1988 Ferrari Testarossa

Make

Ferrari

Model

Testarossa

Year

1988

Listed price

$245,000

Location

Camino, California

Transmission

Manual

Mileage

43,387 miles

The Ferrari Testarossa, Italian for "red head," burst onto the scene in 1984, instantly becoming an icon of 1980s excess and automotive design. Penned by Pininfarina, its striking side strakes weren't just for show; they channeled air to the rear-mounted radiators, a solution necessitated by the car's mid-mounted flat-12 engine. This design departure from its Berlinetta Boxer predecessor allowed for improved weight distribution and a lower center of gravity, enhancing its formidable performance. With 390 horsepower from its 4.9-liter naturally aspirated V12, the Testarossa could sprint to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and reach a top speed approaching 180 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its era. It cemented its place in popular culture through appearances in television shows and posters adorning countless bedroom walls, solidifying its status as a definitive supercar of its generation. This 1988 example, boasting 43,387 miles, represents the pure, unadulterated Testarossa experience, complete with its gated manual transmission — a tactile delight that connects driver directly to machine. The meticulous care lavished upon this particular Testarossa is evident through its comprehensive diary and service records, maintained since new. Crucially, it has undergone two complete engine-out services, with the most recent completed in January 2024, ensuring its legendary V12 is in prime operating condition and ready to deliver the exhilarating performance for which it is renowned. This is a chance to acquire a meticulously documented piece of Ferrari's storied V12 legacy.