Lot 214: 1989 Ferrari Testarossa

Ferrari's contemporary rival to the Lamborghini Countach, the Testarossa was a very high performance machine with striking Pininfarina aluminium coachwork. Wide and purposeful, with flared arches and wide slats a prominent feature of its flanks, together with a high sweeping tail designed for negative lift, rear lights covered by a black full length grille, a low sleek bonnet and long door mirrors sprouting like periscopes, its design cleverly integrated aerodynamics with aesthetic appeal; and appeal it did, 37 orders being taken on its launch at the Paris Show in October 1984. At its heart was a lighter version of the alloy quad-camshaft flat 12 cylinder, 4,942cc engine of the 512 BB, complete with dry sump lubrication, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and the ability to meet USA emission regulations for the all-important American market. Producing a hefty 390bhp at 6,300rpm, allied to Ferrari's own five speed gearbox, this could propel the Testarossa to no less than 181mph (290 km/h) with 0-60mph (100 km/h) achieved in just 5.4 seconds. It has been called the living room at 300 km/h and the Formula 1 for the motor way. Excellent roadholding was assured by a steel tube chassis - rather than the more common modern monocoque - sporting all independent suspension using double wishbones and single coil spring dampers at the front, and single wishbones with double coil spring/dampers at the rear. Behind the huge tyres large ventilated disc brakes were fitted all round; inside luxury abounded with high quality hide trim that included Connolly leather-covered seats. Much more than a redesigned BB, the Testarossa shares its name with the famous race car of 1956, which was the first Ferrari with cylinder head covers painted in red. Described as being in excellent condition throughout by the vendor, who bought the car new in 1989, this vivacious sports car has lost none of its appeal over the years and it has always been maintained by official Ferrari dealers to the highest of standards. With a mere 47,000 km on the clock this icon of the late 1980s is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it is parked or seen on the streets. The fastidious owner, a well-known collector from the Veneto region of Italy, has never taken the car out in the rain or indeed to the autostrada, just using it occasionally on early Sunday mornings around his home in the hills. With Ferrari prices climbing this rare two side mirror car must represent a great investment for the future. Indulge in a little Miami Vice!