1988 Ferrari Testarossa Coupé
Chassis no. ZFFAA17B000077110
Engine no. 12605

"There are fast cars and fast cars. None of them comes close to the 180mph Ferrari Testarossa: it is firmly in that top echelon of high performance cars for which perhaps only two or three rivals qualify. The Testarossa is so excitingly fast you can relive the moments of spine-tingling acceleration from the mere mention of the revered name." - Motor.

Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa supercar revived a famous name from the Italian company's past when it arrived in 1984. A 'next generation' Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor's amidships-mounted, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine, the latter now boasting a maximum power output raised to 380bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 180mph.

Rivalling Lamborghini's Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era's most instantly recognisable – and copied - styling devices. A larger car than the 512BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather. Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand.

Finished in classic Rosso Corsa, this example of Ferrari's epoch-defining supercar dates from 1988, by which time the early cars' controversial high single mirror (monospecchio), which gave good rearwards visibility but could obscure oncoming traffic, had been replaced by two conventional mirrors mounted lower down on the 'A' posts. The vendor advises us that the car is in pristine original condition having received a major service in 2019 that included replacing the timing belt, clutch, and tyres, so that it is in excellent driving condition. There can be few, if any, more original and better examples available. After opening the driver's door, you are surrounded by the subtle scent of the well-maintained and 'as new' beige leather interior, while the circa 16,500 kilometres driven so far have left no traces of wear either inside or out. Despite its supercar credentials, the Testarossa is a capable Grand Tourer, and this example comes complete with its original and untouched factory suitcase set (original price approximately 8,000 DM), making it the perfect companion for long weekend trips. This exceptional Testarossa wants only for a new owner eager to enjoy the unique sound and performance of its glorious 'flat 12' engine.