1987 Ferrari Testarossa

Sold for $71,500 at 2006 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction.
The Ferrari Testarossa was unveiled to the public at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. The name Testarossa means 'red head' in reference to red engine heads. This was not the first Ferrari to bear the name Testarossa, it had been used in years prior. Production of the Testarossa began in 1985 and was created specifically for the US market. Much care was taken to make sure it met all safety, emission, and government regulations. The larger DOHC opposed twelve-cylinder engine was housed mid-ship and produced an impressive 380 horsepower. The five-speed manual gearbox sent the power to the rear wheels while the four-wheel disc brakes provided the stopping power.

The design was the work of Pininfarina and was a departure from their earlier work. It emphasized airflow management, aerodynamics, and modern appeal. The shape was honed in their wind tunnel to create the maximum down force. The side strakes channeled cooling air into the radiators.

By Ferrari's standards the car was large and heavy. The structure was mostly aluminum with steel used for the doors and roof. The interior was rather luxurious for a sports car which pleased the American buyers. The 12-cylinder engine was able to carry the car to a top speed of 175.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2006