Lot 135: 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Coupe

Ferrari’s flagship model, the Testarossa revived a famous name from the Italian company’s past when it arrived in 1984. A ‘next generation’ Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor’s amidships-mounted, 5-litre, flat-12 engine; the latter now boasting a maximum power output raised to 390bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 180mph. Rivalling Lamborghini’s Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era’s most instantly recognisable styling devices. A larger car than the 512BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low co-efficient of drag, its body 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.
This UK-supplied, right-hand drive Testarossa was bought by the present owner in 1986 from Lancaster Garages with only ‘delivery’ miles recorded. Routinely maintained by Ferrari agent Assbury Garages in Worthing (with specialist work undertaken by Maranello Concessionaires) the car has been kept stored in its owner’s air-conditioned garage. Its most recent service (including replacement of cam belts at a cost of £4,709) was carried out in February 2005 at Maranello Sales in Egham (invoice available). Driven monthly on dry roads and never crashed, this pristine Testarossa has covered a mere 4,431 miles from new. The vehicle is finished in Rosso Corsa with magnolia leather interior, and is offered with owner’s wallet and (unused) tools, Swansea V5 and MoT to April 2006. It should be noted that the registration mark ‘4 AGA’ is being retained by the vendor.