1989 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 Ferrari Grand Tourers of the past. Instead Pininfarina had designed a modern, aerodynamic and efficient body, immediately recognisable by its very distinctive side strakes unlike anything else seen before. The name 'Testarossa', literally Redhead, became synonymous with Ferrari sports racing cars in the 50s and 60s and was resurrected at the launch of their new model at the Paris Show at 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 copied in countless contexts. Simultaneously the Testarossa proved itself to be a well-built car, and despite its towering high price from new, 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 powerful performance, practicality and comfort and its groundbreaking design works equally well on the highway or in an exhibition of contemporary art.

This two owner, left-hand drive 1989 model was delivered new to Switzerland and driven sparingly before the current owner acquired it in 2010 with a mere 6,900 kilometers on the clock. After thoroughly recommissioning the car, including a colour change from the original white to the traditional Rosso, the car went on its first long road trip to its birthplace in Maranello. As the Testarossa proved itself to be a comfortable and long legged travel companion, the second owner thoroughly enjoyed the car on many further trips to Italy, Switzerland and France and in his ownership put another 40,000 kilometers on the clock, which now indicates 47.000.

This Testarossa appears to be a well maintained and cared for example of this statement Ferrari and is ready to be used and enjoyed yet further.