Lot details
Registration No: C217BYJ
Chassis No: 61483
Mot Expiry: Aug 2007

Introduced at the 1984 Paris Salon, the Testarossa caused a sensation. Seemingly loved and loathed in equal measure, the functionality of its Pininfarina styled bodywork was disguised by a wealth of flamboyant / futuristic detailing. Developed with the aid of a wind tunnel it combined a low drag coefficient with impressive negative lift characteristics (hence the lack of extraneous aerodynamic aids). The first twelve-cylinder Ferrari to be marketed in America for a decade, the new flagship was of vital importance to the Maranello manufacturer. Although, it was built around a similar tubular steel matrix and 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 (the rest of the bodywork was formed in aluminium), 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 drivetrain and rear suspension on a separate subframe 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 (and force fed air by special aerofoils secreted in the prominent door / rear wing strakes) resulted in more efficient cooling and less heat soak. Extensively reworked, the 4942cc flat-12 (whose roots dated back to Ferrari's 1975 312T F1 car) was lightened by 20kgs and featured ellipso hemi-spherical combustion chambers, four-valve cylinder heads and Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection. Developing some 390bhp and 362lbft of torque, it was mated to five-speed manual gearbox but kept in check by twelve inch discs all-round (gripped by four-pot callipers) and a limited slip differential. Highly praised by the contemporary motoring press, Autocar magazine found the Testarossa capable of 181mph and 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.
Finished in rosso corsa with crema leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" overall condition. Believed but not warranted to have covered just 42,000 miles from new (a figure apparently substantiated by main dealer service history up to 36,000 miles and specialist invoices thereafter), 'C217 BYJ' is said to be in regular use and to drive superbly. Due to arrive at Kempton Park under its own considerable power, this sensational Ferrari is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until August 2007 and road tax until July 31st 2007.