2017 Ferrari F12tdf Limited Edition 1/799

The F12 Berlinetta is the ultimate front-engined, rear-wheel drive Grand Tourer from Ferrari and made its debut at the 2012 Geneva Show featuring one of Ferrrari’s last naturally-aspirated V12 6.3-litre engines which delivered 740bhp with an impressive 690 Nm of torque offering 0-62mph in just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 211mph.

In October 2015, Ferrari announced a limited-edition variant, the F12tdf, its nomenclature referencing a competition variant of the 250 GT, so named following the latter's many victories in the Tour de France Automobile in the late 1950s/early 1960s. Like its illustrious predecessor, the F12tdf was a lightweight, track-focused model aimed at wealthy connoisseurs and gentleman racers and only 799 were built during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The F12tdf utilised the same 6.3-litre V12 engine as the standard car, albeit modified by the addition of mechanical tappets and variable-geometry intake trumpets, to produce in excess of 770bhp. 110kg of weight was saved by the use of carbon fibre and fastidious use of lightweight materials for every element of the car. Every aspect of the car was assessed, from the narrow-section five-spoke wheels to the single-piece carbon door cards and even the passenger glovebox was considered unnecessary weight and therefore removed.

The body, too, was reconsidered and featured state-of-the-art active aerodynamics that helped generate an 80% increase in downforce at 120mph, as well as unique design elements that paid tribute to the great Ferraris of the past, the most obvious being the 250 GTO–inspired slots over the rear haunches. The chassis, already considered to be excellent by road-car standards, was improved with the introduction of a rear-wheel steering system known as ‘Virtual Short Wheelbase’ to complement the dramatically widened front track and existing electronic control systems (ESC, ABS/EBD, F1-Trac and SSC 3). The result was a reduction of the 0-100 kph time to 2.9 seconds, top speed was now in excess of 340 kph and around Fiorano, the F12tdf was 2.0 seconds quicker than its standard sibling.

According to the accompanying paperwork, this Ferrari F12 Tdf (Type F152 ACL), Chassis No. ZFF81BHT 6H0224560 was built during January 2017 in left-hand drive as a Gulf version i.e. subject to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Homologation requirements and destined for Kuwait.

In common with many very special Ferraris, the order was routed through Ferrari’s Atelier Studio which offeried a remarkable level of personalisation and there is a list (in English) of the selected options on a plaque within the car. The special order (extracampionario) exterior colour selected was Argento Auteil with the interior mainly in Cuoio (natural leather) with Nero detailing. There is a full list from Ferrari of all the bespoke details and they include carbon fibre (CF) air filter covers, CF engine bay covers, Ferrari telemetry and track cameras, 20-inch diamond-forged wheels, aluminium brake calipers, Daytona racing seats, a number of alcantara and leather interior bespoke options, adaptive front lights, front suspension lifter, navigation maps, front and rear cameras, hi-power premium hi-fi system and integrated audio system and much more.

The car is also accompanied by its ‘Attestato per vetture Serie speciali’ (Attestation for Special series vehicles) dated 8th February 2017 in a stylish sleeved yellow presentation folder showing its journey through the factory when being built and confirming its technical spec.

The Ferrari was imported to the UK and first registered here on 1st April 2018, according to its UK V5C, and further documentation including Kuwaiti Registration papers, Kuwaiti Vehicle Quittance and export certificates, HMRC vehicle import post clearance checks, an invoice from Cars UK detailing UK Import Tax of £93,647 and DVLA confirmation of the car’s new UK registration number (LJ66 KFZ).

The F12 has been enjoying life in London and, at the time of cataloguing, was displaying an odometer reading of around 1,275km (795 miles). There are a couple of invoices from Rosso Corsa in Milan at 890 km and 1,086 km respectively and one from Dick Lovett in Swindon for £2,779 dated 15th July 2021 at 1,200km covering a routine service, four new Pirellis, an air-con service and a fresh MOT (valid until 8th July 2022).

Representing a wonderful opportunity to own one of Ferrari's all-time great, front-engined supercars, this stunning ‘Atelier bespoke’ F12tdf comes complete with its tool kit, locking wheel nut key, service wallet and manuals, and the all-important F12tdf ‘Attestato'. As might be expected of such a low-mileage, one-owner car, this unique F12tdf presents superbly and is, without doubt, the ultimate front-engined Ferrari supercar and a true modern-day collectible that will continue to be held in high esteem by collectors and enthusiasts for years to come.

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