Few cars represent an era better than the Ferrari Testarossa, which takes the top prize next to the Lamborghini Countach for being emblematic of the 80s supercar wars. Known for its role in TV shows like Miami Vice and generally being synonymous with the playboy set, the Testarossa has emerged as a genuine collectible after being seen purely as a symbol of 80s excess. While many were painted red and subsequently the subject of posters hung on many bedroom walls, this example has a white exterior with tan leather and just 9,000 original fines. Find it here on craigslist for $158,500 in Edgewater, New Jersey.
One of my favorite details of the Testarossa was the rear end treatment. The grill slats across the taillights was a simple but dramatic style element, even if it made the lights and rear signals harder to see. It ties in the iconic side strakes that made Testarossa instantly recognizable, even if you had never seen one in the flesh. Those stakes were actually somewhat functional, protecting the side ducts that guided cool air into the intakes and radiators, as required by some countries that apparently didn’t like huge openings in the sides of cars. It’s also a look that could only be pulled off in one era – the 1980s.
The interior remains in beautiful condition, as you might expect for an example with such low mileage. The classic Ferrari gated shifter is a sight that makes me nostalgic, considering Ferrari has all but abandoned the traditional manual transmission in its newest models. The dash shows no signs of wear or cracking, and the same goes for the gorgeous three-spoke steering wheel. The stereo has been modified with an aftermarket head unit and amplifier, but the cabin otherwise remains in stock condition. The seller notes he’s owned the Ferrari since when it was near-new with just 2,300 miles on the clock.
The car was acquired from the original owner as he was going through a divorce. The seller notes that despite the low mileage, the major 15,000 mile service has already been performed. The Testarossa has been modified slightly with a Borla exhaust, but the original exhaust assembly is included. Overall, the supercar presents just as the seller describes with no obvious cosmetic or mechanical flaws. Service records and books accompany the sale, which will hopefully paint a detailed picture of ongoing maintenance. If you had to make the choice, would you choose a Testarossa or the Countach?
I mind doing a track day at Knockhill; there was one of these and it was too wide to get bast I was all over the back of it in the twisties and then it got away on the straights. I was in a 2CV.
…past, not bast…
Always amazes me how far technology has progressed since 1988. I don’t how fun this car would be to drive for any long length of time / miles. Price seems a little high. What are your thoughts Barn Find folks.
The car was designed for flat out, high speed , cross-country driving. The car really wakes up and starts working the way it was designed to at 70+ mph. The faster you go, the better it feels. I’m 6’2″ and 130 lbs. Lots of room, very comfortable, nice driving.
Make that 230 lbs.
Spasso said, “Make that 230 lbs.” Thank God!!!!
I tried to get in a Ferrari 512 one time, I couldn’t. Italians must not be as big as your average Scandinavian chap I guess. Call me a simpleton, but at the time, I got back in my Volare and was comfy as could be.
Simpleton
That’s a lot of money to relive your Miami Vice fantasies, but you will save some cash by not having to buy socks!
Was the rear axle transfer case serviced and upgraded? These cars have a history of breaking the rear axle housing.
Actually it is the internal differential carrier that fails. One end is welded on at the factory and in many cases eventually fracture. SOME, (not all) come apart taking out the left side of the transaxle housing. There are numerous one piece forged replacements on the market now for upgrades.
Sorry, this is more like a carriage house find.
I lived in Miami ..when drug LAWYERS were taking these cars as retainer payments from drug dealers. Briefly worked for a “gray market” dealership doing prep work and delivery of these critters.
Good times.
Makes we want to search for old Miami Vice re-runs, though I preferred the early fake Daytona years to the later Testarossa years.
You’ve got to love TV shows. I remember Sonny & Rico hiding out behind the Testarossa(car was parked broadside) having a gun battle with a least 3 guys. At least 50 rounds were fired with Sonny screaming the whole time” Don’t shoot the Ferrari, don’t shoot the Ferrari!!!!”
When the shooting battle was over, not a single bullet hole could be found in the Ferrari-to Sonny’s relief.
There you go…. even bad guys like Ferraris!
nice
The price of this Testarossa seems a bit expensive. I’ve found several like this with the full service having been done for anywhere between $80k & $110k but the “price bump” for this one is because it’s white, I think.
As for the Testarossa or Countach question, for me it’d be Testarossa 8 days a week because it’s far more driveable than the Borg. My time in a Countach will forever be my worse “exotic car” experience. As far as I’m concerned, the only people or most people, who “love” the Countach are those who’ve never even sat in one, let alone had the torture of actually driving one.