Ferrari’s Testarossa was half of perhaps the greatest double act in supercar history. An era defining rivalry saw it pitched head-to-head with Lamborghini’s awesome Countach and between them, they were the kings of the road. Based on the outgoing Berlinetta Boxer that had so admirably preceded it, the Testarossa was intended to be a faster, better handling, more spacious and more luxurious car than the BB, a machine that wasn’t initially legal for sale in the US due to federal safety and emissions legislation. However, the Testarossa was designed from the outset as a world car legal in every country.
The Testarossa’s cam covers and ribbed intake plenums were painted red in homage to the stunning Testa Rossa sports racing cars introduced for 1957. Bosch provided the K Jetronic fuel injection, these cars also featuring an electronic Magnetti Marelli Microplex ignition. With 50 horses more that the outgoing 512i, Ferrari’s latest series production flagship was even quicker than before. 0-60 took just 5.2 seconds, the top speed exceeding 180mph, and while this wasn’t quite as quick as the Countach Quattrovalvole on paper, the Testarossa was a considerably more pleasant proposition for any length of time.
Undoubtedly the most famous features were those bold engine cooling scoops carved into the bodywork and whilst artistic ducts had already been seen on the Dino and 308, never before had they so dominated the side profile and been turned into such an impressive styling trick. The slatted theme continued at the back where a full-width five-bar grille was mounted across the massive rear girth in a deliberate gesture to the cars most distinctive feature. Pininfarina fabricated the bodywork from a mixture of steel (for the cabin and doors), plastic (for the front and rear bumpers) and aluminium (pretty much everything else). From day one, the Testarossa was designed to be bigger, better equipped and a little more luxurious than the Berlinetta Boxer.
So, although the BB’s instrument binnacle was retained, the cabin featured new seats, redesigned door inserts, a three-spoke leather covered Momo steering wheel, a new dash facia and a centre console with more modern switchgear. The traditional open gearshift remained. First shown to selected Ferrari customers during September 1984 in Modena, this private launch was followed by a public debut at the Paris Salon in October.
Despite the Testarossa being an instant hit, several developments were later introduced, the first coming in mid 1987 when the solitary drivers door wing mirror initially situated half way up the windscreen pillar was joined by a second item. Both were now re-positioned towards the bottom of the windscreen pillars.
Six months later, the single nut wheel fixing was exchanged for a five-bolt arrangement whilst the interior also underwent some minor revisions. Production continued with the Testarossa thereafter remaining unchanged until early 1992 when it was replaced by the 512 TR. During this seven year run, 5648 were built.