The name Ferrari has always been associated with performance and style. In October 1984, at the Paris Salon, the Testarossa created a sensation and was considered to be perhaps the ultimate GT car for road use. The name, of course, was derived from the earlier Testa Rossa roadsters (which in English refers to the red-topped cylinder heads). From the 250 Testa Rossa was developed the three-liter V12, and this engine dominated the World Championship of Makes for three seasons, beaten only by Aston Martin in 1959, and the 250 GTO in 1962, because of the new regulations. (The GTO engine also being derived from the Testa Rossa.)

The modern Testarossa was the replacement for the BB series which had run for twelve years. The twelve cylinder Boxer engine had been redesigned and retained only the engine displacement of its predecessor. The engine was some 20 kg lighter than that of the 512 BBi and, with the new four-valve-head engine, performance was increased in power and torque with reduced fuel consumption, and horsepower was actually increased by 50 hp. With influence from Formula One, a relocation of the water and oil tanks from the nose of the car to the center just ahead of the engine helped tremendously. This allowed better weight distribution, a more efficient cooling effect – of great importance to a road going GT – and also increased luggage capacity in the front. The radiator grille is in fact retained partly for tradition, but also to cool the front brake discs.

The Pininfarina-designed body obviously owed much to the aerodynamic engineers to evolve into the stunning silhouette shape which is unique to the Testarossa.

The car pictured here is in almost-new condition and has covered less than 8,600 miles.

This 1988 Ferrari Testarossa Review and Buyer's Guide appeared in the November, 1997 Issue of Sports Car Market Magazine.