From Wreck to Winner: Rebuilding a Ferrari 512 TR Race Car

This Ferrari 512 TR was filthy, neglected and had a ruined engine, but look at it now.

If you just look at this cover photo, you might think that this is a pristine Ferrari 512 TR that was babied by the previous owner. But that could not be further from the truth. At some point in the past this 512 TR was converted into a race car. That makes this car extremely rare and super cool. But eventually the car was simply forgotten. And there is nothing less reliable than an unused Ferrari. A video recently posted to the throtl Clips YouTube channel covers what an undertaking it was to get this car back in prime condition.

The goal was to get the 512 TR ready in time for Monterey Car Week. And why not? If you are going to restore a car like this, what better way to show it off than rolling around Monterey during car week? And while the car ultimately did make it to Monterey and impressed all that saw it, the journey to get there was not easy. Starting with the ruined flat-12 engine.

Flat-3 Engine

After doing a compression check, it is determined that only three of the twelve cylinders have enough compression to run. Yikes. Some serious engine work is going to be required to get this Italian beauty running again. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get it looking good. The engine is cleaned with dry ice and comes out looking brand new. The body gets a fresh coat of beautiful Rosso Corsa paint. And a new set of HRE wheels helps complete the refreshed look. But what about the mechanicals?

Engine and Exhaust

A top end rebuild was required which the team was able to do. Of course, nothing ever goes perfectly with these types of projects. During the course of putting the engine back together a head stud snaps and the head needs to be pulled again. Not ideal, but not the end of the world. The team gets everything back together and then it is time for the moment of truth. Will the engine fire up? Yes! It doesn’t run smoothly at first but after some adjustments, the flat-12 begins to sing a beautiful song through the custom exhaust. But the car is still not ready to take on the road. It needs an axle, a transmission service and more. But eventually it all comes together in to for the big show in Monterey.

A New 512 TR Race Car

The car fires up in the trailer and immediately attracts a crowd as it is driven to the display area. And by crowd we mean a massive throng of onlookers recording the car as it rolls down the road. To make any car stand out in the insane world of Monterey Car Week really takes some talent. But this 512 TR deserves every look it gets because it is a stunning machine and you may never see another one again. We are happy to see that this one was rescued from rotting away in a garage somewhere. Viva Forza Ferrari!

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.