Key Points: UK Car, Right Hand Drive, Extensive History Documentation

Designed by Pininfarina and introduced at the 1984 Paris Auto Show as the successor to the Berlinetta Boxer (BB), the Ferrari Testarossa is  ecognised as a cultural icon of the 1980s. Popularised by Miami Vice and Segas 1986 driving game Out Run, the Testarossa rightly had a place on every young car fan’s bedroom wall, and is still held in reverence among Ferrari aficionados and casual fans alike.

The name pays homage to the famed 1957 World Sportscar Championship-winning 250 Testa Rossa racing car. Testa Rossa, which translates as ‘red head’ in Italian, refers to the red-painted cam covers sported by both cars 12-cylinder engines. The model represented a major departure from the curvaceous styling of previous Ferraris, as Pininfarina opted for a more aggressive design; a controversial decision at the time, but the Testarossa’s wedged silhouette is now instantly recognisable. It features side strakes spanning from the doors to the rear arches, which make the Testarossa wider at the rear than at the front and thus increase stability and handling, as well as twin side radiators instead of a single radiator up front, eliminating excess piping and allowing for a much cooler cabin than the BB’s.

Designed to be larger than its predecessor, the extra space is used to accommodate luggage in both the front boot and behind the seats. Headroom is also increased, with a roofline half an inch taller than on the BB. Like its predecessor, the Testarossa uses double wishbone front and rear suspension. Ferrari improved traction by adding 10-inch-wide alloy rear wheels.

Mounted behind the cabin is a dry-sump DOHC 4.9-litre ‘Tipo F113’ flat-12, delivering around 385hp and 361lb ft of torque to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted five-speed manual transmission. The rear mid-engine design keeps the centre of gravity in the middle of the car, which increases stability, improves cornering ability, and results in a standing weight distribution of 40% front and 60% rear. When new, the Testarossa could accelerate from 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds, and on to a top speed of around 180mph.

This UK car was first registered 1st August 1991 and has since accumulated just 3,885 miles. This example maintains an extensive history including MOT certificates, service invoices, and prior ownership details. 

The accompanying leather Ferrari wallet contains the owner's manual, technical manual, warranty card, and service book along with the original Ferrari toolkit, technician's light and a Ferrari-branded Testarossa car cover.

This Testarossa is rumoured to be one of just over 400 right-hand drive models to cross the production line. As a later example, it is equipped with two wing mirrors, in contrast to earlier Testarossas which featured the “Monospecchio” or “Single Mirror” attached to the drivers side A pillar.