1993 | Ferrari Testarossa

Introduced at the 1984 Paris Salon, the Testarossa caused a sensation. The functionality of its Pininfarina-styled bodywork was disguised by a wealth of flamboyant and futuristic detailing. Developed with the aid of a wind tunnel, it combined a low drag coefficient with impressive negative lift characteristics. 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, it 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 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 drive train and rear suspension on a separate sub-frame 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 resulted in more efficient cooling and less heat soak. Extensively reworked, the 4,942cc, flat-12 (developing some 390bhp) is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Highly praised by the contemporary motoring press, Autocar magazine found the Testarossa capable of 181mph and 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds.

Presented in, what many believe to be, the best combination of Ferrari Rosso Corsa with Crema leather interior, this very low mileage, original right hand drive UK Testarossa can only be described as in excellent condition throughout. First registered in February 1993 with Stratstone of Wilmslow, K795 FAR was with the previous owner from the summer of 2013, he purchased the car from a private collection. Having spent 16 years in the collection, the car was re-commissioned with attention to detail high on the list of priorities and, in 2014, was subject to a full cambelt service by renowned Ferrari mechanic and Maranello trained, John Greatorex. The current owner purchased the car in 2016 and added it to his collection, believed to have only covered 13,900 miles from new. Wanting his cars to be as near perfect as possible he sent the car in 2017 to Maranello in Egham where the engine was removed, given a cambelt service, the brakes overhauled, the suspension all gone through replacing all the bushes, removing the shock absorbers and springs, fitting two new rear shock absorbers and refitting the front shocks after checking and cleaning, checked through the fuel system replacing the fuel filters and renewing a fuel pipe which had to be made at the Ferrari factory. Fitting a new set of Michelin tyres and a new battery, all at a cost of £35,000 with the odometer reading 14,097 miles. In June 2018 the Testarossa returned to Maranello and was stripped down and repainted at a cost of £30,000, a further £2,000 spent on mechanical items before the year had finished and the odometer reading 14,428 miles. Since 2020 it has been fully maintained and serviced by Universal Classic Cars in Hampshire to keep this Testarossa one of the best in the world. It is supplied with a V5 registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in June 2024 and a file containing invoices from 2017 onwards, brochures and handbooks and a statement from a mechanic who worked on the car when it was recommissioned in 2014 after being in a collection. This example can be considered a genuine collector's example and is sure to attract attention not only from the UK, but also worldwide.
Consigned by: John Tomlin