Lot 089: 1988 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

Introduced at the 1984 Paris Salon, the Testarossa caused a sensation. Seemingly loved and loathed in equal measure, 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. Finished in Rosso Corsa with Crema leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Warranted to have covered less than 17,000 miles from new, 'E40 DCU' is accompanied by assorted invoices from the likes of Graypaul and Bob Houghton. While, the history file also contains a CD recording of its most recent cambelt change. Starting readily upon inspection, the Testarossa is said to be one of the cars that the vendor's wife enjoys driving the most (a testament to its nicely weighted controls and usable nature). Riding on five-spoke alloys and sporting orange-faced instruments, this low mileage Ferrari is offered for sale with the aforementioned documentation, MOTs dating back to 1991 (including a continuous run from 1995 onwards) and current MOT certificate valid until November 2008. Among the most coveted 'Poster Cars' of the 1980s, how long will it be before the Ferrari Testarossa has its day in the sun?