The story of Austrian Formula 1 driver Gerhard Berger and his stolen Ferrari 512M Testarossa has finally come to a close after 28 years. The car, which was stolen at the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, has been recovered by the Metropolitan Police in London.
The whereabouts of the car remained unknown until earlier this year when Ferrari contacted the police about a suspicious vehicle being sold by a British broker. The police discovered that the car had been sent to Japan shortly after being stolen and then brought to Britain late last year.
No arrests have been made in connection with the theft, and a second Ferrari stolen at the same Grand Prix from French driver Jean Alesi is still missing.
The Testarossa is one of Ferrari’s most famous makes, with only 501 of the 512M variant produced between 1994 and 1996. The car’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its iconic status, with famous figures like baseball star Gary Sheffield and former Haitian dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier choosing to drive it.
The car’s value is estimated to be around $445,000, with other 512Ms listed for sale online between $500,000 and $700,000. The Testarossa’s allure lies in its glamour, aesthetics, and performance, making it a coveted collector’s item.
Despite the car’s recovery, the incident serves as a reminder of the brazen nature of car theft and the enduring appeal of the Testarossa among enthusiasts and collectors alike.
