1991 Ferrari Testarossa

Ferrari unveiled the new Testarossa at the 1984 Paris motor show, this marked the end of production for the Boxer that had been the flagship 12 cylinder Ferrari model for the previous ten years. Styled by Pininfarina, the Testarossa paid homage to the great 50's sports racer that originally bore the name which when translated means 'Red Head', because the rocker-box covers were painted red. The mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration allowed the centre of gravity to be positioned in the middle of the car which resulted in the weight distribution being 40% front and 60% rear, thus achieving excellent cornering and road holding ability. The Testarossa was produced with 16'' 5 spoke 'Star' alloy wheels and disc brakes were fitted all round with 309mm discs at the front and 310mm at the rear.

The Testarossa was larger than its Boxer predecessor, 6 inches wider and with an increased wheelbase to 2550mm, it was some 2.5 inches longer than the Boxer which allowed for more leg room. The raised roof height in the cabin made the driving position more comfortable, especially for taller drivers. In addition the temperature inside the cockpit was reduced as twin radiators were mounted in the rear. The Boxer had a single front mounted radiator with plumbing from the bonnet to the engine which was behind the seats this made the cabin very hot, especially on a warm day. The distinctive side vents were as useful as they were visually striking, allowing excellent engine ventilation and helping to give the car its unique styling.

Offered here is a left-hand drive Testarossa finished in Rosso Corsa Red with a Nero Black leather interior. Originally delivered to the Swiss market in October 1990 as confirmed by a letter dated 11th February of this year to our vendor from The Maranello Concessionaires Archivist, Tony Willis.

This example has been comprehensively maintained throughout its life, showing 11 stamps in the service book by the supplying dealer in Switzerland, Ferrari Auto-Neuser, Ferrari specialist Rosneath Engineering and SB Race Engineering. The car was first registered in the UK in 1997 and was immediately sent to Rosneath for fettling. In January of this year the car had its cambelts done and a major service carried out by SB Race Engineering.

With an odometer now showing just under 55,000km or 34,000 miles, and an MoT until December '15, and its leather bookpack, this Italian Red Head is fast becoming the stuff of Ferrari legend, so now is your chance to grab it while you can!

Photo Credit: Tim Scott, Fluid Images