1991 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. Uncharacteristically, 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 'last of line' Ferrari Testarossa was delivered in Italy on 28th October 1991 by Crepaldi Auto Milan, the biggest Ferrari dealer in Italy! Staying with its original owner but hardly used, it changed hands to its second and only other owner in 2007, with just 2,780 Kms recorded at the time. It then had an engine out belt service and the new owner fitted a Tubi exhaust to optimise the sound of that glorious flat 12.

The history file tells us, with a documented picture record, that the car was taken to obtain "Italian ASI classic car certification", confirming the original engine, gearbox and chassis are still united and further that the car is accident-free and retains its original paint finish. It has just returned from a full engine-out service, including belts, carried out by specialists Aldo Riti at a cost of £6,000.

Today, this glorious Rosso Red with Tan leather upholstery, left-hand drive car has covered just 4,608 Kms, or 2,800 miles to you and me. It is highly collectable, totally original and very desirable, particularly at this very sensible guide. It is certainly priced to sell in the market today.