1987 Ferrari Testarossa - Ex Kenneth C. Smith

• Originally sold by Cornes Motor Inc. of San Diego, CA for $135,050 still with original paperwork and book-pack
• Bought new by prominent Californian car collector/show-winner Kenneth C. Smith of La Jolla, CA
• Rare and desirable specification of Black (Nero) paintwork with Black interior
• Just 14,000 miles and a recent full recommissioning service by GrayPaul Ferrari, Nottingham
• Accompanied by its original and complete luggage set
• UK-registered and ready to go

The name 'Testarossa', literally Redhead, became synonymous with Ferrari sports racing cars in the ‘50s and ‘60s and was resurrected at that seminal 1984 launch. Housing a sweet and free-revving 4.9-litre flat dry-sumped V12 engine producing 390bhp, now cooled by rear-positioned radiators, the car was capable of a respectable 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of c180mph. 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 1980s, 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.

The final evolution of the model (sometimes called ‘88.5’ models) featured a lot more changes than just the new five-stud wheels. There were modifications to the steering column, suspension - including the dampers, a wider track and new brake discs. From 1989, Testarossas ran the ‘B’-spec motor with KE-Jetronic and catalytic converters.

Today, the Testarossa is 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 confidence-inspiring handling at high speed that becomes almost addictive.

The car presented here is a LHD, ex-US 1987 Ferrari Testarossa, originally sold by Cornes Motor Inc. of San Diego, CA for $135,050. Interestingly, it was bought new by prominent Californian car collector/show-winner Kenneth C. Smith of La Jolla, CA. Silverstone Auctions have contacted Mr Smith and he confirms this; unsurprisingly, all his cars are kept and maintained to the highest of standards, with many examples winning prizes at shows. We understand, but can’t confirm, that he was the car’s single US owner, although there may have been one more, however, it’s academic as the condition is exceptionally original and unmolested and wholly commensurate with the indicated mileage of 14,280. It was imported to the UK in 2019 by our vendor (who lives for half the year in the US) and went straight to Graypaul Ferrari in Nottingham for full recommissioning (including a full belt service, plus some other minor work – please see history file) where they commented they had never seen a more original Testarossa.

Accompanied by its original paperwork, book-pack and luggage (still in their factory bags), this is a real opportunity to acquire a Testarossa which has been preserved in fantastic condition, has exceptionally low mileage and is ready to give much more fun and adventures – and its in black, quite the most comlimentary Testarossa colour.

Our friend, contributor, and revered car expert, Harry Metcalfe, had coveted a Testarossa for a long time to join his collection, fulfilling that aspiration in 2014. He comments that the magnificent engine dominates the experience with that unique flat-12 howl and that using/living with a Testarossa is far easier that people think, with visibility, usability and servicing being wholly acceptable; he states that he’ll certainly remain a Testarossa owner for a very long time! Why not join him?

*Forming part of A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owners' Club of Great Britain, the buyer of this lot will be entitled to one years free membership with Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain*