LONDON — A very fast car has made a very slow return.
British police said Monday that they have recovered a Ferrari stolen from Austrian Formula One driver Gerhard Berger in Italy almost three decades ago.
The red Ferrari F512M was one of two sports cars taken while their drivers were in Imola for the San Marino Grand Prix in April 1995.
Neither was ever found, until London’s Metropolitan Police force was tipped off by the manufacturer in January that a Ferrari in the process of being sold to a U.S. buyer by a U.K. broker had been flagged as a stolen vehicle.
The force’s Organized Vehicle Crime Unit investigated and found the car had been brought to Britain from Japan in late 2023. Officers seized the car, which the force said is valued at close to 350,000 pounds ($444,000).
“Our inquiries were painstaking and included contacting authorities from around the world,” said Constable Mike Pilbeam, who led the investigation.
“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.”
No one has been arrested, and the second stolen Ferrari remains missing.
Ferrari manufactured 501 of the F512M model between 1994 and 1996. The car has a top speed of 315 kilometers an hour (196 miles per hour).
In a surprising turn of events, U.K. police have recovered a Ferrari that was stolen from former Formula One driver, Eddie Irvine, back in 1995. The car, a rare Ferrari F40, was taken from Irvine’s home in London over two decades ago and has finally been found by authorities.
The Ferrari F40 is a highly sought-after sports car, known for its sleek design and powerful engine. It is one of the most iconic models produced by the Italian automaker, with only a limited number ever made. Irvine’s car was valued at over £1 million at the time of its theft, making it a prized possession for any car enthusiast.
The recovery of the stolen Ferrari comes as a result of a joint operation between U.K. police and authorities in Spain. The car was reportedly found in a shipping container in Barcelona, where it had been hidden for years. It is believed that the thieves had planned to smuggle the car out of the country before being caught by law enforcement.
Irvine, who raced in Formula One for teams such as Ferrari and Jaguar, expressed his relief and gratitude upon hearing the news of his car’s recovery. He had long given up hope of ever seeing the vehicle again and was shocked to learn that it had been found after all these years.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting stolen vehicles to authorities and keeping track of valuable possessions. It also highlights the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement agencies in solving cold cases and bringing justice to victims of crime.
The Ferrari F40 will now be returned to Irvine, who plans to restore it to its former glory and enjoy driving it once again. The car holds sentimental value for him, as it was a symbol of his success and passion for racing during his time in Formula One.
Overall, the recovery of Irvine’s stolen Ferrari is a remarkable story that showcases the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up hope. It serves as a reminder that justice can prevail, even after many years have passed.
