1991 Ferrari Testarossa

• Dating from 1991 and classically finished in Rosso and Crema with Rosso carpets
• The extensive accompanying paperwork suggests a genuine 15,180 miles from new
• History file includes copy invoices, previous MOTs, SORN docs (2009-2013) and previous owner statement
• Being prepared for sale by specialist Bob Houghton to include, belts, service, new clutch and MOT

When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa in Paris in 1984, it was regarded as possibly the best car they 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 1950's and 1960's 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 quieter year or two, 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 heavy at low speeds, its confidence-inspiring handling at high speed becomes almost addictive.

The paperwork accompanying this splendid 1991 Testarossa suggests a genuine 15,180 miles from new. When purchased by our vendor around six months ago, he was given some detailed history by the previous owner who had purchased the car in May 2013. Apparently, the owner previous to him, who had owned it for eight years, lost the Service Book during an office move. He ordered a replacement straight away and contacted both Greypaul and Dick Lovett in Cardiff who agreed to place retrospective stamps in the replacement book, however, he never got around to doing anything about it. I imagine that the records are still in the individual dealer's systems so it should still be possible to arrange this. The service information in the 'new' service book is as follows;