboard (also visible on the photo shown below). This made the odometer move from the mid-console to the speedometer. Some other console gauges moved too and the transmission tunnel changed also.
Passive Restraint System
- Lots of other small technical updates during the production:
- Updated injection system: Marelli MED 120A was replaced in 1986 by 120B (non catalyst) or 120B/D (catalyst).
- Updated fuel level gauge (1987, since s/n 67547)
- Updated water and oil pump drive chain (1987, from s/n 68751 on US versions)
- Updated air pump (1987, from s/n 69651 on US versions)
- Updated alternator belt and pulley (1987, from s/n 71449 on US versions)
- Updated airconditioning (1987, from s/n 73495)
- Updated flywheel (1987, from s/n 73873 [Swiss], 73533 [US] and 73565 [Euro])
Again updated in 1989 (from s/n 80146 [Swiss], 80177 [US] and 80095 [Euro]) - Updated front hood (water shield panel, locks and insulation) (1988, from s/n 75134 [Euro] and 75448 [US])
- Updated catalyst control unit (1988, from s/n 76445)
- Updated gearbox (1988, from s/n 76474).
Again (slightly) updated in 1989 (from s/n 80146 [Swiss], 80177 [US] and 80094 [Euro]).
Gears (main + lay shaft) were updated from gearbox number 2579 (all gears).
Fifth gear was updated again since gearbox number 3658. - Updated seats (1988, from s/n 78831)
- Updated mirrors (1988, from s/n 78848)
- Updated clutch and controls (1989, from s/n 80146 [Swiss], 80177 [US] and 80095 [Euro])
- Updated steering column (1989, from s/n 80423)
- Updated door grills (1989, from s/n 80974)
- Updated knee protection area (below the dashboard) (1989, from s/n 82830)
- Updated electric cables (1990, from s/n 84952)
- Updated cranckcase (1990, from engine number 20821)
Differences per market
As already shown on this page, there are two "main" markets (Euro and US) for which the Testarossa was made, with quite a lot of differences. To name the most important ones:
| Euro | US |
| Small round blinkers behind front wheels | Large square side blinkers at the side (front and rear) |
| Front lights: only a small part is orange | Front lights: top is completely orange |
| No black bumpers at the rear | Large black safety bumpers at the rear |
| No third braking light | Third braking light (since 1986) |
| No catalyst until 1989, then with catalyst | Catalyst |
| Bosch K-Jetronic | Bosch KE-Jetronic |
| Specific Euro style VIN and VIN plates (see above) | Specific US style VIN and VIN plates (see above) |
| Window codes (since approx. s/n 64xxx) | No window codes |
| Regular seat belts | Passive Restraint System (since 1987) |
| Euro dashboard/interior | US dashboard/interior |
Besides Euro and US, there were several other markets too. An overview of the main differences per market:
| Market | Remarks |
| Great Britain (incl. Hong Kong) | Just like Euro versions, but right-hand drive (RHD). Odometer in miles per hour. |
| Australia and New Zealand | Like GB versions, but with the odometer in kilometers per hour. Also slightly different mirrors and a slightly different dashboard. |
| Canada | Mainly like US versions, but not equipped with the Passive Restraint System. Also fitted with a different front grill/bumper and with different dashboard instruments. Several parts of the chassis are also different. |
| Japan | Mainly like US versions. Fitted with a slightly different front bumper and Euro style lights. Also small differences at the doors. No Passive Restraint System. Small differences at the dashboard instruments. |
| Saudi Arabia | With the looks of a Euro version, but fitted with US style engine (F113A040), fuel tanks, exhaust and gearbox. Using K-Jetronic and different manifolds. No secundary air pump. Specific front bumper and US style rear bumper. No Passive Restraint System. Different dashboard instruments. |
| Switzerland | Like Euro version, but with a Swiss type engine (F113A046 without catalyst or F113B040 with catalyst). Also with different manifolds, gearbox and a specific air injection system. Fitted with Michelin non-TRX tires. Also other small differences, like the horn. |
| Austria, Sweden, Denmark | Equal to Swiss version. |
| Italy | Mainly like Euro. Only small differences like licence plate holders. |
| France | Mainly like Euro. Different lights. Also small differences like licence plate holders. |
| Germany | Mainly like Euro. Small differences at the lights. |
| South Africa | Mainly like GB versions, but different dashboard instruments. |
Options
When ordering a new Testarossa, the list of "options" was quite limited. Besides a choice for the colour for the exterior, the leather interior, the dash and the carpets (see the colours page for available colours), there was just one other option: a Schedoni leather luggage set, specially made for the Testarossa.
 Schedoni luggage set for the Testarossa |