The Internet has its reasons that logic ignores. The latest example: a genuine Ferrari 512 TR, unrecognizable after such questionable modifications that the entire Internet mistook it for a bad replica based on a Pontiac Fiero. And yet... it's the real thing! Ferrari. One too many.
A Testarossa? No, a 512 TR... but with a makeover
The car in question is a 1992 Ferrari 512 TR, a Pininfarina masterpiece and a direct evolution of the legendary Testarossa of the '80s. It embodies radical Italian elegance: taut lines, distinctive side stripes, a naturally-aspirated flat-12 engine and unquestionable presence. But today's model is more reminiscent of a failed California tuning project.
Posted on Reddit by user italian_rowsdower, the photos show a red coupé with styling modifications far removed from the original spirit. On the program: black-painted wheels, black roof and pillars, over-tinted windows, and above all a huge rear spoiler, a far cry from Ferrari's sobriety. The coup de grâce? The disappearance of the famous striations on the doors, replaced by smooth, black-painted panels.
A Pontiac? Toyota?
Without context, it's hard to imagine this car coming from Maranello. Many saw it as a replica based on a Toyota MR2 or a Pontiac Fiero, practices well known in the world of "kit cars" in the USA. And it has to be said that the overall styling is more reminiscent of a 90s tuning garage than an icon of the Italian road.
But after checking the license plate, the verdict is clear: this car is indeed a Ferrari 512 TR, with its original engine still in place.
And this is undoubtedly what hurts purists the most. Behind this dubious exterior still lies an exceptional engine, a true 4.9-liter flat-12 capable of roaring as only Maranello can. The car hasn't lost its soul, but it has clearly lost its elegance.
For while it's commonplace to see cars modified, there are some models that are no joke. The Testarossa, and by extension the 512 TR, is one of those vehicles that are almost sacred to enthusiasts. The slightest departure from its original design is often perceived as sacrilege.
Can you do what you want with your car?
Of course it is. But when it comes to an automotive monument, public opinion becomes implacable. This case perfectly illustrates the limits of customization in the world of iconic sports cars. It also shows the extent to which bodywork can alter perception, to the point of casting doubt on the model's authenticity.
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Those who do heavy tuning to distort a Ferrari (or any other car), should be refused repairs the day it needs to go to the garage.
Being blacklisted isn't enough, given that these cars are bought second-hand, all dealers must also refuse to repair them. I'm anti-tuning and against any major modification of a car (whether bodywork or mechanical). If you don't like a car the way it is, you don't buy it.
フェラーリが聖域って...(笑)
オーナーは好きに手を入れればいい。
例えそれが下品だろうが、法令（保安基準に準ずる、安全性を担保する法の意。）の範囲ならば、何をしようが構わない。
オーナーのセンスが最優先されて然るべき。
例え後ろ指を指されるくらい不格好でも構わない。
オーナーが満足することが、何より大切なのだから。
初代NSXが出るまでは、サーキットすらまもとに速く走れないポンコツのメーカーでしかなかったのに、まるで特別かのように持ち上げるほうが吐き気がする。
文句が有るのなら、世に出回っている全てのフェラーリを買い占めればいい。
なんならフェラーリ自体を買ったっていい。
それが文句を垂れる愚か者が取るべき、正しいやりかただろう。
尚、個人的に至高のバフォーマンスカーはLEXUS LFAだ信じて疑わない。
私にとっては天使である。
それが一番美しいエクステリアは純正だとも思う。
だが、それを買ったどこの誰か分からない人が、どう手を入れようが何ら気にならない。
何故なら私は私にとって正しいのは、私が手に入れたものにしか適用されないと確信を持っているからだ。
それが他人といがみ合わない、強いては争いのない、突き詰めるところ戦争が起きない世界だと理解している。
車をどうしようが、オーナーの自由であろう。
それにケチを付ける愚か者は、いつか誰かにケチを付けられて然るべき。
Was für ein quatsch, wenn man sein auto individualisieren möchte soll man das tun.
Man muß dann aber auch, wenn es so daneben ist wie bei dem 512, mit mitleidigen blicken leben können oder eben darüber stehen. Und eine Reparatur verweigern nur weil einem das auto nicht gefällt ist völliger unsinn......