Ferrari Testarossa (1991)

Reg Number: H599 MPE
Chassis Number: ZFFAA17C000086917
Engine Number: 24412
Cc: 4942
Body Colour: Rosso Red
Trim Colour: Crema
MOT ExpiryDate: May 2012

Introduced at the 1984 Paris Salon, the Testarossa caused a sensation. The functionality of its Pininfarina styled bodywork was disguised by a wealth of flamboyant / futuristic detailing. Developed with the aid of a wind tunnel it combined a low drag coefficient with impressive negative lift characteristics (hence the lack of extraneous aerodynamic aids). The first twelve-cylinder Ferrari to be marketed in America for a decade, the new flagship was of vital importance to Maranello. Although, it was built around a similar tubular steel matrix and retained the same mid-engined layout as its Berlinetta Boxer forebears, the Testarossa was more than just a simple evolution. Its use of galvanised steel for the doors, roof and bulkheads promised greater longevity (the rest of the bodywork was formed in aluminium), while a longer wheelbase, wider track and revised all-round double-wishbone coil-over suspension promoted better handling.

As well as greater interior space, drivers also benefited from an adjustable steering column, re-profiled seats and air conditioning. Mounting the drivetrain and rear suspension on a separate subframe meant better noise insulation and easier servicing. The switch from a large front-mounted radiator to twin units housed in front of each rear wheel (and force fed air by special aerofoils secreted in the prominent door / rear wing strakes) resulted in more efficient cooling and less heat soak. Extensively reworked, the 4942cc flat-12 (whose roots dated back to Ferrari's 1975 312T F1 car) was lightened by 20kgs and featured ellipso hemi-spherical combustion chambers, four-valve cylinder heads and Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection. Developing some 390bhp and 362lbft of torque, it was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox but kept in check by twelve-inch discs all-round (gripped by four-pot callipers) and a limited slip differential. Highly praised by the contemporary motoring press, Autocar magazine found the Testarossa capable of 181mph and 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds. Predictably exclusive, just 438 are thought to have been UK supplied.

The 1991 example offered is finished in traditional Rosso Corsa and trimmed in Crema leather. It has covered just 800 miles in the last four years and only some 34,000 from new. Treated to a new cam belt less than 1,000 miles ago, the Testarossa comes with extensive service history courtesy of H.A. Fox, Graypaul and Verdi and the bodywork, paintwork, interior, engine and five-speed manual gearbox are all excellent. This car will go up in value!

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