1990 | Ferrari Testarossa
Technical Information
Overview
Understanding the Testarossa
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show in 1984, the Ferrari Testarossa is the successor to the 512 BBi, designed by Emmanuele Nicosia at Pininfarina. It uses an updated version of the 512 BBi 180° V12, producing 380 HP in the US version of the Testarossa. Power is sent to a 5-speed manual gearbox powering the rear wheels. Although the 512 BBi and Testarossa share an engine, the architecture of the cars is different. Ferrari went to great lengths to not only make the Testarossa quicker than its predecessor, but much easier to drive and live with. The Testarossa is larger in every dimension than its predecessor. This not only made the car more stable at speed but easier to live with on a daily basis. As an example, the cabin can stay much cooler than its predecessor. This is not only because the radiator coolant piping was taken to the rear of the car rather than through the floor of the cabin as with its predecessor; the Testarossa also had a brand new air conditioning system, and a much more spacious cabin.
Contrary to popular belief and what automotive publications would have you believe, the Testarossa was never built with the intention of being a supercar, or as competition to the Lamborghini Countach; that was always the domain of the F40. The Testarossa's mission statement was a very unique one: it is a mid-engined Super GT car, designed with Grand Touring in mind long before lap times. Developed on the truly atrocious roads around Maranello, Italy, it is softly sprung, long geared, and has two fuel tanks, each with a 14 gallon capacity. The car is a perfect road trip companion.
The Testarossa had several updates throughout its production. Some of these are visually distinguishable from the exterior. The car was originally introduced with one driver 'flying' side mirror; those cars are known as 'Monospecchio Testarossas'. Additionally, the car was originally available only with center lock wheels. In 1987, US spec cars were introduced with two exterior mirrors mounted lower down. The biggest change came In 1988 when the car was introduced with five lug wheels. This made the car far easier to maintain and deal with. Another change was made in mid-1989, when the cars stopped being delivered with metric tires and began to be delivered on standard 16 inch tires. Ferrari produced just 7,177 Testarossas from 1984 to 1991.
This Example
This car, serial number 86977, is presented in iconic Rosso Corsa paint over a tan interior. It is a 1990, and therefore benefits from all of the production updates throughout the Testarossa's life cycle. This includes the switch to 5 lug wheels, suspension upgrades and tweaks, and the switch to standard tires over metric.
Delivered new to Ferrari of Walnut Creek, it has had two owners. Having accumulated just under 50K miles since delivery in 1990, the car recently underwent a massive full service with receipts totalling over $58,000. This service included what Ferrari calls the ‘Full Major Service.’ All of the engine belts were done, it had a full fluid service, and the head gaskets were replaced. In addition to the major service, the top end of the engine was rebuilt, replacing all of the valves in the process. The car has covered less than 2k miles since that service, and has otherwise been well cared for. There are another $75,000 in previous receipts accompanying the car.
The car has been lightly modified with a more modern Alpine head unit and Muffler delete. The car retains the factory catalytic converters. Included with the car are its original key, all original tools and books, and full service records. The car also retains its original space saver spare wheel, and the factory original exhaust is also included.
Why to Buy
The Testarossa combines iconic '80s styling with a track record of fantastic reliability and durability. It represents a bygone era of design and iconography, while not sacrificing comfort and usability in the name of that styling. This particular example has been well cared for, shows well, and is the very definition of a 'solid driver'. The Testarossa was always designed for grand touring, and having recently had a major service done, this specimen is ready for just that.
Features & Options
Specifications & Updates:
- Finished in Rosso Corsa over a tan interior
- Beneficiary of final Testarossa production updates:
- 5-lug wheels (replacing early metric system)
- Suspension refinements for improved handling
- Standard tire compatibility
Ownership & Maintenance:
- Originally delivered to Ferrari of Walnut Creek
- Two-owner history with just under 50,000 miles
- Recent $58,000 full major service, including:
- Engine belts and full fluid service
- Head gasket replacement
- Top-end engine rebuild with all-new valves
- Less than 2,000 miles since major service
- Additional $75,000 in prior service receipts
Modifications & Inclusions:
- Alpine head unit upgrade for modern audio
- Muffler delete, retaining factory catalytic converters
- Includes:
- Original key, books, and tools
- Full service records
- Factory space-saver spare wheel
- Original exhaust system
Why to Buy:
- Iconic 1980s styling with Ferrari’s legendary flat-12 engine
- Known for reliability and durability, making it a great driver’s car
- A well-preserved, fully serviced example ready for grand touring
- Perfect blend of classic Ferrari charm and modern usability
Service Records
Invoices for over $107k work of work are included in the sale, including a recent $58k Ferrari full engine-out timing service and rebuild of the engine top end including valves.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1990 Ferrari Testarossa shows wear consistent with its age and mileage according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
Items included in the Sale
- Factory literature (i.e. an owner's manual)
- Service records from current ownership
- Service records from previous ownership
- Window sticker
- Tool kit
- Car cover
- 2 key fobs
