1986 Ferrari Testarossa

Lot details
Registration No: C454ARU
Chassis No: ZFFWA19C000063685
Mot Expiry: July 2012

7,000 MILES FROM NEW

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.

Reportedly one of the first right-hand drive UK specification Testarossas built, this particular example was supplied new via Maranello Concessionaires to Gabriele Rafanelli, a then London-based businessman and racing patron who later came to own the AGS Formula 1 team. A letter on file from Signor Rafanelli reveals that he had close links to the Ferrari factory and did most of his mileage aboard the supercar during 1986-1987. Relocated to Guernsey and put into dry storage alongside the rest of his collection in 1990, the Testarossa remained there for fifteen years before being transported to Italy where Signor Rafanelli's own race team mechanics treated it to an extensive refurbishment and service. Costing approximately _20,000 work included the fitment of a new battery, clutch, sports exhaust, brake cylinder / discs / callipers / pads, cambelts, fuel lines / pumps, water hoses / coolers and tyres not to mention an overhaul of the air-conditioning system. Having increased the odometer reading from 5,500 to circa 6,000 miles in 2006, Signor Rafanelli then sold the two-seater to the vendor who has added a scant 1,300 miles to the warranted total over the past few years. Finished in Rosso Corsa with Crema leather upholstery, 'C454 ARU' is described by its second owner as being in "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, five-speed manual gearbox) or "very good" (engine, bodywork, paintwork) condition. A true 1980s icon, this low owner, low mileage Testarossa is offered for sale with a letter of authentication from Ferrari GB Ltd, the aforementioned correspondence from Signor Rafanelli and MOT certificate valid until July 2012.