Formerly the property of Formula 1 and Indycar Champion Nigel Mansell
1988 Ferrari Testarossa Coupé
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Registration no. F722 MPB
Chassis no. ZFFAA17C000079325
Engine no. 15213

Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa supercar revived a famous name from the Italian company's past when it arrived in 1984. A 'next generation' Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa (red head) retained its predecessor's amidships-mounted, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine, which now boasted a maximum power output raised to 380bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 180mph.

Rivalling Lamborghini's Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-designed Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era's most instantly recognisable – and copied - styling devices. A larger car than the 512BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather. Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand.

One of only a relative handful of its type produced in right-hand drive configuration, this fine example was gifted to Nigel Mansell by Ferrari when he signed to drive for the Italian manufacturer's Formula 1 team in 1989. Its unique status is confirmed by a special commemorative plaque bearing Nigel Mansell's name, which is fixed to the driver's side doorjamb. The car was supplied in December 1988 by the UK importer Maranello Concessionaires to Gestions Sportives Automobiles in Switzerland.

Having covered some 1,000 miles around the Isle of Man, Mansell's home at the time, the Ferrari was serviced by Nigel Mansell Cars in October 1989 and again in March 1992. He then sold the Testarossa, which was next offered for sale at auction in London in December 1993. The car was purchased for the Sondes Fields Collection in 1994. Mototechnique serviced the car and changed the cam belts in 1994 and 1999. They were last changed in 2006 by the Sondes Fields Collection's in-house mechanic, who has been responsible for the car's general servicing and maintenance since acquisition (see hand-written notes on file). It should be noted that the speedometer was changed by Maranello Concessionaires at 4,737 miles, while the current odometer reading is circa 11,000 miles making the total from new around 15,700 (original speedometer with car).

The Ferrari has not been MoT'd since its owner Joseph Cashin died in 2006, at which time it was inherited by his nephew, though it has been driven regularly on private roads. Running and driving well, the Testarossa should require only minimal re-commissioning prior to returning to the road. 'F722 MPB' comes with its original Ferrari wallet and service book, some service history and V5 registration document. Even today few cars can match the on-road presence of a Testarossa and this one represents a rare opportunity to acquire a right-hand drive example of the legendary Italian supercar first owned by one of Britain's greatest Formula 1 World Champions. A high-performance work of art.