1987 Ferrari Testarossa Coupé

• Single wheelnut example
• Rare right-hand drive example
• Present ownership since 2013
• Kept stored in a heated garage since acquisition

Ferrari's flagship model, the Testarossa supercar revived a famous name from the Italian company's past when it arrived in 1984. A 'next generation' 512 Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa retained its predecessor's amidships-mounted, 5.0-litre, flat-12 engine. Reflecting Ferrari's racing heritage, the latter had first appeared in 4.4-litre form in the 365 GT4 BB having been developed using experience gained from the Maranello firm's World Championship-winning, flat-12 Formula 1 and sports-racing units. As deployed in the Testarossa, this unique engine now boasted a maximum power output raised to 380bhp at 6,300rpm courtesy of four-valve cylinder heads. Despite the power increase, smoothness and driveability were enhanced, the car possessing excellent top gear flexibility allied to a maximum speed of 290km/h (180mph).

Rivalling Lamborghini's Countach for presence, the Pininfarina-styled Testarossa succeeded brilliantly, the gill slats feeding air to its side-mounted radiators being one of the modern era's most instantly recognisable – and copied - styling devices. A larger car than the 512 BB - the increase in width being necessary to accommodate wider tyres - the Testarossa managed the trick of combining high downforce with a low coefficient of drag, its graceful body being notable for the absence of extraneous spoilers and other such devices. Despite the increase in size over the 512 BB, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor, the body - its steel doors and roof excepted - being, somewhat unusually for a production Ferrari, of aluminium. Luxury touches in the well-equipped cabin included air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather. Unlike some of its rivals, the Testarossa possessed light controls and was relatively easy to drive, factors which, allied to its outstanding performance and stunning looks, contributed to an instant and sustained high level of demand.

This example of Ferrari's epoch-defining supercar was built in December 1987, by which time the early cars' controversial high single mirror (monospecchio), had been replaced by two conventional mirrors mounted lower down on the 'A' posts. Of the 7177 Testarossas produced a mere 419 examples were right hand drive. According to the accompanying letter from the Maranello Concessionaires Archive, the Ferrari supercar offered here was first registered E905 LYN on 19th January 1988 to a Mr Norton of Pacific Oil. The car was ordered via the H.R. Owen dealership in London in Rosso Fer 300/9, with Crema hide, Nero dashboard and centre console and red carpets. This example has had seven former keepers. The car has been owned by our vendor since June 2013. Since acquisition the Ferrari has been stored in a heated garage and not used. The bodywork, paintwork and interior are described by the vendor as in good condition; however, the car's mechanical condition is not known due to its period of static display. Servicing will be required before the car returns to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of an owner's handbook, a V5C document, DVLA MoT history, and a file of past MoTs and service/repair bills. The current odometer reading is circa 29,955 miles.