One of the most legendary missing cars in modern memory has finally resurfaced—Michael Jordan’s 1992 Ferrari 512 TR. The black-on-grigio supercar, chassis #1341, has been rediscovered by Miami-based vintage supercar specialists CURATED after more than a decade off the radar.
Originally delivered to Jordan on February 29, 1992, through Lake Forest Ferrari in Illinois, the 512 TR remained in his collection until October 13, 1995. It gained pop culture significance after being photographed outside Game 5 of the 1992 NBA Playoffs in Chicago and later at Jordan’s Highland Park home by his personal photographer. The car last appeared publicly at auction in 2010, then vanished—becoming the subject of intense speculation among collectors, enthusiasts, and media.
“There are few moments in this business that truly give you chills,” said John Temerian, co-founder of CURATED. “Everyone knew the plate. Everyone knew the legend. But no one knew where it went. Until now.”
Temerian and his team spent years chasing leads, coming close more than once before a single phone call led them to the real car. To their astonishment, the Ferrari also crossed paths with another iconic figure—Chris Gardner, the inspiration for The Pursuit of Happyness, who once drove the car in Chicago bearing the plate “Not MJ.”
“This car is more than metal—it’s a moment in history,” Temerian added. “It represents the peak of Ferrari, the peak of Jordan, and a unique cultural crossroads.”
Now fully documented and preserved, the car’s full backstory is being shared on CURATED’s YouTube channel.
The Ferrari 512 TR boasts just over 420 horsepower and is capable of a top speed above 190 mph, setting it apart as a high-performance creation that was ahead of its time in performance with iconic style. Its engine produces 360lb-ft of torque at 5,500rpm.
The torque curve of the 512 TR is more progressive than that of its predecessor, the Testarossa. These improvements were achieved through numerous small changes including a strengthened block, a 10:1 compression ratio, revised valves and a new intake system that ingeniously changed the intake of air, while a Bosch Motronic 2.7 system controls the engine.
