1991 Ferrari Testarossa

Lot details
Registration No: R917KPH
Chassis No: ZFFAA17C000087442
Mot Expiry: Oct 2012

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 Maranello. 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 a 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. Predictably exclusive, just 438 are thought to have been UK supplied.

Finished in Rosso Corsa with Beige leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "A1" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Reportedly supplied new to local resident Mr H.L. Scragg by the Melbourne Garage Ltd of Jersey on 15th January 1991, the right-hand drive Ferrari is of the later twin wing mirror design including the five stud fastening alloy wheels. Entering the current ownership as a part-exchange against a younger 512TR on 23rd June 2006, the supercar has remained with the seller for the past five years during which time it has been kept garaged as part of an extensive collection and covered less than 1,000 miles. The two-seater's V5C Registration Document lists five former UK keepers. Unfortunately, it is not known whether Mr Scragg is counted among them because any records from the Melbourne Garage Ltd have been lost. Understood to have covered just 31,500 miles from new, the Ferrari is accompanied by an extensive service history which includes paperwork relating to servicing carried out over the last decade by Maranello Sales, Talacrest, RossoCorsa & Fiorano Cars; the latter completing a full service & cambelt change in September of this year. Evidence of 17 services over the car's life are included in the original service and warranty handbook, demonstrating the care afforded this car by its previous owners. Riding on correct five-spoke alloy wheels, this striking Testarossa is offered for sale with current MOT certificate valid until October 2012 and comes with copies or details of another 11 historic MOT's dating back to 1997 not to mention its original leather document wallet and owner's handbook.