1988 Ferrari Testarossa
Ferrari’s flagship model of the 1980s, the Testarossa, revived a famous name from the Italian manufacturer’s past when it arrived in 1984.
A car of abnormal design and performance, the new Testarossa was born to stupefy, as was clear from the day of its unveiling: instead of one of the traditional motor shows, Ferrari chose the stage of the famous Paris Lido nightclub for the new model’s launch. A ‘next generation’ Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor’s amidships-mounted, 5.0-liter, flat-12 cylinder engine, which now boasted a maximum power output raised to 390bhp at 6,300rpm, courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and drivability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allowing for a maximum speed in excess of 180mph.
Rivaling Lamborghini’s Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly. Its side gill slats, which fed air to its side-mounted radiators, instantly became one of the modern era’s most recognizable styling devices. A larger car than the 512BB – the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tires – the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low co-efficient of drag, its body design being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other devices. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather. Detail improvements were made regularly throughout the Testarossa’s seven-year production run, one of the first being the adoption of dual door mirrors. One of the most recognizable and iconic models from the Italian company, the Testarossa would grace many young car enthusiasts’ bedroom walls in poster form during the late 1980s.
This beautiful Swiss-delivered example was first registered in June 1988, we understand joining a private collection for many years. Arriving in the UK in the 2000s, the Ferrari has been part of a private collection since 2015, having been purchased from specialist dealer Amari. The last recorded service (including cam belts) was in January 2016 by Amari Service at 44,143 kilometres, prior to a recent period of storage.
The Testarossa is accompanied by its original leather wallet with stamped service book, current V5C document, older MoT certificates and receipts for previous maintenance. Also included in the history file is a photographic record of previous mechanical refurbishment works.
Finished in Rosso Corsa with an interesting two-tone cream and red leather interior, in our opinion this supercar icon of the 1980s really does merit closer inspection.
Details
Registration Number: E395 KNO
Chassis Number: ZFFSA17S000077206
Recorded Mileage: 44,595 kilometres
- Swiss delivered example
- From a UK-based private collection
