1990 Ferrari Testarossa

When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa in Paris in 1984, it was regarded by many as possibly the best car they had ever built but, whilst the design was spectacular, it was not considered to be as sensually beautiful as some of the gorgeous 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. 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 innovative 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.

Signed off on the 22nd of December 1990 and first registered on the 15th of January 1991, this left-hand drive, European market, Testarossa appears to have spent much of its life in Northern France. In July 2015, CQ-667-QL was purchased by our vendor from Michel Ballario through 'SB Autos' in Villeneuve-Loubet in the South of France. It was imported to the UK and submitted for a pre-registration MoT on 6/08/2015 with the odometer indicating 48,841km. UK Registration was agreed on 16/09/2015 with the registration number H162 HEJ being allocated. Shortly afterwards, it was sent to Ferrari specialists, 'Autofficina' in Epsom for a full assessment and they were subsequently instructed to go through the car completely.From their detailed invoice, it would appear that they were extremely thorough. They carried out a major, engine-out service with all the belts, filters and gaskets replaced and fresh fluids throughout. The radiators were repaired, central locking and electric mirrors serviced, all the lighting tested and made UK-legal, all wiring checked with fresh connectors where appropriate, the cam covers repainted and the engine bay tidied and steam-cleaned. The dashboard had presumably suffered from the effects of too much Mediterranean sun, so it was removed, re-trimmed in black leather, reassembled and refitted. Further detailing was carried out and the final account was over £8,800. The sparkling Testarossa was returned to our delighted vendor in the middle of December 2015 with the odometer still indicating 48, 841km, and with the reading currently at 49,109km, it would suggest that the car has been very lightly used in recent months.The invoice from Autofficina is in the leather book pack alongside various French Bills of Sale, export documents, correspondence with the DVLA, the UK V5C, a spare set of keys and the original Warranty Card and Service Book. The service record appears comprehensive, and is stamped at 9,709, 20,541, 30,598, 37,935, 42,283 and finally 48,841kms (30,525 miles). Finished in classic Rosso Corsa with a Nero interior and contrasting Red carpets, H162 HEJ appears to be in fabulous condition throughout having only covered a few miles since being serviced and detailed. The 'icing on the cake' is almost certainly the full set of bespoke Ferrari fitted luggage complete with slip covers, a rather expensive option at the time.The Testarossa offers a rare package of serious performance, practicality, and reasonable comfort, and its confidence-inspiring handling at high speed becomes almost addictive. We welcome any inspection of this lovely Ferrari.