1985 Ferrari Testarossa

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari Testarossa was introduced in 1984 at the Paris Motor Show and brought the aerodynamic and modern wedge shape to the supercar realm. Designed by the creative genius Leonardo Fioravanti, the Testarossa came to epitomize 1980s excess. Defined by its distinctive air intakes running along both doors, these were quickly nicknamed 'cheese graters' by the public and came to define Ferrari's design language through the early 1990s. It was low, wide, and captivating and was hailed as one of Ferrari's definitive Gran Turismos.

Equipped with a 180-degree V12 with a 5.0-liter displacement with 390 horsepower, the Testarossa had a top speed of nearly 300 kph and could race from zero-to-100 km/h in under six seconds. Engineers were able to squeeze out an additional 40 horsepower over that of the outgoing 512 BBi, which greatly helped to improve performance. The flat 12-cylinder engine was redesigned to allow for four valves per cylinder, and it was given a new clutch helping to manage power at the rear wheels. The alloy quad-camshaft flat 12-cylinder engine displaced 4,942cc and used dry-sump lubrication; the fuel injection system allowed it to meet U.S. emission regulations for the American market. The rocker covers were painted red, allowing the famous word ' Testarossa ' to reappear, a name associated with the sporting successes of the 1950s. Understanding that performance and comfort were paramount, Ferrari increased the wheelbase by 2.5 inches and the width by nearly six inches, giving the car a more menacing stance, as well as more interior room and luggage space. The interior was trimmed in comfortable Connolly leather-covered seats.

The Testarossa used a steel tube chassis rather than the more common modern monocoque. The suspension was independent via double wishbones and single-coil spring dampers at the front, and single wishbones with double coil springs/dampers at the rear (in mid-1988, the suspension was redesigned). Behind the large tires were large ventilated disc brakes measuring 12.17 inches at the front and 12.20 inches at the rear. Early Testarossa examples had a single outside mirror and magnesium single bolt 'knockoff' wheels with a 16.33 inches diameter. For U.S.-destined cars, the mirror was lowered to a more conventional placement for the 1987 model year and was soon joined by a passenger side-view mirror for the driver.

The Pininfarina design team was led by design chief Leonardo Fioravanti and assisted by Ian Cameron, Guido Campoli, Diego Ottina and Emanuele Nicosia. Its aerodynamic shape had a drag coefficient of 0.36 cd, significantly lower than the Lamborghini Countach's 0.42. The rear mid-engine design kept the center of gravity in the middle of the car, increasing stability and improving the car's cornering ability. Larger 10-inch wide alloy rear wheels kept the car firmly planted to the pavement. Initially, Michelin TRX tires were installed with sizes of 240/45 VR 415 at the front and 280/45 VR 415 at the rear. The wheels changed to 16-inch diameter in 1986 with a width of 8 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear. Goodyear Gatorback 225/50 VR 16 front tires and 255/50 VR 16 rear tires were fitted. (U.S. market cars wore metric-sized TRX wheels until the 1989 model year.)

The Testarossa was built solely as a coupe, however, a single convertible (serial number 62897) was built in 1986 by the then Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli to commemorate his 20 years of chairmanship of the company. Pininfarina and some after-market firms such as Straman, Pavesi, Lorentz and Rankl and Koenig Specials offered unofficial Spider conversions on special consumer requests.

Produced from 1984 through 1991, Ferrari built 7,177 examples of the Testarossa.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2021