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Year of manufacture1991
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Car typeOther
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Lot number148
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Reference numberMO24_r0059
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ConditionUsed
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
Description
- One of approximately 266 US-market Testarossas produced for 1991
- Finished in the legendary shade of Rosso Corsa
- Displayed 7,296 miles from new at time of cataloguing
- Desirable final model year of Ferrari’s iconic Testarossa
The name Testarossa means “redhead,” a nod to the color of the cylinder heads on the original, race-dominating Ferrari 250 TR of the 1950s. Honoring that model’s glorious heritage, Ferrari bestowed the nickname upon the new coupe that they introduced at the Paris Auto Show of 1984.
The Testarossa was a step forward in all regards, though it was undoubtedly its radical styling that first caught enthusiasts’ eyes. Those long side strakes served a purpose, channeling fresh air toward the potent, red-headed 5.0-liter flat-12 engine. And while it was undeniably a great-looking machine, unlike many so-called “performance cars” of this emissions-strangled era, it actually went like it looked—top speed was nearly 180 mph, and acceleration from 0-60 mph took a little over 5 seconds, both still figures not to sniff at. This was thanks to an engine that produced 380 horsepower, 40 more than that of the Testarossa’s predecessor, the 512 BBi.
By the time the Ferrari Testarossa’s production run came to an end in 1991, Modena’s flat-12-powered wedge had left an indelible mark on popular culture; with 7,177 built between 1984 and that final year, it was also, by Ferrari standards, a tremendous sales success.
This 1991 Ferrari Testarossa is finished in Rosso Corsa with factory wheels and Goodyear tires. The interior is trimmed in black leather, and it features a MOMO steering wheel and Veglia Borletti instrumentation, with climate control, power accessories and clock cleanly housed in an era-appropriate center console. Having covered 7,296 miles from new at time of cataloguing, this Testarossa is accompanied by a tool roll, jack with bag, and spare.
To this day, the Testarossa remains one of the most recognizable and beloved Ferrari models ever produced. It is a fixture of 1980s automotive styling and performance, as this low-mileage example wonderfully demonstrates.
Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mo24/.
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