1988 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

KEY FACTS

• A low-mileage example of the iconic 1980s supercar in a very rare factory colour scheme.
• It is powered by the 385bhp 4.9-litre naturally aspirated flat-12, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission.
• First registered in Japan in 1988, it was imported to the UK and re-registered on 15 October 2015, and is now with its second keeper since arriving.
• The odometer shows just 45,713 km (28,405 miles). It has covered only 700 km since landing in the UK, mainly being stored as part of a collection.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Standard equipment on the Testarossa included electric windows, air-conditioning, and electrically adjustable seats.
• This car is finished in the rare hue of Bianco over a Blu Scuro leather interior.
• It remains wonderfully original inside, with original and lightly worn upholstery, and only the steering wheel having been upgraded to a slightly later original Ferrari item.
• The original alloys have been swapped for a set of split-rim OZ Racing wheels, and a stainless exhaust system has also been fitted.
• There are photocopies of some Japanese history, plus the original warranty booklet, and invoices for around £13,800 of repairs and maintenance over the last six years.

CONDITION

• There is no known prior bodywork damage.
• Its Bianco paintwork presents very well, and its condition is extensively documented in the photo gallery below. In November 2015, the US/Asia specification rear centre impact absorber was removed and the rear bumper was refinished to European specification. The side sills and front valance were refinished in black and the whole car was machine polished.
• The interior is original and is in good order, with no rips or tears in the leather, and only minor surface wear commensurate with the car’s age. The seats were partially re-connolised during the overhaul in late 2015.
• There are no known faults with any of the electrics or switchgear.
• The most recent MOT test was on 15 September 2017 at 45,166 km, when it passed with no advisories after the rear fog lamp was fixed.

SERVICE HISTORY

• In September 2017, the car was given an inspection at The Ferrari Centre in Kent, largely to investigate the cause of poor running. The offside bank spark plugs were renewed, and the throttle bodies were stripped down as necessary to reset the butterflies, then reassembled, and the engine was subsequently tuned.
• The front and rear brake pads were renewed, and the handbrake was adjusted, with new brake fluid being added. Minor coolant leaks were rectified, the brake master cylinder seals were replaced, and the car was fitted with a new battery.
• In November 2015, shortly after it arrived in the UK at around 45,050 km, it was given a major service by Carrozzeria UK in Berkshire. This included a new alternator, plus drive belts for the alternator and air-conditioning; new spark plugs and rotor arms, an engine oil and filter change, and adjustment of the tappets and valve clearances; plus a comprehensive engine bay detailing and refinishing. New wiper control stalks were fitted, along with a new fuel gauge, and a heat shield was fabricated for the sports exhaust back box.
• During 2014 at around 43,000 km, while still in Japan, a number of significant tasks were carried out. It was fitted with new timing belts and tensioners, a new fuel pump and accumulator were installed, the windscreen was replaced, and the clutch was renewed along with new bearings.

SUMMARY

This Ferrari Testarossa is a well-presented 1980s icon, in a rare factory colour scheme, and benefits from significant investment in its condition over the last seven years. Its performance is still impressive even today, and its unmistakable design makes it a crowd-pleasing supercar, whether out on the road or on display at a local or national show.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.