Our latest featured car is this absolutely stunning Ferrari F12 TDF belonging to club member Duncan B.
The Ferrari F12 TDF is very significant as it represents the second fastest production car Ferrari had made at its launch in 2015, only being bested by the legendary LaFerrari. Even today, it is still the third fastest as was succeeded by the 812 Superfast in 2017.
The name TDF pays homage to the Tour de France automobile race held between 1899 and 1986 and which was regularly won by the Ferrari 250 between 1956 and 1964. The design also pays homage to the 250 GT Tour De France seen below.
The Technical Specs
The TDF (tour de France) is a track-focused version of the F12 Berlinetta unveiled in October 2015. The F12 TDF shares the same 6.3 litre V12 engine with the F12 Berlinetta, but with power output increased to 780 PS (574 kW; 769 hp) at 8500 rpm and 705 N⋅m (520 lb⋅ft) of torque at 6750 rpm.
The F12 TDF is 110 kg (243 lb) lighter than the F12, having a claimed dry weight of 1,415 kg (3,120 lb). Ferrari claimed the F12 TDF could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 7.9 seconds. The top speed was claimed to be ‘in excess of 340 km/h (211 mph)’.
The car has recorded a 1 minute 21 seconds lap time on Ferrari’s Fiorano test circuit, 2 seconds faster than the standard F12 Berlinetta and 488 GTB, and just 1.3 seconds behind the fastest lap set by the LaFerrari.
But lets put that is perspective; there is just 5.6 seconds between them around ‘Spa Francorchamps’ (TDF: 2:42.40) and just 1.3 seconds around the Ferrari test circuit ‘Fiorano’ (TDF: 1:21.00).
The car was styled in house at the Ferrari Styling Centre and production of the TDF was extremely limited to just 799 units worldwide. We understand there is not another in the UK in this gloss colour, although there is one with a matt finish.
This Blu Elettrico Ferrari with a Blu Scuro alcantara interior already has a well-documented history even with the car having covered only 1000 miles.
It’s previous owner was none other than Glenn Tamplin, Billericay Town football club boss. Prior to that, the car belonged to Paul Hembery, Latin America Executive Director of Pirelli.
A stripped out interior, swathed in alcantara and no glove box (which is becoming customary for these special cars these days), leaves you under no illusion you’re in something special.
A particularly nice ‘option’ from the factory was the autographs of the then Ferrari F1 team drivers (and former F1 world champions) Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen on the carbon fibre drivers inner kick plate.
Duncan, a retired BA pilot, is no stranger to ‘special’ Ferrari’s however, as prior to the TDF, Duncan had a 458 Speciale which he was extremely reluctant to part with. In fact, he hopes one day to have another in his collection.
Other Notable Cars
Other notable cars in his collection are a brand new BMW M2 which he took delivery of at more or less the same time as the TDF and says the little BMW is an incredibly capable and fun car to drive. He will be touring with the BMW in Norway soon and says he cannot wait.
Another splendid car in his collection is this 1958 Pearl Grey Jaguar XK150 roadster (OTS – Open Two Seater) which comes out only on fair weather days. This car shared his garage with a 1966 E Type roadster for a decade between ’94-’04.
Potted Car History
Apart from the usual carelessness of sports car ownership when he was young, there was a considerable break in modern sports car ownership for Duncan. He waited until 2008 before re kindling his passion of modern sports cars by purchasing new, first an Audi R8 V8 and then subsequently an R8 V10+.
In 2015 he made a brand switch to Ferrari for his 458 Speciale, the last naturally aspirated Ferrari in its bloodline to be made. Most recently came the TDF, which was purchased used, earlier in 2019 and he says he has no plans to sell it in the near future.
Round Up
Last night I was lucky enough to be a passenger in this car whilst Duncan drove the car in a, let’s say, ‘spirited’ manner and I can confirm that the sound of that V12, the aggressive gear change and the slightly mechanical sounding drive train lead me to the understanding this is not just any old super car, it’s a thinly disguised race car for the road!
A truly magnificent beast of a car that frankly looks stunning from any angle. I am sure you’ll agree?
Greg G – 19th May 2019
Image Gallery
Click on the images below for full screen
Credits
- All Ferrari F12 photographs by Lincoln of Pure Power Photography – please do not reproduce without express consent.
- Location: Central Guildford and Guildford Cathedral grounds
- Technical facts extracted from Wikipedia and other online sources
“Thanks Greg – a great write up. Lincoln, thanks for the evening shoot 👍”
Duncan B – Ferrari F12 TDF
Exclusive Club Offer
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Post Production Process – an illustration
Post production is an essential part of photography which involves brightening images, enhancing the colour depth but also removing unwanted elements captured accidentally or unavoidably.
Below you can see the difference before and after the post production.
Below you can see unwanted signs removed as a result of post production editing.
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