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, although relaxed, 380 bhp, which is why this car can gallop to 180+ mph. Of more importance is its maximum torque, which is 354 ft/lbs, and results in it being able to cover the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.3 seconds.
Normally you have to sacrifice style and comfort to get near these figures, but the Testarossa is effortless. In terms of usable performance, it has few equals and no superior. It also has the looks of a “supermodel,” but that is what it is.
The left-hand-drive car pictured here comes from a private European Ferrari collector who purchased it new in 1987 and has covered just 31,595 km in it since. The car has never suffered any accident damage and is in “as new” condition throughout. The black leather interior is unmarked (it even smells new!), as is the Rosso Corsa paintwork. As would be expected, all the tools, etc. are in place, and the car has its original owner’s manual and properly stamped service book; a full service has just been carried out.
An irreproachable example of the model, this Testarossa was only being offered for sale to make space for further additions to the owner’s collection.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1987 Ferrari Testarossa |
Offered at the 1 December Coys auction, this TR sold at $66,880 including premium.
TRs continue their downward price slide, and currently present a very good buy, especially when compared with the new and hideously overpriced 512TR at $200,000+.
While Coys may laud the styling of the TR, most critics find it bland compared to the exhilarating lines of its predecessor, the Boxer. The “flying buttress” driver’s side mirror on the TR was another bizarre and failed styling exercise by Pininfarina, who recognized their mistake and moved the mirror to a more conventional position on later models.
Not representing a short-term economic investment that will yield decent returns, nonetheless at this time TRs are very fairly priced for what they are: a highly usable supercar. – ED.