2017 Ferrari F12tdf

This car, Lot 3108, sold for $975,000, including buyer’s premium, at RM Auctions’ Fort Lauderdale, FL, sale on March 29, 2019.

1992 saw the introduction of special-edition Ferrari production cars. These speciales used technology gained from Ferrari’s Challenge and FXX programs. The first example, the 348 Serie Speciale, was a ploy to coax a few more sales out of a waning 348 market, but as the program progressed, the speciales became eagerly anticipated and significant Ferrari models.

The Ferrari stand at the 1992 Los Angeles Auto Show featured a new addition to the 348 series. The car was the 348 Serie Speciale, inspired by the 348 Challenge race car.

The 348 Serie Speciale featured mild performance upgrades and a modest trim package. Only 100 editions of the model were built and all were sold in the United States.

Speciales galore

The F355 Serie Fiorano was the next Ferrari speciale model. The open-top Serie Fiorano inherited several 355 Challenge hand-me-downs, including suspension, brakes, shocks and suede-covered steering wheel. One hundred were built.

The speciale of the 360 series was the 360 Challenge Stradale. The Stradale was a race car for the street. Based on the 360 Challenge race car, the Stradale’s performance was ratcheted up with modifications to the car’s engine, aerodynamics, brakes, gearbox and weight.

The Ferrari V8 line of speciales would next see the 430 Scuderia and 16M, followed by the 458 Speciale and Speciale A. Today the 488 Pista holds the speciale honor. All these models were enhanced with Challenge-derived technology.

XX cars

Ferrari’s XX program became the inspiration for their 12-cylinder speciales. In 2005, Ferrari introduced the FXX as a race version of their Enzo supercar. The FXX was built for wealthy clients to participate in exclusive, arrive-and-drive Ferrari-organized track days.

After five years, the 599XX replaced the FXX. The 599XX was a super-evolved version of the 599 Fiorano. The knowledge learned in the development of the 599XX sparked the development of the next speciale, the 599 GTO.

The 599 GTO is a street version of the 599XX. The limited-edition 599 GTO would only be available to Ferrari’s best customers.

The F12berlinetta was introduced in 2012 as Ferrari’s flagship 12-cylinder GT. The F12berlinetta has a direct lineage to the drive to the track, race and drive home dual-purpose models that established Ferrari’s performance reputation.

One of the 1950s-era 250 berlinettas was so successful in the Tour de France race that it would be nicknamed the 250 Tour de France. This honored name would be handed down to an F12 speciale, the F12tdf.

Enter the F12tdf

The F12’s heralded engine is a 6,262-cc unit that produces 731 hp at 8,250 rpm. In the F12, the engine delivers 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and 124 mph in 8.5 seconds. The top speed is 211 mph.

The F12 is faster around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track than a 599 GTO — and it is nearly two seconds quicker than a Ferrari Enzo supercar.

Incorporated in the F12 is Ferrari’s HELE stop/start system, paddle shift, 7-speed, dual-clutch F1 transmission, F1-Trac traction control and improved carbon-ceramic brakes. Also standard are electronic limited-slip differential, ESP, ABS, and SCM-E magnetorheological suspension.

Downforce is made by an “Aero Bridge” under-body air channel. The channel increases downforce while exerting less drag than an external wing. “Active Brake Cooling” ducts keep the brakes cool while reducing aerodynamic drag. The tdf’s aerodynamic efficiency is nearly double the F12berlinetta’s.

Progress is never ending at Ferrari, and it was inevitable that a speciale model of the F12 would be developed. The new model was introduced in October of 2015 as the F12tdf. The tdf suffix paid homage to the 250 GT Tour de France. Living up to one of the most honored names in Ferrari World would not be easy, but Ferrari was up to the task.

Tapping into the experience learned through the XX program, Ferrari again followed the race car for the street concept for the tdf. Extensive use of carbon fiber, aluminum and even lightweight interior material shaved 110 kilograms (242 pounds) off the berlinetta’s weight.

The tdf used the same 6,262-cc engine as the F12berlinetta, with some added F1 tricks. Variable-geometry intake trumpets and race-inspired mechanical tappets helped bump the tdf’s hp by 38 to an incredible 769 hp.

Shorter gear ratios and improved electronics reduced the tdf’s shifting speeds by 30% going up and 40% going down. Lust for three pedals? It’s estimated a full second of the tdf’s 0–60 mph time would be lost manually shifting. Transmission improvements were matched with chassis tuning and an innovative rear-wheel steering system known as Virtual Short Wheelbase.

The tdf’s performance is startling. It will lap Ferrari’s test track an astonishing second and a half faster than the F12 berlinetta. It gets to 62 mph in a scant 2.9 seconds and goes to 124 mph in just 7.9 seconds. Even braking is extraordinary with 100 to 0 mph achieved in a cheek-pulling 32 seconds.

Ferrari’s option list is quite extensive and expensive. Want a cup holder? Ferrari’s is carbon fiber and will run you $2,500. It’s easy to picture Publisher Martin wincing — and paying up. Options can easily add $75,000 to the list price.

A nearly-new trophy

RM’s F12tdf was a nearly-new car. It showed less than 900 miles and virtually no wear. The list of options was enough to satisfy most buyers.

RM gave the car a $925,000 to $1,100,000 estimate. The $975,000 sale comfortably agrees with the estimate. A recent market survey showed more than 10 F12tdfs available. The asking prices went from the high-$800k range to $1,300,000. Some of the cars had delivery mileage and few show much more than 1,000 miles.

There are only 799 tdfs in the whole world. Most were sold to Ferrari’s best customers. They are definitely trophy cars for a Ferrari collector and should maintain a high value. RM’s car sold right on the money with little room for complaint on either side. ♦

(Introductory description courtesy of RM Auctions.)