1986 Ferrari Testarossa

The Ferrari Testarossa draws its name from an historical relative–the Ferrari 250 TR–which was built between 1957-61. Its racing heritage was nothing short of stunning, having won Le Mans in 1958, 1959, and 1961, and it was awarded the World Sports Car Championship constructor’s titles in as many years. It is no surprise that Ferrari would use the namesake to promote what would become one of their best-selling models two and half decades later.

The modern version, the type F110, is like its ancestral brethren, in that it is also powered by a 12-cylinder engine placed mid-ship. This modern-day TR was introduced in 1984 and was the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BBi) which suffered from unbearable cabin heat and lack of luggage space. The TR was six inches wider than the Boxer with increased head room of one-half inch. Coupled with a 64mm increase in the wheelbase, the existing issues surrounding the Boxer were eliminated.  The TR engine was identical to the Boxer but had evolved from 2 to 4 valves per cylinder.

The styling geniuses at Pininfarina originated the design, with much of the credit going to Emanuele Nicosia and chief designer, Leonardo Fioravanti, who was specifically trained in aerodynamics. Fioravanti set the stage for the initial layout of the car, achieving a drag Cd=.36 which was significantly lower than the Lamborghini Countach’s .42—all without the need for a rear spoiler.

This TR has a naturally aspirated 4.9 L, longitudinally mounted, Tipo F113 flat-12 with four valves per cylinder and is lubricated by a dry sump system. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.20:1 and provides 385 hp at 6,500 rpms with torque specs at 360 ft lbs. at 4,500 rpm. The U.S. version has slightly less horsepower and torque ratings than its European counterpart. All TRs were available with rear mounted five speed transmissions.

The performance of the TR is impressive with 0-60 times in the five second range with top end numbers coming in at around 180 mph, with quarter mile times in 13.5 second range.
The Testa Rossa is a recognized cultural icon of the 1980s and was popularized by the media in CBS’s hit series, Miami Vice and Sega’s 1986 video game, Outrun.

Our car featured here was purchased by its original owner in 1988. With only 16,900 miles, it has been stored in a climate controlled facility all of its life.

The car last saw service in 2014 when the car had logged 13,000 miles. At that time, the timing belts were replaced, and the car received a major tune-up. This Testarossa features the early production “flying mirror” and knockoff wheels.