“I usually take the Ferrari” – Testarossa Turns 40

If you grew up in the ’80s and spent your formative years as a wee cub in that most decadent of decades like this intrepid writer did, and you were into cars (as you no doubt are if you’re reading this), then we can pretty much guarantee that you had at least one (actually, probably all) of the following models proudly pinned to your bedroom wall: a Porsche 911 (most likely a 930 turbo), a Lamborghini Countach, and a Ferrari Testarossa, dreaming that one day, if you were lucky, you might just call one your own.

Well ladies and gentlemen, I too had that dream and after decades of hard work and dedication, with those automotive aspirations never far from my mind, I can finally say: “I’ll never be able to afford one”. They’re really expensive don’t you know! But, I have at least driven two out of the three (that elusive Countach remains a slippery so and so) and whomever it was that said “never meet your heroes” was talking absolute gibberish. First came the 930 Turbo (which incidentally almost killed me, very much reinforcing its stereotype) and then the Testarossa; £120K worth (at the time) of 1985 Monospecchio goodness. And it was glorious.

Transcending mere nuts and bolts and becoming a cultural icon of the ’80s thanks to its numerous appearances in various media at the time (we’re looking at you Miami Vice. And you Outrun, sitting at the back there!), the Testarossa remains one of the most famous Fezzas to ever turn a wheel.

Breaking cover at the Paris Motor Show in 1984, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa (with a team led by Leonardo Fioravanti) was the successor to the 512 Berlinetta Boxer and would remain in production for seven years before being superseded by the 512TR, which was really just a revised version of the Testarossa, let’s be honest.

Fitted with Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 4.9-litre flat-12 engine that was stashed behind the cabin and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the Testarossa produced 385bhp and 362lb ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate to 60mph from standstill in around five-and-a-half seconds, and on to a top speed of 180mph. Decent performance to say the least, but Ferrari’s flagship was perhaps better known for its styling, most notably those divisive side strakes.

These striking additions were, in fact, a necessity. Not only to comply with certain country’s regulations concerning the size of openings on cars but also to provide much needed cooling to the engine via the twin side-mounted radiators, a decision that was made in order to keep temperatures down in the cabin. It was also a decision that helped establish the Testarossa as poster boy for a generation.

So, to mark the occasion of the dashing red head turning 40 years old this month we thought we’d take a look at some of the models currently available here on Car & Classic, of which there are almost 40 at the time of writing!

Most expensive

The Testarossa may not be as exclusive as say, a 250 GTO, but that doesn’t mean it’s still not a highly sought after Prancing Horse and prices for good examples can easily crest £200K. This 1986 example is the most expensive on site at €217,500 but there’s good reason for that. Not only is it an early Monospecchio (single mirror) but it is also a Monodado, meaning it has the original single nut 16.33” magnesium wheels before they were changed to a five bolt pattern in ’89.

The car is also Ferrari Classiche certified, confirming its matching numbers and high level of originality. Cherished throughout its life and serviced and maintained exclusively by Ferrari dealers this is a very tidy example indeed.

Cheapest

After the Monospecchio above, which is the most expensive on site, we thought we’d include this later 1990 model, which is the cheapest at just under £90K, to give you an idea of pricing scales when it comes to choosing a Testarossa. Again, this is an early left-hand drive European model and as such it isn’t fitted with a catalyst, which means better performance.

All European engines received a catalyst from 1989, apart from Swiss and Swedish production cars which came fitted with them from as early as 1986, which caused a not insignificant drop in peak power output.

Red goes faster but black is better

We’re not sure who said that (OK, so it might have been us) but you can very much buy a Testarossa in colours other than red, as this low mileage and original ’88 car goes to show.

Presented in a rare and exclusive colour combination of Nero Black paintwork and matching black interior, it’s in superb overall condition. We’re sure AC/DC would approve.

Lowest mileage

If it’s a brand spanker you’re after then you could do a lot worse than this 5,467 mile 1991 example. Presented in classic Rosso Corsa over Crema leather interior, all of which is unmarked, it’s quintessential Ferrari and is arguably one of the finest Testarossa’s currently available.

It has an incredible service history portfolio from new and benefits from the highly coveted Ferrari Classiche certification. Factory fresh, the last service was completed recently, which included a full cam belt change. It’s right-hand drive too.

Earliest

This 1984 Monospecchio is the oldest on site, having left the Ferrari factory in Maranello way back in 1984, the year production of the Testarossa began. But that doesn’t mean this stallion is ready to be put out to pasture. Far from it.

Having been recently and completely overhauled, including the replacement of the timing belts, this low mileage example remains in excellent condition and is believed to be the 7th customer car ever built.

Miami Vice spec

Come on now, you didn’t think we were going to compile a list of Testarossas and not include a white one did you? Immortalised by Don Johnson’s James “Sonny” Crockett in the hit ’80s American crime drama series, this White Monospecchio was originally delivered from the factory to Japan.

Imported to these fair shores in 2014 it’s now fully UK registered and comes with a fresh MOT. Could this be the only one of its kind on sale today?

So what’s your poison? Low mileage or black on black? Miami Vice or early original? With so many on site to choose from there’s plenty of options so go and have a browse. You never know, you might just find your perfect Testarossa on this legend’s 40th birthday.