After more than a decade hidden from public view, one of the most iconic cars in NBA and automotive history has resurfaced, Michael Jordan’s legendary 1992 Ferrari 512 TR.
Once photographed outside the Chicago Bulls arena before Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in 1992, this Ferrari is more than just a supercar. It’s a cultural relic tied to the most dominant basketball player of all time, and its rediscovery has ignited excitement across both car and NBA fandoms.
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Originally delivered to Jordan on February 29, 1992, through Lake Forest Ferrari in Illinois, the black-on-grigio 512 TR became instantly recognizable. With its bold lines, 4.9-liter flat-12 engine, and 420+ horsepower, the Ferrari could accelerate from 0–60 mph in under five seconds and hit speeds over 190 mph. It was the epitome of power and elegance and perfectly fit for a man like MJ in his prime.
After Jordan sold the Ferrari in 1995, it found a new home with Chris Gardner, the man whose life inspired The Pursuit of Happyness. Gardner’s ownership added another emotional chapter to the car’s history.
He drove the car around Chicago with the humorous custom license plate “Not MJ”, a nod to its legendary first owner. Eventually, the Ferrari was auctioned off in 2010 for around $100,000 and seemingly vanished.
But as it turns out, the Ferrari wasn’t lost. It was with a private collector who, shortly after purchasing the car, was diagnosed with cancer. The vehicle sat in his garage largely untouched, as he focused on beating his illness. Now cancer-free, the owner finally revealed the car’s location, allowing vintage supercar dealership CURATED to authenticate and document it.
The moment was described as “chilling” by CURATED co-founder John Temerian, who noted, “Everyone remembered the license plate. Everyone remembered the car. But no one knew where it went until now.”
The Ferrari is now undergoing full restoration in Italy, and when it returns to the market, it’s expected to command a price of around $250,000. Given the car’s performance specs, rarity, and association with arguably the greatest athlete of all time, many consider that price to be a bargain.
Social media erupted when news of the rediscovery broke. Fans called it “the ’92 Playoffs legend coming back to life.” Others joked that the car had been “in LeBron’s garage” or compared it to Jordan’s 1995 return after retirement. Some even claimed the car belonged in a museum alongside MJ’s Air Jordans and championship rings.
From the streets of Chicago in the ‘90s to a garage tucked away in mystery, this Ferrari’s story mirrors Jordan’s, an unstoppable force that stepped out of the shadows to remind the world why it’s legendary. And as the car prepares for a second life, just like its original owner did many times, it’s poised to recapture the spotlight once again.
