A cultural icon of the 1980s, the Ferrari Testarossa was a two-door coupe that went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. It was designed by Pininfarina in Italy and was produced from 1984 until 1991, with two model revisions (the 512 TR and F512 M) which were produced from 1992 until 1996. Including revised variations, almost 10,000 cars in total were made.

All versions of the Ferrari Testarossa came equipped with a rear-mounted 5-speed manual transmission and were built with a rear mid-engine design to keep the centre of gravity in the middle of the car. This was done to increase stability and improve cornering ability.

The Testarossa was powered by a 4.9L (301ci) flat 12-cylinder engine that produced 385HP. Top speed was 288kph with a 0-100kmph time of 4.8 seconds – extremely quick for the time.

The ‘Testarossa’ name pays homage to the famed 1957 World Sportscar Championship-winning 250 Testa Rossa sports racing car. Testarossa literally translates to “redhead” in Italian and refers to the car’s red-painted cam covers.

As well as being a poster car for a generation, the Testarossa also became a movie and TV star, featuring most notably in the 1980’s TV series, Miami Vice.

THE CAR

Originally delivered to Illinois and imported from North Carolina to Australia in 2023, this left-hand drive 1987 Ferrari Testarossa is in fantastic condition with low genuine mileage – only 30,193 miles on the odometer. This car has a clean Carfax History report that covers its time in the USA.

She is finished in gorgeous ‘Rosso Corsa’ red with a beautiful tan leather interior and factory tinted windows. It’s easy to see why this car was such an icon for the 1980s – every detail from the famed ‘cheese grater’ side intakes, the low hung stance and the high-mounted ‘flying wing’ mirrors gives the impression of aerodynamic performance.

The interior is excellent and equipped with a slew of features including an electronic glovebox, air-conditioning, an electronic ‘VegliaFlash Borletti’ digital clock, power windows and electronically adjustable seats. An aftermarket ‘Alpine’ head unit equipped with FM/AM radio and a CD player has been installed and tastefully concealed behind a leather cover on the dash. A remote control is included for the head unit.

The 4.9L (301ci) ‘Tipo’ F-113 flat-12 engine had its engine-out belt service and major service (including gearbox) in North Carolina on 26^th April 2022. Both windows and all switches were also serviced.

Power is put to the road via the rear-mounted 5-speed manual transmission, and the car is equipped with a rear suspension system comprised of independent unequal length wishbones, coil springs, twin telescopic shock absorbers on each side and an anti-roll bar. This combined with the rear-center engine placement and the wide stance of the car ensure impeccable handling and sensational ride quality.

This vehicle comes with reproduction owner’s manuals and the original toolkits as well. The service history available is from the Carfax Vehicle History Report. The car comes with a Victorian Roadworthy Certificate from 2024. The Australian Import Approval is to hand.

There’s nothing quite like the famous roar of a 12-cylinder Ferrari Testarossa.