1988 Ferrari Testarossa

• Delivered new in Italy
• Monodado example
• Registered in France
• Fitted with its matching-numbers engine

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 drivability were enhanced, making for excellent top gear flexibility and 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 Maranello's iconic supercar was delivered new in Italy to its first owner by Mondial Car s.r.l. on 2 March 1988. Finished in Rosso Corsa with white leather interior, the car is offered with French registration papers; an expertise report; and the original service booklet signed by Jean Alesi. At the time this catalogue was written, the car had 56.879 km on the odometer.