A Different Breed of Horse
The Ferrari Testarossa has stood the test of time because of its cultural significance, largely shared with the Lamborghini Countach, its rarity, and, of course, its unmistakable design. However, this particular F512 M, the final evolution of the Testarossa, tweaks some of that iconic styling to deliver a distinctive look that almost resembles the F40.
According to Dino DC, who spent some time with the Ferrari F512 M at Ebisu Circuit in Japan, this example is considered a one-of-one because of its unique yet complicated history. It features Koenig Specials-inspired styling, with the German tuner known for extreme Ferrari projects, including a twin-turbo Testarossa. However, the car has no official records with Koenig Specials.
The Japanese Makeover
Instead, this F512 M was reportedly modified by Arai Bankin, a Japanese bodywork shop linked to Yokoyama Auto Glass. The workshop claims to have been Asia’s first privately operated Ferrari-certified repair facility in the 1980s. The Koenig Specials-style body kit wasn’t originally designed for the F512 M, but the shop adapted it for this custom car, reportedly commissioned around the ’90s, including the F40-style wing. In fact, to the untrained eye, this car could almost pass for an F40 from certain angles, especially since the tuner removed the Testarossa’s signature side strakes.
While the body styling may have been inspired by Koenig Specials, the shop didn’t replicate its extreme powertrain modifications. As such, the car retains its naturally aspirated 4.9-liter flat-12 engine behind the cabin, which, from the factory, makes 440 horsepower. It can be clearly seen from the outside through a transparent F50-style engine cover. The 5-speed manual gearbox has also been kept, sending power to the rear wheels.
The exterior is finished in blue, paired with yellow accents on the Brembo brake calipers behind the F40-style wheels and Ferrari badges, if those count. This blue-and-yellow motif carries over into the interior, which features Koenig Specials script on the carpets and the signature of the man the car was built for, believed to be a famous Japanese music producer.
Miami Vice, Japan Edition
Dino DC said that this unique F512 M was set to be shipped to Miami, a fitting destination given the city’s association with iconic 1980s cars like the Testarossa. Adding to its uniqueness, Ferrari only built 501 F512 Ms, with some examples approaching $1 million at auction. The model was also the Italian marque’s final mid-engine flat-12 road car, with the brand’s flagship grand tourer returning to a front-engine V12 layout with the 550 Maranello.
The build reflects Japan’s long-standing tuning culture, where even some of Europe’s most celebrated supercars are reimagined. It’s a tradition continued by famous Japanese tuners today, including Rauh-Welt Begriff (RWB), known for its Porsche 911 builds, and Liberty Walk, known for its widebody Ferraris.
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