1987 Ferrari Testarossa

When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa in Paris in 1984, it was regarded as possibly the best car Ferrari had ever built but, whilst the design was spectacular, it was not considered to be as sensually beautiful as numerous GT Ferraris of the past. As a complete departure, Pininfarina had designed a modern, aerodynamic and efficient body shape, immediately recognisable by its very distinctive side 'strakes' unlike anything else seen in the post-war period. The name 'Testarossa', literally Redhead, became synonymous with Ferrari sports racing cars in the 50s and 60s and was resurrected at the launch of this new model at the Porte de Versailles in 1984.

Housing a 4.9-litre V12 engine producing 390bhp, the car was capable of a respectable 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 196mph. Produced between 1984 and 1991, some 7,177 Testarossas were made in total. Once again, time showed Pininfarina's design to be durable, and throughout the eighties, the distinctive 'strakes' were echoed in other design disciplines from cars to kettles.

However, although the design may have seemed to be 'of the moment', the Testarossa proved itself to be a well-built car, and despite its 'Eiger-rivaling' list price, turned out to be Ferrari's most successful model ever.

Today it's a design icon, symbolic of eighties culture, and despite a period in the "boondocks", its popularity is returning rapidly. It's not a surprise really since the Testarossa offers a rare package of serious performance, practicality, and reasonable comfort and although heavy at low speeds, its confidence-inspiring handling at high speed becomes almost addictive.

This is a right-hand drive, 12,425 miles from new Testarossa, that was first delivered to a Mr. Ray of Auckland, New Zealand on the 12th May 1987,and most recently was purchased by our vendor from Park lane, London in 2015 to add to his growing collection. As with all of his cars, our vendor set about bringing the car up to its ultimate potential with no expense spared along the way. He sent the car to the renowned Ferrari specialists, DK engineering, for extensive work and detailing, and their efforts are clarified in their invoices in the car's history file.

Our vendor could well be described as a perfectionist, however, he himself would be too modest to accept that, but he patently likes his cars to be 'right' and employs a full-time collection manager to keep them in exceptional condition.

With an MoT until January 2017, and washed and polished, this cracking Ferrari is ready to be admired and enjoyed. Sensibly guided, what a fantastic opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional example of this much admired late 80"s model continuing to stretch its legs in the classic car market.