In the world of Formula One, speed is everything. But for Gerhard Berger’s stolen Ferrari F512 M, the journey home took nearly three decades.
After vanishing during the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, the rare Italian supercar has finally been recovered by the Metropolitan Police and Scotland Yard. It is a story of international mystery, a desperate chase in a hatchback, and a high-stakes recovery mission.
The Imola Heist: A Bold Escape
The drama began in April 1995. While Berger was preparing to compete at the legendary Imola circuit, thieves targeted the Ferrari driver’s personal car.
In a moment of pure adrenaline, Berger reportedly caught the theft in progress. He attempted to block the path of the bright red Ferrari as it was being driven away, but the thief showed no mercy. Berger was forced to jump clear at the last second to avoid being struck.
Refusing to give up, the F1 ace jumped into a friend’s Volkswagen Golf to give chase. While Berger’s skills behind the wheel are legendary, the humble Golf was no match for the V12-powered Ferrari. The supercar vanished, leaving Berger and the police with no leads.
Gerhards Berger’s Stolen Ferrari Was A Rare Icon
The car in question is no ordinary Ferrari. The F512 M was the final and most refined evolution of the iconic Testarossa.
- Rarity: Only 501 units were ever produced globally.
- Exclusivity: Just 75 of those were destined for the North American market.
- Value: Today, the car is valued at an estimated £350,000.
Gerhard Berger wasn’t the only victim that weekend. His then Ferrari teammate, Jean Alesi, also had his Ferrari F355 stolen at Imola. While Berger’s car has finally surfaced, Alesi’s F355 remains missing to this day.
The Global Trail: From Japan to London
For 28 years, the stolen Ferrari remained a ghost. However, in January of this year, a report reached the Metropolitan Police directly from Ferrari.
The manufacturer had been performing checks on a car being purchased by an American buyer through a UK-based broker. The Organised Vehicle Crime Unit stepped in and uncovered a globetrotting trail:
- The Theft: Stolen in Italy in 1995.
- The Transit: Shipped to Japan shortly after the crime.
- The Return: Brought into the UK in late 2023.
As soon as the car touched British soil, authorities moved quickly to seize the vehicle and prevent it from being exported yet again.
“Painstaking Inquiries”
The recovery was a masterclass in international cooperation. Pc Mike Pilbeam, who led the investigation of the stolen Ferrari, highlighted the effort required to close the case:
“We worked quickly with partners including the National Crime Agency, as well as Ferrari and international car dealerships. This collaboration was instrumental in understanding the vehicle’s background and stopping it from leaving the country.”
Despite being missing for over a quarter of a century, the authorities managed to track the car’s final movements in just four days. While the investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have been made, the red icon is finally off the black market.
Protecting Your Passion with VINTTRO Cover
Stories like Gerhard Berger’s stolen Ferrari highlight exactly why specialised protection is essential for high-value assets. Whether you own a rare Ferrari F512 M or a growing collection of niche vehicles, VINTTRO Cover provides bespoke insurance solutions designed specifically for enthusiasts. From Agreed Value coverage that reflects the true market worth of appreciating classics to Multi-Vehicle policies that simplify the management of an entire stable, VINTTRO Cover understands the unique risks of the niche car world.
Don’t leave your “pride and joy” to chance; ensure your collection has the specialist protection it deserves, both at home and across the globe.
Leave a Reply