Former Ferrari driver’s stolen $440,000 worth F512 found after 28 years

Gerhard Berger's long lost Ferrari F512M was finally found after it was stolen 28 years ago.

Former Ferrari driver’s stolen $440,000 worth F512 found after 28 years

Gerhard Berger (via IMAGO), Gerhard Berger's rare Ferrari F512 (via Top Gear).

It is no surprise that Formula 1 drivers have a knack for cars, especially supercars. Hence, multiple drivers own several exotic machinery, not only to showcase their love for the sport but also as a personal hobby. One such collector was former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger. The Austrian is a collector like others, but one of his rare Ferrari had been stolen.

Berger owned a Ferrari F512M, approximated to be worth around $440k. The rare car was stolen at the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. According to reports, a police report had been filed subsequently but it resulted in nothing as the car wasn’t found immediately. The car was missing for 28 years without any further information. However, recent reports suggest that the Organized Vehicle Crime Unit of London got a tip for the same car being imported to the United States.

YouTube video

Hence, the organization was quick to act over this intel and got hold of the stolen piece of Berger. Hence, following four days of investigation, the rare masterpiece was recovered by the organization. PC Mike Pilbeam shared some details of the investigation and mentioned how the inquiry was painstaking. Pilbeam further added that the agency worked with multiple independent companies and finally got hold of the car.

FS Video
Our enquiries were painstaking and included contacting authorities from around the world. We worked quickly with partners including the National Crime Agency, as well as Ferrari and international car dealerships, and this collaboration was instrumental in understanding the vehicle’s background and stopping it from leaving the country.
Pilbeam said, as reported by racingnews365.com.

What were the other cars owned by Gerhard Berger?

Gerhard Berger, like other drivers, is a car fanatic, apart from his love for Formula 1. The 64-year-old owns multiple rare cars under his name. Berger owned a Lamborghini Countach during the car’s 25th anniversary back in the 1980s. The driver held onto the car for ten subsequent years, before selling the car to its current owner. Berger’s ownership of the car definitely increased the car’s value ten-fold and hence the vehicle now soon be up for auction. Additionally, present F1 drivers also have massive garages including Lewis Hamilton, who will join Ferrari in 2025. The seven-time world champion has a multi-million dollar car collection.

Gerhard Berger's Ferrari F40 (via RetroMotor).
Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari F40 (via RetroMotor).

Additionally, Berger owned a rare 1990 Ferrari F40 under his name. The 2.9-litre turbocharged V8 engine was just one of the best features of the ridiculously fast Ferrari of the time. Hence, the driver owned the car for a good chunk of time before once again putting it up for auction. The F40 is approximated to be around $2 Million, up to anywhere near $3.5 Million.

Hence, Berger will take a breath of relief as his super rare car has finally been found by the authorities. The Ferrari F512 is one of the rarer cars in the world and rightfully owned by Gerhard Berger. Hence, retrieving the car would be a great moment for the former F1 driver. For now, the Austrian would like to enjoy the 2024 season amidst getting the good news of his retrieved car.

In case you missed it: