Fantasy Junction

Description

1986 Ferrari Testarossa
VIN ZFFSA17A1G0059953, engine no. F113A040 00136
Blu Sera with Crema Leather and Blue Carpets

The dramatically designed and technically advanced Ferrari Testarossa debuted at the Paris Auto Show in 1984. Having been partnered with Pininfarina who designed nearly all production Ferrari models for decades, the Testarossa stunned the world with unprecedented styling, remarkable performance, and technical innovations. Designer and trained aerodynamicist Leonardo Fioravanti, already credited with many iconic Ferrari designs, led the design team to seek a dramatic departure from the Boxer, which Ferrari needed to reaffirm their leadership position as the premier exotic sports car builder. Previous cooling challenges and cabin heat in the 512 Boxer were critically addressed as the Testarossa design team placed radiators on each side of the car, adding a full 12” of additional width to the platform while also increasing the wheelbase. The added room now offered ample trunk and passenger space, but the most striking design feature was the bold use of the enormous and distinctive side openings, accented by five horizontal strakes, which visually diffused the vast intake chambers. Ferrari purists and journalists initially challenged the avant-garde design, but any concerns were immediately quieted by surprising performance statistics and ultimately settled by record-breaking sales.

Power for the Testarossa came from a new Ferrari four valve horizontally opposed V12 engine, rated at 390hp. Quick and responsive even at high speeds, the Testarossa was well appointed inside with leather on the rear shelf, headliner, and visors in addition to the traditional leather seats and console. The sizable trunk, comfortable seating position, and ease of controls, made the Testarossa an ideal car for comfortable long distance high-speed drives. Properly maintained, they are durable cars, with some Testarossa owners driving their cars extensively, including several examples of which have logged over 100k miles and a few now in excess of 200k.

This Testarossa was delivered new to Newport Imports, Inc. in Newport Beach, CA, and sold to the first owner, Richard Engel of Costa Mesa, CA. Original sales information is documented by the owner’s manual and a copy of the sales contact included with the car. Mr. Engel, a multiple Ferrari owner, retained the car along with his 1990 Ferrari F40 and 1980 308GTB, keeping detailed records showing miles accumulated since new from February 21, 1986 with the first service showing 421 miles through to September 4, 1992 with 31,710 miles. A new clutch was installed at 31,419 miles. By April 30, 1999, a new owner residing in Scottsdale, AZ had the car serviced at Cavallino Classics at 35,597 miles. During this time, the brakes were serviced, oxygen sensor replaced, and various electric switches replaced. By 2001, the car made its way back to California, where it has remained since. In March 2018, with 40,707 miles recorded, Roselli Foreign Car Repair in San Jose, CA performed a complete engine out belt service with new crank and cam seals, new timing belts, valve shims, new spark plugs, new battery, and all new fluids including coolant and transmission oil. At the same time, a new fuel pressure regulator was installed, the speedometer transmitter replaced, and Freon updated and the A/C system recharged. A recent Carfax shows records from 1991 – 2015 consistent with the miles recorded in the various service records included with the car. The car currently shows 40,725 miles.

Today, this unusual and stunning Sera blue Testarossa presents with factory correct components, beautifully maintained finishes, and its original engine. The recently repaint remains glossy, smooth, and properly maintained showing only minor road chips and one scuff on the lower front air dam. The presence of the car in this color is particularly striking in that the deep blue somewhat conceals the immediate impression of the side vents, giving the car a very handsome profile while still conveying the dramatic effects of the beautifully sculpted fenders. The bumpers fit correctly to the body with no significant warping or distortion. Correctly sized tires were just installed on the beautifully finished factory center-lock wheels, showing no scuff marks or curb rash on the wheel rims. The glass, trim, and Testarossa signature black accents are all in excellent condition, including the emblems and script. The lighting and lenses throughout the car are nicely preserved and properly detailed. Overall, the visual impression of this Testarossa is very attractive, offering a wonderfully satisfying look and feel to the paint, trim, and detailed pieces, belying the 33 years that have passed since the car was delivered new.

The interior is in very good condition as well, with sympathetic freshening including redyed leather. The crema upholstery contrasts beautifully with the blue dash, upper door panels, and carpets. The dashboard was retrimmed over twenty years ago and is now shrinking in the typical fashion on top, while the remaining leather is clean and supple. The general condition of the interior and soft components is quite nice. Even the embossed headrests are free from marks or staining. The dash fascia and black panels with rotating knobs all appear clean and functional, with colorful indication, bearing appropriate factory finishes. Behind the radio lid concealed in the dashboard is a newer discretely installed Sony CD player. The blue center console, often warped or sun-dried is in excellent condition along with the satin black switch plate covers. The blue carpeting, side bolsters, and doorsill thresholds all remain clean and devoid of significant scuffs or stains, showing light use in the pedal area and along the entry sills.

The engine compartment and trunk are remarkably well-preserved with no significant wear in either location. The matching numbers engine has a crisp appearance following the recent service and appears to have been properly maintained, retaining factory finishes, correct hardware with proper hoses, correct intake manifolds, and properly specified ignition wires. Cosmetically, the engine compartment is very clean, showing correct factory stickers and markings, reflecting a tidy factory appearance. It is evident that when the recent professional engine-out service was performed, the work included proper cleaning and attention to detail, as evidenced by the consistent and tidy presentation under the hood. The painted red heads, from which the Testarossa name is historically derived, are clean and correctly finished as are the raw aluminum intake plenum castings also accented by red paint and embossed Ferrari lettering. The trunk and front storage carpets are very clean as is the spare tire and specialized matching rim, with factory sticker. The underside of the car appears quite nice, with the chassis appearing free from any visible structural damage, and while generally tidy and dry, there is light evidence of road use typical of a car that has been enjoyed as intended.

The car starts instantly and idles with a very satisfying V12 sound enhanced by a previously installed ANSA muffler. The factory catalysts remain in place. Driving is exciting and yet civilized with progressive acceleration, great torque, and unusually snappy throttle response. Unlike typical exotics, the Testarossa is not fussy when driven, one can cruise comfortably with the A/C on and engage in conversation, knowing full well the power is instantly there when summoned. Visibility is surprisingly good given the width of the car and the low stance, but maneuverability is rather easy once you are familiar with the dimensions of the car. Seating position is excellent even for taller people with easy to reach controls, pricise shifter, and comfortable clutch action. The ease and composure while driving is surprising given that you are in one of the most iconic and powerful modern Ferraris ever built. The car comes with an owner’s manual, assorted service records, a copy of the original purchase contract when sold new, a very nicely preserved jack and jack bag with spanner, and other tire changing tools, and a matching tool roll with tools.

This very desirable and beautifully preserved Ferrari Testarossa offers exceptional performance, beautiful colors, and stunning design, all of which will continue to draw admirers for decades to come. A rare first year Testarossa with all the unique early features, this car is made even more remarkable by its unusual and beautiful color combination. Ready for enjoyable driving or further preparation for shows and events, this dynamic Ferrari offers enthusiasts the captivating combination of ground-breaking design and legendary mid-engine 12 cylinder performance as only Ferrari can deliver.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608