1989 Ferrari Testarossa by Pininfarina

1989 Ferrari Testarossa by Pininfarina
Sold for $242,000 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2014
Chassis no. ZFFSG17A7K0082581
Engine no. 19243
380 bhp, 4,943 cc DOHC horizontally opposed 12-cylinder engine with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel independent suspension by double wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic dampers, and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 100.4 in.
•Presented in as-new condition; less than 95 original miles
•Includes books, tools, and luggage in original packaging
•Dramatic Pininfarina styling; classic Rosso Corsa over tan leather
Instead of unveiling their new car at one of the more traditional venues, Ferrari chose the stage of the famous Lido nightclub in Paris to unveil the Testarossa. It was then officially exhibited at the Paris Auto Show the following day, and the impact it created was equally spectacular. Even though the Testarossa was an extreme and wild design in contrast to previous Ferraris, it sold quite well and quickly became an icon of 1980s style and excess.
Supercars of this type were quickly becoming known not just for their performance but also for their equally dramatic looks. The styling, considered by many to be a case of one-upmanship over rival Lamborghini and its outrageous Countach, was penned by Pininfarina and incorporated dramatic side strakes to accommodate the twin side-mounted radiators used to cool the powerful V-12. Unusual outrigger-style rearview mirrors completed the daring look. At a base price of $115,000 when new, the Testarossa made more than just a visual statement.
With less than 95 miles from new, this 1989 Testarossa is nothing short of a time capsule! It was sold new by Kessler Motorcars in New York City to David Abbott, a New York resident, and he remained the original and sole owner until the car was acquired by the current vendor. It comes complete with many original items, including its window sticker, the paperwork and envelope from the selling dealer, books, tools, a jack, and a car cover. Remarkably, it even includes the original, protective Ferrari-emblazoned plastic seat covers used to protect the car when it was shipped from Maranello. The original five-piece leather fitted luggage, as supplied with the car, remains in the factory cardboard packaging.
Another rarely seen factory accessory still with the car is the trouble light found in the glove box. The Testarossa also includes an extra set of keys with its dealer tags intact. In total, the car remains just as it was when delivered new. It is noted to be in good running order, and despite being essentially unused since new, it has been started regularly to maintain proper operation.
This is unquestionably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own what is likely the finest low-mileage, all-original Testarossa known to exist. It is in perfect condition inside and out, and it is fully documented from new.
As Testarossas have seen increased demand in the market in recent months, it is clear that examples of this caliber will only become more difficult to find. Simply stated, this is an unrepeatable opportunity to purchase the finest, all-original factory example known today.
Robert Myrick Photography