Lot 136: Ferrari Testarossa

The Ferrari Testarossa was half of perhaps the greatest double act in supercar history. An era defining rivalry saw it pitched head-to-head with Lamborghini's awesome Countach and between them, they were the kings of the road. Based on the outgoing Berlinetta Boxer that had so admirably preceded it, the Testarossa was intended to be a faster, better handling, more spacious and more luxurious car than the BB. The Testarossa was designed from the outset as a world car, even complying with American emission legislation. While the Countach had its quirky scissor doors and huge rear spoiler, the Testarossa's signature was the heavily stylised engine cooling scoops, Pininfarina filling the huge ducts with multiple vanes that made the car instantly recognisable. As for the engine, Ferrari's five-lite Flat-12 was ultimately derived from the 1975 312 T Grand Prix contender. The Testarossa's look, performance and reputation made it perhaps the ultimate eighties status symbol, among the seriously wealthy, while the Porsche 911 Turbo satisfied the City Trader Yuppies. The Testarossa was constructed around a welded tubular steel frame, not too dissimilar from the outgoing BB, but a few dimensional tweaks, made here and there, made all the difference. The wheelbase was stretched from 2500 to 2550mm, the track widened and a removable engine subframe used that could be un-bolted from the main chassis, for easier access to the engine. Displacement of the 180° Flat-12 motor was 4942cc, this thanks to a bore and stroke of 82 x 78mm respectively. Output was 390bhp at 5300rpm. An important revision came in the form of Ferrari's four-valve (Quattrovalve) cylinder heads, all the various Berlinetta Boxer's having only two-valve heads. The cam covers in the new Testarossa were painted red in homage to the Ferrari TR "Testa Rossa" of the late 1950s and early 1960s. These were GT sports cars that ran in the World Sportscar Championship, including the Le Mans 24hrs. We are pleased to offer a 1990 example of the Testarossa, which has covered a mere 23,000 miles from new, with service history from Ferrari Main Dealers and Ferrari specialists in support and all MoT certificates from 1996 onwards. Finished in Rossa Corsa with Crema leather, the car is described as being in outstanding condition throughout and is offered with copies of invoices amounting to £18,000 and a stamped service booklet. Note: This description is provided by the vendor and unless otherwise stated is 'Not Verified' by Barons or any person employed by Barons. Prospective purchasers are advised to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any statements made, whether they be statements of fact or opinion.