Lot details

Year: 1986
Make: Ferrari
Model: Testarossa
Registration: D215 SNF
Chassis No: ZFFAA17B000067423
Odometer: 57,745Km

• Desirable Rosso Corsa with black interior and centre lock wheels example
• Service book and toolkit present

Introduced at the 1984 Paris Salon, the Testarossa caused a sensation. The functionality of its Pininfarina-styled bodywork was disguised by a wealth of flamboyant and futuristic detailing. Developed with the aid of a wind tunnel, it combined a low drag coefficient with impressive negative lift characteristics. The first twelve-cylinder Ferrari to be marketed in America for a decade, the new flagship was of vital importance to Maranello. Although it was built around a similar tubular steel matrix, it retained the same mid-engined layout as its Berlinetta Boxer forebears. The Testarossa was more than just a simple evolution, its use of galvanised steel for the doors, roof and bulkheads promised greater longevity while a longer wheelbase, wider track and revised all-round double-wishbone coil-over suspension promoted better handling. As well as greater interior space, drivers also benefited from an adjustable steering column, re-profiled seats and air conditioning. Mounting the drive train and rear suspension on a separate sub-frame meant better noise insulation and easier servicing. The switch from a large front-mounted radiator to twin units housed in front of each rear wheel resulted in more efficient cooling and less heat soak. Extensively reworked, the 4,942cc, flat-12 (developing some 390bhp) is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Highly praised by the contemporary motoring press, Autocar magazine found the Testarossa capable of 181mph and 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.

Presented as an intriguing barn-find opportunity, this left hand drive example was originally supplied to Japan before being imported to the United Kingdom in 2015. Having covered approximately 55,000 kilometres, it is accompanied by useful documentation charting maintenance undertaken both in Japan and since its arrival on British shores. The service book contains six stamps, five of which record maintenance carried out in Japan through to 2005. Following its importation, the car received further attention in 2015, including replacement cambelts and clutch together with a general service. Significantly, in August 2016 the engine was rebuilt by Grimaldi Engineering Ltd, with an accompanying invoice totalling £5,848.56. This Testarossa is presented with a black leather interior, complemented by centre-lock wheels. The original-style toolkit also remains present, adding to the car's desirability. Having spent a period in storage in Japan between 2005 and 2015, the car is now offered as a 'barn find' and will require mechanical inspection and recommissioning prior to returning to regular road use. Importantly, its apparent completeness, documented engine rebuild and appealing specification suggest that sympathetic recommissioning, rather than comprehensive restoration, is all that's needed for this car.

Accompanying the car is its V5 registration document, stamped service book and toolkit. Sure to attract attention not only from the UK, but worldwide, this beautiful Testarossa offers the opportunity to acquire one of the most famous and desirable Ferrari designs, the values of which have been on the increase of late. Consigned by Will Penrose