Year: | 1991 |
Make: | Ferrari |
Model: | Testarossa |
Mileage: | 26,700km |
Fuel Type: | Gasoline |
Drivetrain: | RWD |
Engine: | 5000CC |
Exterior Color: | Red |
The radically aggressive styling of the Ferrari Testarossa took the world by storm when unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1984. Few cars in history have so dramatically influenced pop culture and automotive design. Adolescent boys covered their walls with Testarossa posters, millionaires drove Testarossas as a testament to their taste, and celebrities drove Testarossas to flaunt their fame. For many, Testarossa ownership was the ultimate status symbol.
Rocketing the Testarossa from 0–60mph in under 5.2 seconds was a magnificent 4.9-liter flat twelve-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts — the most powerful production engine of its day. The impressive 390 horsepower (440 hp on later models) and 490 newton metres of torque peaked at relatively low rpm to deliver pleasingly smooth response at all revolutions. Such tractable power was unheard of in supercars and contributed to the Testarossa’s robust sales.
One of the Testarossa’s most distinctive features, the flamboyant side strakes, were an outgrowth of Pininfarina’s solution to problems plaguing the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer, namely lack of luggage space and radiator-induced cabin heat. Radiators were mounted Formula-One-style on the sides of the Testarossa, instead of the front, to amply resolve both issues. Since the radiator vents were larger than allowed in some countries, strakes were stretched from the door panels to the edges of the vents to divide them into smaller, more regulation-friendly openings. The public loved them and companies imitated them on products ranging from the Pontiac Fiero to the Honda VFR superbike.
Other popular design features included large retractable headlights, a long sweeping windshield, star-patterned wheels secured by a single nut (later five nuts), vents on the engine cover, a black louvre across the extra-wide tail, and red panels on the camshaft covers that gave the Testarossa its testosteronish name that actually means “red head” in Italian. Many of its features were bold for their time and helped make the Testarossa an instant classic.
The leather interior of the Testarossa is comfortable and refined. Even large drivers can position themselves comfortably by adjusting the tiltable steering wheel and supportive, power leather seats. The ride is quiet and enjoyable with excellent all-around visibility, powerful air conditioning, large easy-to-read meters and an authentic gate shifter for the five-speed manual transmission. Driving a Testarossa requires a little more concentration than driving today’s computer-assisted supercars. But it rewards with an addictive engine roar and unparalleled exhilaration.
Handling is excellent at all speeds thanks to a 40:60 (front to rear) weight distribution that was further improved in later models, four-wheel independent suspension, highly efficient ventilated disc brakes and streamlined aerodynamics with an impressive 0.36 drag coefficient. At high speeds, air passing through the radiators out vents in the engine lid and louvre creates a powerful downforce that significantly improves stability and eliminates the need for a spoiler.
As Ferrari’s top-of-the-line model, the Testarossa was priced well beyond the reach of most enthusiasts. It cost as much as $220,000 in the US and £136,500 in the UK. Yet demand was strong throughout most of its 1984-1996 production run. Now secondhand Testarossas can be purchased for a fraction of the original price, although their value has been steadily rising in recent years.
The pristine Ferrari Testarossa in stunning Enzo racing red shown in the accompanying photo was recently purchased at a very competitive price from a used car auction in Japan, where over 150,000 secondhand vehicles go on auction every week to provide unrivaled opportunities for value.
Wherever you live in the world, our dedicated team at Japan Car Direct can keep you informed of suitable vehicles on auction every week, arrange for professional third-party inspections, ensure all of your questions are answered, place bids on your behalf, inform you of every detail after successful bids, and arrange for the vehicle’s transportation to your nearest port. We are here for you every step of the way, and aim to make the entire process easy and enjoyable.
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I had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. I was a first time auction buyer and importer to the United States. Mathew walked me through... read moreI had an excellent experience working with Matthew at Japan Car Direct. I was a first time auction buyer and importer to the United States. Mathew walked me through every step and pointed me to all the right resources both online and here in the United States to complete the import process successfully. Communication wise prompt and helpful, as well as convenient. his insight into the auction process including the vehicle inspection was especially helpful. I ultimately ended up with exactly what I was looking for within budget. I would work with Japan Car Direct again and recommend them to anyone. read less
Matthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections,... read moreMatthew at JCD is the man. I’ve now imported three of my own cars through him. JCD was able to accommodate my unique needs, everything from short turn around inspections, expert opinions on bidding, arranging quick turn shipping, and handling of docs. I have no reservations sending more tens of thousands of dollars for future imports. At the end of the day, they really wanted to make me a happy customer. read less
I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great... read moreI highly recommend Japan Car Direct. They help you find exactly what you are looking for and are with you throughout the entire process. Import was seamless. Mike was great to work with. Highly recommend the team at JCD. read less
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Before this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the... read moreBefore this I have never imported any vehicles to NZ let alone one from Japan! I decided to give these guys a shot and bought a JDM Tesla into the country in the midst of the oil price hikes.
The process is painless end to end and I was well looked after by Mike. Definitely recommend Japan Car Direct for the auction and shipping service. read less
Great experience. Extremely easy process and Kept me well informed. Highly recommend them if looking to purchase a vehicle from Japan.
It's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness.... read moreIt's hard to say anything that hasn't been said from other reviewers! This was my first experience importing a vehicle. Mike Nguyen was super patient with me and my indecisiveness. He was very quick to respond, and very informative on all my questions. He helped my sort through options until landing a 1kz-te Land Cruiser Prado. It ended up being in better condition than I was anticipating, and was able to drive it 5 hours home from port without a single issue. Cannot recommend Japan Car Direct enough! read less
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I used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The... read moreI used Japan Car Direct's services to import a Nissan Silvia from Japan to Australia. Mike was very helpful from start to finish and definitely made the process stress free.
The detailed videos where Mike would translate and explain the Japanese auction sheets and inspections provided great clarification so I knew exactly what I was getting with my car. I have to also commend Mike's swiftness when it came to replying to emails and phone calls, he would always reply near on instantly and even outside of normal business hours just to ensure I was never left in the dark through the bidding and shipping preparation processes.
I could not recommend JCD enough for any potential self importers! read less
Just picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my... read moreJust picked up my car that I bought through JCD. I was a complete newbie about buying a car overseas and Mathew was kind enough to basically hold my hand and help me through the process. It seems pretty daunting at first but if I can do it anybody can. Highly recommend JCD! read less
I worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go... read moreI worked with Mathew on getting my first Japanese Kei truck. The process and communication were great. For me the back-and-forth communication was the reason why I decided to go with japancardirect. Being able to see the auction trucks that are coming out and getting a detailed translation of the auction sheet is awesome. At first, I was a little hesitant sending money for a car overseas that I haven't actually seen in person, but Mathew stayed with me even at times when I was less patient. Thanks for all the help you and your team provide. read less
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Taylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism,... read moreTaylor at JCD has been incredibly helpful in my search for a couple of unique rigs from overseas -- We've scored one, and are looking forward to finding another.
Taylor's professinoalism, promptness, clarity of communication has been amazing. He's helped answer a miultitude of questions, and everything went without incident (aside from impacts from Ukraine).f
Thank you, Taylor! read less
After seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be... read moreAfter seeing quite a few Kei Trucks on the road, I was intrigued. Seeing the local retail prices gave me sticker shock, so I immediately thought there has to be a better way. Sure enough, that way is Japan Car Direct. Yoshi and team are knowledgeable, professional and responsive. They do what they say they are going to do before, during and after the transaction, they are in it for the long haul. The result of reviewing the auction listings and acquiring/importing yourself (with help from JCD) is substantial savings and the satisfaction of paying a fair price. It's also fun if you enjoy searching for and identifying great automotive values. Would not hesitate to recommend their services to others and I will be back for more vehicles in the near future. read less
Can't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient... read moreCan't fault these guys - this was the first time I've bought a car at any auction, let alone one in Japan. The support from Yoshiro was brilliant, very patient with me and ensured that I only bid on cars worth having. The car I have bought far exceeds expectations in every way and the whole process of purchase and shipping was all taken care of - top marks and thank you read less
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Japan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions.... read moreJapan Car Direct helped me find my dream car. We found a great deal on an ST205. Yoshiro was fantastic and super responsive and patient with all of my questions. They made navigating the import process a breeze. This is a reputable company. I highly recommend them if you’re interested in importing your very own JDM. read less
So pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import... read moreSo pleased with our companies new Japanese mini-truck import. Japan Car Direct made it all too easy. We made a few first-timer mistakes on the paperwork but the next import will be even smoother. Looking forward to the next experience. read less
MARKNADEN Studio
4/08/2022
Great dependable business! Highly recommended! Thank you Mathew for all your hard work!
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