Ferrari Testarossa 1986, Itália

Ferrari Testarossa 1986, Itália
Fotografia

Few cars are as iconic as the Ferrari Testarossa. Its Pininfarina design defined high-performance aesthetics in the 1980s, with its pronounced side intakes, five-spoke wheels, and ultra-wide tail.

The rear-mid-mounted Tipo F113 flat-twelve displaced 4.9 litres in the Testarossa and subsequent 512TR and F512 M, and was an evolution of the 4.4-litre engine powering the Berlinetta Boxers. When it came time to replace the 512 BBi, Ferrari increased the wheelbase to improve its ride and handling as well as to enhance engine cooling.

By the time the Testarossa arrived, the engine boasted four valves per cylinder and a combination of Marelli electronic ignition and Bosch fuel injection. Ferrari’s signature gated five-speed manual gearbox took up residence on the centre console and served as the focal point of Ferrari’s most modern interior yet.

The engine enabled a 0–100 km/h sprint of just 5.3 seconds. Of course, the Testarossa was as revered for its acceleration as it was for its handling. Single-bolt knock-off wheels served as an early test bed for Michelin TRX tyres, though by the mid-1980s Ferrari chose to upsize the wheels to 16 inches and supply Goodyear Gatorback rubber.

This example was built in 1986 and is finished in classic Rosso Corsa. Delivered through Auto Becker in Düsseldorf, it was purchased by the Otto Vogel company from Lahr, and it remained in that ownership for 19 years. Sold to an individual in Pfullendorf, it was purchased by the current owner in 2011 to be included in his collection of low-mileage automobiles. In 2015 at 26,635 km, an annual inspection and timing-belt replacement was carried out by the Ferrari dealership in Cologne.

Having covered just 27,000 kilometres since new, this Testarossa remains in excellent condition and is ready to show off both its classic 1980s style and its wailing flat-twelve.

Desirable ‘Monospecchio’ example.