1987 Ferrari Testarossa

Description

Made ubiquitous through its appearances on television, video games, and countless bedroom-wall posters, the Ferrari Testarossa’s reputation as an icon of the 1980s proceeds it. Introduced as the successor to the Berlinetta Boxer in 1984, Ferrari’s new mid-engined flagship was a radical departure from the sharp wedge profile and raw driving experience of its forbear. Equipped with an evolution of the Boxer’s flat-twelve-cylinder engine, the similarities ended there, as new side-mounted radiators resolved the previous car’s heating issues while also dictating a dramatic side profile and a wide, squared-off rear end. Inside, ergonomics were vastly improved and standard luxury amenities including Connolly Autolux leather and air conditioning made the Testarossa the most refined and daily-usable Ferrari of its day. Today, the original Testarossa (1984-1991) remains one of the most coveted and widely recognizable models of the marque for its era-defining styling, superb drivability, and legendary performance. 

RADwood Ready

RADwood is a festival that focuses on the culture and vehicles of the 1980s and 1990s. RADwood, and the “RADwood Era” are now commonly used to reference this period of bodacious automotive history.

Hagerty took stewardship of RADwood in March of 2022 to build on the company’s purpose to save driving and car culture while expanding and supporting inspiring experiences for automotive enthusiasts.

Highlights

• Desirable original Testarossa (1984-1991) boasting center-lock Speedline wheels 

• As a 1987 model-year example, it additionally benefits from a factory-updated injection system, fuel level gauge, water and oil pump drive chain, and air pump 

• Powered by a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine producing 380-horsepower, mated to a five-speed manual transmission 

• Classically finished in Rosso Corsa over a Beige and Testa di Moro (Brown) Connoly leather interior 

• Major service performed at 52,047 indicated miles in April and July of 2017 by the Ferrari specialists at Evans Automotive Repair, Columbus, Ohio, the highlights of which include: Rebuilding the water pump, fitting new timing belts, tensioners, rear main seal, distributor caps and rotors, spark plugs and wires, fuse panel, fluids, hoses, belts, gaskets, fuel injectors, overhauling the HVAC system (including a new A/C compressor), as well as refinishing the engine bay and all four wheels

• The Ferrari subsequently returned to Evans Automotive Repair in August 2018 for further sorting including repairs to the fuel (fuel distributor and lines) and electrical (fuse panel and connections) systems, totaling over $25,000 in work performed between 2017-2018

• Received a Tubi stainless steel exhaust system ($5,000 upgrade), updated electrical system and rebuilt fuse box, and new rear brakes courtesy of Cauley Ferrari, West Bloomfield, Michigan in November 2020

• Shod with BFGoodrich g-Force tires fitted in 2017 at 52,047 indicated miles

• Single-ownership since May 2014

• Showing 53,833 miles on the Veglia Borletti odometer at the time of listing

• Offered with owner’s manuals, tool roll, jack, bulb/fuse holder, spare belts, and a clean Carfax report

Features

• Speedline 17-inch five-spoke aluminum center-lock wheels 

• Pop-up headlights

• Side air intakes

• Three-spoke leather-wrapped MOMO steering wheel

• Air conditioning

• Alpine CD stereo

• Gated shifter

• Cavallino-embossed headrests

• Power-adjustable seats

• Power-adjustable mirrors

• Power windows

• Aftermarket Tubi stainless steel performance exhaust 

• Quad exhaust outlets

• Limited-slip differential

• Four-wheel independent suspension

• Four-wheel disc brakes

Known Flaws

• Carfax notes an accident on 10 March 1989, with ‘Damage to right side’

• Rock chips on front bumper 

• Typical wear and creasing to leather upholstery

• Passive restraint seatbelt system not operating on one side

Included

• Single key

• Owner’s manuals and leather folio

• Tool roll

• Jack

• Bulb/fuse holder

• Spare belts

Ownership History

The accompanying Carfax report places the Ferrari in Florida and Illinois throughout the 1990s before relocating to Oregon in the mid-2000s. Purchased by the Michigan-based consignor in 2014, the car has been enjoyed and diligently maintained by a single owner for nearly a decade.