Vehicle Description
When Ferrari announced the much-anticipated successor to the 512
BBi at the 1984 Paris Auto Salon, onlookers were immediately struck
by the dramatic Pininfarina design, which was backed up by an
impressive spec sheet. The new twelve-cylinder flagship was a far
cry from the curvaceous 512 BBi, eschewing organic curves for an
angular, wedge-shaped profile defined by massive air intakes and
those eye-popping side strakes. Even the name -Testarossa -raised
eyebrows among the press and marque loyalists. For many Tifosi, the
name was the sacred reserve of Ferrari's legendary sports racing
car, and to see it applied to road-going mid-engined GT came as a
surprise. But mutterings of blasphemy were quickly tamped out as
the Testarossa's specs were made public. The 48-valve flat-12
powered supercar made 385 horsepower, could sprint to 60 in five
seconds, and go on to a top speed of 180 miles per hour, all while
cosseting occupants in an exceptionally refined cabin. With the
Testarossa, Ferrari targeted the US market by emphasizing
long-distance Grand Touring comfort. The wide rear track and huge
air scoops were necessary to feed the side-mounted radiators, which
opened up space for a proper front trunk and eliminated the cockpit
heat-soak issues that plagued the BB - a side-effect of its
front-mounted radiators. While the Testarossa was more civilized
and refined than the 512 BB, the new car's wild looks and
performance put it squarely in supercar territory. The Testarossa
was not only a sales success for Ferrari but also a pop-culture
icon, inspiring countless copycats throughout the 80s and 90s and
earning its position as an aspirational collector car for an entire
generation of motoring enthusiasts. This outstanding 1990
Testarossa is a documented two-owner car that has covered just over
8,100 miles from new, superbly presented in Rosso Corsa over Beige
leather upholstery. This collector-owned example boasts
well-documented, comprehensive history, including a recent
engine-out belt service, ensuring it is now ready to enjoy on the
road. It has original handbooks, ownership history, as well as the
factory tool kit with jack. According to records on hand, this
Testarossa came into the care of its first owner, Mr. R. Gallet of
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on November 29th, 1990, via Steven Kessler
Motor Cars, Inc. of New York, New York. Service records and
correspondence show it remained with Mr. Gallet through October
2014, when he traded it to a dealer in Ohio. The most recent owner
acquired the car from that dealer in 2015 and has since maintained
it in superb condition without regard to cost. The original red
paintwork is in excellent condition, displaying just a few minor
imperfections and stone chips consistent for a low-mileage,
unrestored example. The accompanying Carfax report shows no history
of crash damage. Rolling stock consists of correct original
flat-face 5-spoke alloy wheels, shod with Dunlop SP Sports in front
and Yokohama tires in the rear, as Testarossa tire sizes were
unavailable in matched sets until only recently. The blacked-out
exterior trim items such as the rear taillight strakes, engine
cover louvers, and rockers are all excellent and display
factory-correct finishes. Inside, the original "tombstone" seats
are in outstanding order, with beautiful beige leather offering a
pleasing contrast against the dark brown of the dash and door tops.
The seats show remarkably little wear, and the dash is free of
shrinking or sun damage, further substantiating this car's low
mileage. There is a small area noted on the driver's seat outer
bolster where the stitching has popped due to age, yet the leather
remains supple and clean throughout the cabin. Instrumentation and
controls are factory-correct items, with a period-correct Sony
cassette stereo fitted to the dash behind the original flip-up
leather cover. On the road, this Testarossa feels superb, with
excellent ride and handling characteristics. Despite the wild
looks, it is happy to tool around town while the mighty flat-twelve
patiently awaits a healthy dollop of throttle. It is a surprisingly
practical supercar, thanks to air conditioning, electric windows, a
spacious boot, and the refinement of Bosch fuel injection.
Testarossa values have been on the rise as driving enthusiasts
recognize it as one of the best all-around performance cars of the
period, balancing 180 mph ability with comfort and practicality for
long-distance touring. The Testarossa was a poster child of the
1980s; its image emblazoned on the bedroom wall of many a budding
enthusiast. This superb, collector-quality example is ready to
realize that dream, thanks to the attentive care of two passionate
owners. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7333-1990-ferrari-testarossa/
