Lot 420: Ferrari Testarossa Coup�

Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa supercar 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, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine, which now boasted a maximum power output raised to 380bhp 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  and copied - 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 coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather. Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand. A rare right-hand drive model, this example of the legendary Italian supercar has been registered in the Isle of Man since May 1992. Carefully stored for a considerable number of years, it has covered only 14,009 miles from new and is described as in generally good condition, although naturally in need of re-commissioning after such a long time off the road. The car comes with tailored red dust cover and Isle of Man registration documents.