• Year of manufacture 
    1988
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    360
  • Reference number 
    MO22_r0082
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

  • Painted in the extremely rare color of Marrone Metallizzato over a Beige leather interior
  • Understood to be one of 390 models built for the North American market in 1988
  • Winner of the Platinum Award at the 2015 Cavallino Classic XXIV Concours d’Elegance
  • Odometer shows just 6,611 miles at the time of cataloging
  • Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified
  • A remarkably well-preserved and uniquely finished example of an iconic Ferrari

Breaking cover at the 1984 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the Testarossa to replace the 512 BBi. The earlier “Berlinetta Boxer” had aged well, yet Maranello chiefs called for a new supercar to propel Ferrari into the 1980s. The Testarossa’s wedge shape and forward-thinking styling reflected this in a compelling manner; the long strakes that ran along the doors into the quarter panels added to the car’s visual appeal while serving a purpose, channeling air toward the mighty 4.9-liter flat-12 powerplant that was mounted in a mid-engine position. With eye-watering performance to support its sublime looks, the Testarossa was destined to be a future collector car from day one.

This Testarossa was manufactured in March 1988, and finished in an extremely rare Marrone Metallizzato over a beige leather interior. It is understood to be one of 390 examples of the Testarossa made for the North American market in that year, and it was imported into the US via the dealer Autohaus Inc. of Cohasset, Massachusetts. The first owner registered this car in May 1988 in Walpole, Massachusetts. Until 2000, little is known about the history of this car, other than it was not recorded to have changed hands; as its odometer was recorded as reading 5,065 miles in May 2000, it was clearly used only modestly by its caretaker.

In 2010, this Ferrari was advertised for sale by The Boston Sports Car Co., and it was purchased by its second owner, residing in Medford, Massachusetts, that February. The Testarossa is understood to have remained with its second owner until September 2014, when it was purchased by Silverstone Motor Cars LLC of New York. It was then acquired by International Auto Group of South Florida and was noted as being serviced in Fort Lauderdale on 15 December 2014.

In 2015, this Testarossa won a Platinum Award at the Cavallino Classic XXIV Concours d’Elegance, and is offered for sale with its trophy. That same year, the car completed Ferrari Classiche certification and was sold to the consigning owner, who exported the car to Mexico soon after. While in Mexico, the Testarossa was subject to yet another major service in 2015 that included replacement of the timing belts; the second major service in the last 1,400 miles of driving, it underscores the level of care from which this car has benefitted. The car is accompanied by an inspection lamp, spare wheel, and tool roll, while the odometer reads 6,611 miles at the time of cataloging.

As seen here, photographed in front of Mexico’s famous Palacio de los Deportes—which also once served as the backdrop for photos of the copper-colored Lancia Stratos Zero concept—the Testarossa at once futuristic and timeless. This is a Ferrari model that, especially in this example’s exceedingly rare and desirable Marrone Metallizzato, seems destined to be appreciated for decades to come.

Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.

Please also note that while this car has been certified by Ferrari Classiche, it is no longer accompanied by its Red Book.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22.


RM Sotheby's
5 Heron Square
Richmond
TW9 1EL
United Kingdom
Contact Person Kontaktperson
Title 
Mr
First name 
Augustin
Last name 
Sabatie-Garat

Phone 
+44-2078517070