Incredible Discovery: F1 Legend's Stolen Ferrari Found After 28 Years

London's Metropolitan Police have cracked a long-standing automotive mystery by recovering a stolen Ferrari 512M that belonged to former Formula One driver Gerhard Berger. The theft occurred a staggering 28 years ago during the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. The thieves not only targeted Berger's vehicle but also made off with his teammate Jean Alesi's 355 from a hotel parking lot.

From Italy to Japan to the UK

The Ferrari 512M was traced with the collaboration of Ferrari, who had inspected the car for an American buyer acquiring it through a UK broker. The investigation revealed that the stolen car had made its way to Japan before reaching the UK in late 2023. The Metropolitan Police intervened just in time, impounding the vehicle to prevent its exit from the country.

Successful Recovery and Ongoing Investigation

Lead investigator Mike Pilbeam commended the joint efforts of various agencies and entities that led to the retrieval of Berger's prized possession. Despite the recovery of the 512M, the police are continuing their probe as no arrests have been made yet, with Alesi's F355 still missing. It's worth noting that both drivers achieved commendable finishes at the 1995 San Marino Grand Prix despite the unfortunate incident.

For car enthusiasts, the Ferrari 512M represents the pinnacle of the Testarossa lineage with enhancements like fixed headlights and a powerful 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 434 horsepower. With just 501 units manufactured, this model remains a coveted piece of automotive history.