In 1984, Ferrari unveiled its latest twelve-cylinder flagship, the replacement for the pretty but ageing Berlinetta Boxer series. The new car’s no-apologies body was designed by Pininfarina, an angular, impossibly low and wide machine that was graced with the most outrageous set of air intakes anyone had ever seen. If the styling didn’t stir up enough controversy, the choice of a name for the new car certainly did: Testarossa – a name steeped in motorsport history- was given to a car that had no intentions of ever seeing a racetrack. But in typical Ferrari style, the controversy was somehow spun to their advantage and the new Testarossa became a commercial success, selling in strong numbers while also gracing the bedroom walls of countless car-crazy kids around the globe. Although the Testarossa appeared dramatically different from the outgoing Boxer, it was not a 100% new car; rather, it was a heavily evolved version of its predecessor. The Testarossa still carried a 4.9 liter flat-12 mounted amidships in the chassis. But now the engine wore new alloy four-valve cylinder heads with signature red cam covers, increased compression and new management to bump the power up to 390hp. The chassis was lengthened, widened and tuned to produce excellent ride and handling, in turn making the Testarossa much faster than the Boxer point-to-point. The cabin was roomier and cooler thanks to the side mounted radiators (Boxers had coolant pipes that ran through the cabin). Testarossa owners could also carry a reasonable amount of luggage in the front trunk and behind the seats and stood a chance at arriving at their far-off destination exhilarated, but not exhausted and sweaty. Thanks to the mechanical refinement and the surprising longevity of the styling, the Testarossa enjoyed a 12 year production run over three generations, with just under 10,000 examples built in total. Official status in the US market also helped to secure the Testarossa’s future. The 512BB was never officially imported, but now, anyone in America with a large enough bank balance could visit a Ferrari dealership and drive home with a fully backed and road legal Testarossa. This attractive 1989 model shows just 16,354 miles from new, and presents in very good original condition throughout. The car was sold new on March 6, 1989, by Ferrari of Houston to a customer in Mobile, Alabama, and had clearly led a cherished life. Included with the car is the original owner’s manual and service book, in the original leather pouch, original jack in bag, a clean CarFax, and the car was treated to a major service including belts and complete valve job just under 2000 miles ago. The traditional Rosso Corsa paint is in excellent order, appearing largely original and showing no signs of a significant respray. While the Pininfarina designed body has little in the way of extraneous trim, the rocker panels and the typically vulnerable chin spoiler are straight, clean and show no signs of curb rash. As classic as the Rosso Corsa paint is the beautiful tan Connolly leather interior. The seats are in very good condition, with good leather, and showing minimal wear. Only the outer seat bolsters exhibit light wear, a very common occurrence for Testarossas, though it seems hardly enough to detract from the otherwise excellent cabin. Original carpets and dash are all in very good condition, and the only alteration from standard is the addition of a late-model Sony AM/FM Cassette player with a 10-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk. Under the large engine cover lays the 5-liter flat-twelve which is tidy and honestly presented in original condition. Correct fittings and hardware are evidence of professional and proper maintenance, and it shows no signs of damage or modification. This is a sound, well-sorted and totally usable Testarossa that will certainly please its next owner. Beyond their increasing collectability, these are surprisingly capable grand-touring cars, well suited for long distance adventures, for which this example would make an excellent companion.