1991 Ferrari Testarossa

• Modern, aerodynamic and efficient body shape, with distinctive side strakes
• 4.9-litre V12 producing 390bhp, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and 196mph
• Originally delivered to Europe with the correct Tipo F113B engine in late 1991
• Exported to Japan but returned to the UK in 2015
• The previous owner instructed Lights Cars Action (LCA) of Bordon to carry out a substantial mechanical re-commission (see website). Finished in early 2018 and LCA's account for this was £17,676 (invoice in file)
• Further attention in 2019 by Joe Macari Servicing (£3,952) @ 38,270km (23,780 miles)
• Only 122km (76miles) since then. Accompanied by its V5C, invoices and manuals etc.

When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa at the Lido on the Champs-Elysees on the eve of the 1984 Paris Salon de l’Auto, it caused a sensation. The crisp, square-cut almost deliberately functional lines and superior mechanical specification instantly rendered the 512BBi yesterday’s car and was rightly regarded as possibly the best car Ferrari had ever built.

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, reasonable comfort and confidence-inspiring handling at high speed that becomes almost addictive.

Originally delivered to Europe with the correct Tipo F113B engine in late 1991, this Testarossa was exported to Japan at some point, however, appears to have been hardly used there and was imported to the UK in 2015. It was purchased by its previous owner in May 2015 but not UK registered immediately, remaining in dry storage whilst he assessed his options. The following year he instructed Lights Cars Action (LCA) of Bordon, Hampshire to commence a full mechanical re-commission which included engine removal, replacement of cam belts, new clutch, overhauling brake calipers, new fuel pumps and hoses, new electric window motors, new distributor caps and HT leads, reconditioned starter motor, replacement brake master cylinder and much more. This work was finished in early 2018 and LCA's account for this was £17,676 and a detailed copy is in the file. The car was UK registered on 2/07/2018 and purchased by our vendor on 24/07/2018 to join the other impressive cars in his Collection where it has been enjoyed occasionally. It received further attention in January 2019 when a TDC sensor was replaced and the engine carefully set up by Joe Macari Servicing at a cost of £3,952 with the indicated mileage at that point 38,270km (23,780 miles). The Ferrari has only covered a further 122km (76miles) since then. It's accompanied by its V5C, invoices and manuals etc.

Even today, few cars can match the on-road presence of a Testarossa, and this fastidiously maintained, low mileage example represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these remarkable high-performance Ferraris at a very sensible guide.