1989 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

The name 'Testarossa', literally 'Redhead', became synonymous with Ferrari sports racing cars in the ‘50s and ‘60s and was resurrected at the new model's seminal 1984 launch. Housing a sweet and free-revving 4.9-litre flat dry-sumped V12 engine producing 390bhp, now cooled by rear-positioned radiators, the car was capable of a respectable 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds and a top speed of c180mph. Produced between 1984 and 1991, some 7,177 Testarossas were made in total. Once again, time showed Pininfarina's design to be durable, and throughout the 1980s, the distinctive 'strakes' were echoed in other design disciplines from cars to kettles. However, although the design may have seemed to be 'of the moment', the Testarossa proved itself to be a well-built car, and despite its 'Eiger-rivaling' list price, turned out to be Ferrari's most successful model at the time.

Today, the Testarossa is a design icon, symbolic of eighties culture, and is becoming increasingly desirable, not surprising really since it offers a rare package of serious performance, practicality, reasonable comfort, and a level of confidence-inspiring handling at high speed that becomes almost addictive.

First registered in Germany in August 1989, this striking example had just three recorded keepers before its arrival in the UK in 2016, followed by only two further keepers over here. Finished in the quintessential Rosso Corsa, the paintwork is believed to be largely original and remains in outstanding condition, complemented by a beautifully presented interior trimmed in black hide.

The accompanying history file includes a detailed service record, a comprehensively stamped service book, and the original leather wallet and book pack. Demonstrating commendable attention to maintenance, despite having covered just 500km since its last cam belt service, the fastidious owner has arranged for a further cam-belt change to be completed prior to sale. A fresh MOT will also be issued before the car arrives at the NEC, ensuring that this formidable Prancing Horse is ready to be enjoyed as intended. Pleasingly, the original tool kit remains present, adding further appeal to an already well-documented and carefully maintained example. When photographed, the Ferrari had covered an indicated 60,677km (37,703) miles.

Purchased by the present custodian in 2020, the Testarossa has since formed part of his private Ferrari Collection, sparingly used but conscientiously maintained as required, including during the two-year period spent at the owner’s residence in Spain.

With its evocative styling, unmistakable flat-12 soundtrack and enduring supercar presence, the Testarossa remains one of Ferrari’s defining icons of the 1980s and this particularly attractive and largely original example would sit comfortably within a dedicated Ferrari collection, complement a more eclectic stable, or simply occupy pride of place in a private garage, ready to be exercised and enjoyed.

Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to fully appreciate the condition, originality and quality on offer.