FERRARI TESTAROSSA (1988)
CHASSIS N. ZFFSG17A5K0079436
ENGINE: 12 CYLINDER BOXER
DISPLACEMENT: 4942 CM3
POWER: 380 CV A 8250 G/M
BODY STYLE: BERLINETTA PININFARINA – SCAGLIETTI
This car represented a ground breaking style novelty, while technically it was an evolution of the BB512. It had been designed by Leonardo Fioravanti for Pininfarina.
With the Testarossa the fundamental rules of design had been changed, starting from the repositioning of the radiators from the front to their middle-side locations. This was due to the desire to concentrate the masses in the central part of the car, to help its dynamics and to avoid long passages of warm water along the car: as a result it changed completely the importance of the front grille and created the need for big lateral ones.
The Pininfarina breakthrough was to transform the air intake into a styling statement: the Testarossa’s horizontal side grilles became a must of the ‘80s.
This model, in its various versions, was produced from 1984 to 1996, and therefore it will always remain in the Ferrari Pantheon as the top car that spanned the period of the change in leadership from Enzo Ferrari to Luca di Montezemolo.
The car we are presenting today is part of the second series produced from 1984, with two outside rear view mirrors and the five-stud wheels. The whole body is made in alluminium, apart from the doors and roof, which were in steel to enhance passive safety.
Technically the Testarossa, like the previous BB, was Formula One inspired, with a central flat-12: no other manufacturer has ever made something like that.
With this car Ferrari started to give its cars richer interiors, as the catalogue said: “- ...with an excellent comfort and a richness of features similar to that of the most prestigious saloons... The passenger compartment is entirely lined in leather: the list of accessories is very complete, among which the automatic air conditioner and a top level radio set –“
The production ended in 1996, and with it the line of 12 cylinder mid engine Ferraris: the following GTs went back to a front-central engine position, with meant also the end for the very special 180. boxer engine.
For sure, there will never be another car like the Testarossa, with its uncompromised technical specification and its unique line.
The car on offer today was built for the American market and therefore it already has a catalytic converter: it is a very interesting and tempting specimen as it only had two owners and was driven but 20,000 kms. It has always received the very important mechanical checks and upgrades and it is therefore in very good condition.
The vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition but, for safety reasons, we advise the purchaser to have it checked over and to replace the fluids, filters and perishable elements.