Lot 171: 1985 Ferrari Testarossa Berlinetta

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 mid-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.
Intended to rival 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 co-efficient of drag, its 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. Built at a time when specialist limited-production cars could not be built fast enough to satisfy a hungry market, the Testarossa, even when new, changed hands for substantial premiums over list price in the late 1980s. Production ceased in 1992.

Supplied new in Germany, this left-hand drive example of the legendary Italian supercar is finished in rosso corsa with black interior. The car is offered with German registration papers. We are advised that the engine is in running condition.

Vendu neuf en Allemagne, cet exemplaire à conduite à gauche de cette légendaire supercar italienne est peint en rosso corsa avec un intérieur noir et immatriculé en Allemagne. Son moteur est en état de fonctionnement.