Fantasy Junction

Description

1987 Ferrari Testarossa Convertible
VIN ZFFSG17AXH0070983, engine no. F.113A 040 00653
Black with Tan Leather Interior

Introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 1984, the Pininfarina designed Ferrari Testarossa stunned the world with its unprecedented styling and technical innovations. With the previous cooling challenges and cabin heat in the 512 Boxer, the Testarossa adopted radiators on the sides of the car, allowing for a full 12” of additional width and an increased wheelbase. Of course, the added room allowed for ample trunk space, but the real delight was the bold use of the enormous side openings, which appeared even more dramatic when accented by five horizontal ribs shielding the vast openings, giving the Testarossa a unique visual signature. Whatever controversy ensued over the looks was immediately settled by performance statistics and record sales.

Power came from a new four valve version of Ferrari’s horizontally opposed twelve cylinder engine rated at 390hp. Quick and capable at high speeds, the Testarossa was also well appointed with leather surfacing on the rear shelf, headliner, and visors. The ample trunk for mid-engine cars, comfortable seating position, and ease of controls, make it an ideal car for comfortable long distance high-speed drives. Testarossa owners are known for frequently using their cars, several examples of which have logged over 100k miles and a few now in excess of 200k.

This Testarossa is a very desirable US delivery car with exclusive coachwork performed in period by legendary Ferrari expert Richard Straman. One of only 315 US delivery cars produced for the 1987 model year, the Testarossa’s rarity was driven by delays in US emissions certification and the unprecedented high price when new. Brave and undeterred buyers however stepped up and purchased the Testarossa with just twelve customers taking it one step further delivering their cars to Straman Coachbuilders who, for an additional $40,000 on top of the nearly $100,000 purchase price, would carefully craft a convertible under special order for their elite clientele. Elite indeed as even Pininfarina would fabricate only one factory example of the Testarossa convertible, a silver car for none other than Gianni Agnelli on his 20th anniversary as boss of Fiat. Of the twelve Straman cars built in convertible configuration, just two were black, this particular car and a black/black example, which was used in the now famous Michael Jackson Pepsi commercial. That car was offered for sale recently for $799,000 and has since been listed sold.

According to a recent Carfax, this Testarossa convertible spent time with owners in the Western United States, chronologically accumulating the 52,500 miles shown today. Further supported by the Carfax and owner supplied documentation, minimal mileage has accrued since 2008 when the car was serviced at Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo, OR showing 50,488 miles, with accompanying invoices totaling over $41,000. Service at that time included a 30k belt service, replacing cam seals, new water pump, pump shaft, impeller, and bearings, as well as new cam belt tensioners, new belts, and a new thermostat. Also at that time, the gearbox was serviced to improve 2nd gear shifting and minor electrical work was performed. Detailed service invoices further record a new throttle cable, air conditioning recharge, and new thermocoupler ECUs. Some leather touch up on the dashboard was also performed, a windshield gasket reportedly was replaced, and exhaust inspection performed. The car was serviced again at 50,989 miles in Spokane, WA in 2013. In 2018, the car received new fuel pumps and fuel pump relays at Virtuoso Performance in Hayward, CA.

Today, this one of two Black Straman Testarossa convertibles presents a striking unique design with honest finishes. The black paint is glossy, clean, and appears to have been properly maintained, showing some evidence of road chips and minor imperfections that certainly don’t detract from the visual impact of this car. Unlike the Agnelli car, the Straman convertible achieves a much lower profile with a trim rear engine cover, which accentuates the dramatic side intakes and expansive rear width. Even with the top in the closed position, the hunkered down profile and powerful stance are unlike any other car.

The car has good driver cosmetics. The panel fit is good overall and the bumper caps are smoothly fit to the body with no significant warping. The unified color scheme is accented by hints of chrome emblems and lens color breaking through the thin black rear trim lines. Overall the finish is of very good quality and nicely detailed. The modular wheels are in very good condition with polished center caps, trimmed along the perimeter with precision bolt details, giving the car a competition touch. The glass, trim, and Testarossa side strakes are all in very good condition, straight and undamaged. The lighting and lenses throughout the car are properly preserved and detailed.

The interior is in tidy condition, presenting what appears to be sound original interior finishes, properly maintained since new, though a few areas show some signs of age, such as the dashboard. On balance, the leather remains clean throughout the interior, showing some surface wear on the lower left bolster of the driver’s seat and minor wear on the center console armrest, but far less than most original Ferrari interiors of this vintage will show. The brown leather dash shows pulling on top of the instrument binnacle as well as some shrinkage around the vents. The remainder of the dash and black panels with rotating knobs all appears clean, colorful, and functional, bearing appropriate factory finishes that appear original. The tan carpeting displays typical use in the pedal area, while the entry sills show some scuffs and a few scratches along the driver’s side entry threshold.

The engine compartment and trunk are remarkably well-preserved with no significant signs of wear in either location. The engine has been properly maintained, retaining factory finishes, correct hardware with proper hoses, correct air cleaner, and properly specified wires. Cosmetically, the engine compartment is very clean, showing correct factory stickers and markings, reflecting a tidy factory appearance, but not highly detailed. The intake plenums are correct raw aluminum casting finish accented by red paint and embossed Ferrari cast lettering. The trunk liners and carpet are clean and the rubber gaskets appear fresh and supple. There is a multi stack CD unit installed in the front storage area. The chassis appears quite nice, free from visible structural damage, and while generally tidy and dry, there is mild evidence of road use typical of a car that has been enjoyed as intended. Also of note is the fitment of catalytic converter bypass.

The car starts instantly and idles with a throaty growl typical of Ferrari flat-12 powerplants. Driving is both exciting and pleasant with progressive acceleration, great torque, and wonderful power on hand to delight even the most familiar performance drivers. Visibility is, as expected for an open car, remarkably good. The width of a typically closed Testarossa can often be daunting to manage. Here, in addition to sweeping views of all corner points, the seating position is excellent even for taller people with easy to reach controls, smooth 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. One might typically expect a fair amount of wind noise given the convertible configuration. This is not the case as the steeply raked windscreen cuts nearly all wind noise to a minimum even at higher freeway speeds – an important feature that even Road & Track commented positively on in their 1987 road test. The car comes with a jack bag, spanner, and other tire changing tools.

This very desirable and rare Ferrari Testarossa convertible offers exceptional performance in a stunning and uniquely designed car that will continue to draw attention from enthusiasts and admirers for decades to come. Ready for enjoyable driving or further preparation for shows and events like Radwood, this exciting Ferrari offers enthusiasts the captivating combination of ground-breaking design, exclusive coachwork, and legendary mid-engine 12 cylinder performance.

Due to California state emissions requirements, this car must be sold to an out of state buyer or California dealer.

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