1987 Ferrari Testarossa

Pininfarina has pulled off many masterstrokes in its time, but few compare with its styling of the Testarossa. Those long “egg slicer” grilles down the side of the body are more than merely functional, they are more than just a style statement, they are positively inspired. They are the sort of simple idea which every other stylist in the world looks at and says, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

The Testarossa is also a car which was developed in a wind tunnel, which has not always been the case with Pininfarina designs, and particular attention was paid to inducing downforce. Those side grilles are more than beautiful, they are also functional: a wonderful example of science and aesthetics working in harmony.

The chassis was proven - it is virtually the same as the Berlinetta Boxer, but the Testarossa is larger overall and also lighter. The five-liter, four-valve engine has Bosch fuel injection and produces a mighty,...