1987 Ferrari Testarossa

When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa in Paris in 1984, it was regarded as possibly the best car Ferrari had ever built but, whilst the design was spectacular, it was not considered to be as sensually beautiful as numerous GT Ferraris of the past. As a complete departure, Pininfarina had designed a modern, aerodynamic and efficient body shape, immediately recognisable by its very distinctive side 'strakes' unlike anything else seen in the post-war period. The name 'Testarossa', literally Redhead, became synonymous with Ferrari sports racing cars in the 50s and 60s and was resurrected at the launch of this new model at the Porte de Versailles in 1984.

Housing a 4.9-litre V12 engine producing 390bhp, the car was capable of a respectable 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 196mph. Produced between 1984 and 1991, some 7,177 Testarossas were made in total. Once again, time showed Pininfarina's design to be durable, and throughout the eighties, the distinctive 'strakes' were echoed in other design disciplines from cars to kettles.

However, although the design may have seemed to be 'of the moment', the Testarossa proved itself to be a well-built car, and despite its 'Eiger-rivaling' list price, turned out to be Ferrari's most successful model ever.

Today it's a design icon, symbolic of eighties culture, and despite a period in the "boondocks", its popularity is returning rapidly. It's not a surprise really since the Testarossa offers a rare package of serious performance, practicality, and reasonable comfort and although a little heavy at low speeds, its confidence-inspiring handling at high speed becomes almost addictive.

First registered on the 6th March 1987, this left-hand drive, European market, Testarossa is finished in Rosso Corsa with a Nero interior and contrasting Red carpets. It was delivered new to the Italian market through Milan dealer 'CREPALDI' and its first owner is recorded as GEFINA S.p.A.. The early service history indicates that its first service was at CREPALDI on 28/4/87 and the next entry was considerably later, on 28/7/98 at GARAGE ZENITH in Switzerland with mileage unrecorded. A later owner presumably used the car between Monaco and Kent, as there is history of a cambelt change and annual service at Kent High Performance Cars on 18/1/03 (30,352km) and further services in Kent (27/04/03- 35,807km) and CAVALLARI- Monaco (25/06/04 - 37,961km).

The car was imported from the South of France in early 2013 and went straight to Foskers Engineering for a replacement cambelt and annual service resulting in a bill for £2,800. A further £1, 500 was spent at Autoclass MK on 14/08/14 attending to some brake issues and repainting of spoiler due to stone chips.

Our vendor acquired this Testarossa in 2015 to add to his collection, however, a change of circumstances now mean it is being offered for sale. In order to present the car in an absolutely sale-ready condition, our vendor left it with Keys Motorsport at Silverstone in early April, and they have carried out a further cambelt change (at 51,000km) with some additional work (invoice for £4700.00 in file). The wheels have been stripped and repainted and the Ferrari was then MoT'd, fully valeted, and is now ready for inspection.

This immaculate Testarossa is accompanied by its cherished plate, D12 FER, and a box file containing a fairly comprehensive history, import documents, service records, invoices, the Ferrari tan leather book wallet, an original brochure(in German), injection manual, wiring diagrams, a parts list and various related publications. All in all – a super package.