A true piece of both NBA history, Michael Jordan’s iconic 1992 Ferrari 512 TR, has emerged from over a decade out of the public eye. This legendary vehicle, once famously photographed outside the Chicago Bulls arena before a pivotal 1992 Eastern Conference semifinals game, is far more than just an impressive supercar. It’s a tangible link to arguably the most dominant basketball player of all time, and its reappearance has sparked excitement across both car enthusiast and NBA fan communities.
Originally delivered to “His Airness” on February 29, 1992, through Lake Forest Ferrari in Illinois, this sleek black-on-grigio 512 TR quickly became a recognizable symbol of Jordan’s status and style. Boasting bold aesthetics and a formidable 4.9-liter flat-12 engine generating over 420 horsepower, this Ferrari could rocket from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds, reaching speeds exceeding 190 mph. It was the very definition of power and elegance, a perfect match for MJ in his prime. You truly need to see the classic photos of this car with Jordan – the accompanying visuals perfectly capture the era.
After Jordan parted ways with the Ferrari in 1995, it found an intriguing new owner: Chris Gardner, the very man whose inspiring life story became the basis for the acclaimed film, “The Pursuit of Happyness.” Gardner’s ownership added another layer of emotional resonance to the car’s history, connecting it to a tale of perseverance and success.
Gardner famously drove the Ferrari around Chicago sporting the humorous custom license plate “Not MJ,” a playful nod to its legendary original owner. Eventually, the supercar was auctioned off in 2010 for approximately $100,000, and subsequently, it seemingly vanished from public knowledge.
A Chilling Rediscovery
However, the Ferrari wasn’t lost; it was in the possession of a private collector who, shortly after acquiring the vehicle, faced a serious health battle with cancer. As the owner focused on his recovery, the iconic car remained largely untouched in his garage. Now, thankfully cancer-free, the collector has finally revealed the car’s location, allowing the vintage supercar dealership CURATED to authenticate and meticulously document its history. John Temerian, co-founder of CURATED, described the moment of rediscovery as “chilling,” noting the collective memory of the license plate and the car itself, and the surprise of its whereabouts after so long.
Currently undergoing a full restoration in Italy, this legendary 1992 Ferrari 512 TR is expected to return to the market with an estimated price tag of around $250,000. Considering its performance capabilities, its rarity, and its indelible connection to arguably the greatest athlete of all time, many enthusiasts believe this price represents remarkable value. The rediscovery has already ignited a wave of nostalgia and excitement online, with fans celebrating the “return to life” of a ’92 icon, drawing parallels to Jordan’s own comebacks and cementing this Ferrari’s status as a true cultural artifact.
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