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Car Tales: Cultural King, Ferrari Testarossa

The Testarossa is a recognized cultural icon of the 1980s: the ultimate supercar of the decade, popularized by the media, especially the television series Miami Vice (from the 1986 third season onward) – the car-of-choice for actor Don Johnson, his jacket sleeves rolled up, who would hurtle sexily around the Florida city in a Testarossa – and Sega’s 1986 video game Out Run.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa for sale

The beautiful Ferrari Testarossa is a recognized cultural icon of the 1980s: the ultimate supercar of the second half of the decade, the Testarossa was popularized by the media, especially the television series Miami Vice (from the 1986 third season onward) – the car-of-choice for actor Don Johnson, his jacket sleeves rolled up, who would hurtle sexily around the Florida city in a Testarossa – and Sega’s 1986 video game Out Run.

The ‘Testarossa’ name pays homage to Ferrari’s famed 1957 World Sportscar Championship-winning 250 Testa Rossa sports racing car, which literally means ‘red head’ in Italian, referring to the red-painted cam covers sported by its 12-cylinder engine.

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In fact, Enzo Ferrari’s racing team began as long ago as 1929 under the name Scaredia Ferrari. Enzo had formerly been a salesman and racing driver for Alfa Romeo. But in 1937 the racing team was liquidated and absorbed into Alfa Romeo. With his settlement from the deal Enzo founded his own company.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa side view

Started in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, the company built its first car in 1940. And in 1945 the company was formed under its own name: FERRARI. The first Ferrari car for the marque was the 125S, with a V12 engine. From 1947 on, the 125S was hugely successful in racing, winning the Le Mans 24-hour race that year.

Again in 1947 Ferrari began to produce its current line of road-cars. Ferrari’s road-cars became favourites with the international elite, although Pininfarina, the design house so interlinked with Enzo’s brand, had aimed their designs specifically at America.

Right now at Beverly Hills Car Club we have an excellent example of how such thinking developed into the Ferrari Testarossa: a low-mileage 1988 Testarossa featured with merely 34,512 miles on the odometer.

The car comes finished in Rosso Corsa complemented by a tan interior. This legendary supercar, with its striking, transcendental 1980s Pininfarina design, is a true automotive masterpiece that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

This California car is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, V12 engine.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa rear

Four-wheel disc brakes, quad exhaust outlets, a gated shifter, retractable headlights, Carello front fog lights, Carello taillights, side air intakes, Pininfarina badging, Veglia Borletti instrumentation, MOMO steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels with Ferrari center caps, BFGoodrich tires, and a toll roll. Convenience features include air conditioning, bucket seating, power mirrors, digital clock, and a center console.

In addition to its timeless design and thrilling performance, this Ferrari comes with a clean CARFAX report, giving piece of mind for potential buyers. Do not miss a chance to own this highly desirable Italian sports car that is mechanically sound.

1988 Ferrari Testarossa interior

The mid-engine Testarossa went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. It was originally produced from 1984 until 1991, with two model revisions following the end of Testarossa production called the 512 TR and F512 M, which were built from 1992 until 1996. Including revised variations, almost 10,000 cars in total were produced, making it at the time one of the most mass-produced Ferrari models.

The Testarossa two-door coupé premiered at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. All versions of the Testarossa were available with a rear-mounted, five-speed manual transmission. The rear mid-engine design – engine between the axles but behind the cabin – keeps the center of gravity in the middle of the car, which increases stability and improves the car’s cornering ability, and thus results in a standing weight distribution of 40% front: 60% rear.

The Pininfarina design team consisted of Ian Cameron, Guido Campoli, Diego Ottina and Emanuele Nicosia. They were led by design chief Leonardo Fioravanti, who also designed many other contemporary Ferrari models. The design was originated by Nicosia, but the guidance of Fioravanti was equally important. Being trained in aerodynamics, Fioravanti applied his know-how to set the layout of the car.

The designers were originally trying to minimize the necessary side intakes, which also could not be left open due to American safety legislation, but then decided on making them a statement of style instead – one that ended up becoming emblematic. The Testarossa did not need a rear spoiler.

The styling was a departure from the curvaceous Boxer – one which caused some controversy. The side strakes, sometimes referred to as ‘cheese graters’ or ‘egg slicers,’ that spanned from the doors to the rear fenders were needed to comply with laws in several countries.

1988 testa insta

Unlike the Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa had twin side radiators near the engine at the rear instead of a single radiator up-front – eliminating much piping and allowing for a much cooler cabin. After passing through the engine bay, the cooling air exited through the vents at the engine lid and the tail. The strakes also made the Testarossa wider at the rear than at the front, thus increasing stability and handling.

Oh, and just in case you needed to get somewhere fast, the Testarossa had a top speed of 180 mph.

The Ferrari Testarossa!

What a car!

-Alex Manos, Owner

1988 Ferrari Testarossa buyer Alex Manos

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