1985 Ferrari Testarossa

Introduced in 1984, the flagship model of the Ferrari range, the Testarossa, was an updated model to the 512BBi and 365BBi before it. At its heart, it retained the predecessor’s 5.0 liter 4-valve flat 12-cylinder engine, mid-mounted and boasting 380bhp at 6,300 rpm. It would propel the car to a top speed of 180mph. As Motor magazine put it, ‘There are fast cars and fast cars. None of them comes close to the 180mph Ferrari Testarossa: it is firmly in that top echelon of high-performance cars for which perhaps only two or three rivals qualify. The Testarossa is so excitingly fast you can relive the moments of spine-tingling acceleration from the mere mention of the revered name.’ 

With competition as fierce as the Countach from Lamborghini, the new car had to have presence. Designed by Pininfarina, the car was just a subtle update until the eye is drawn to the striking and immediately recognizable side strakes, designed to draw air to the engine bay. Low and wide gave it a low coefficient of drag and great downforce regardless of the lack of extraneous spoilers. Lighter than the preceding model added to the car’s pace and handling characteristics. The interior is a well-appointed and comfortable place to be, well-equipped with air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, tilting steering wheel and plentiful leather. 

The Testarossa’s great advantage was in the drivability of the car. Light and easy clutch and shifting, good visibility and ergonomics made the car a delight to drive even in city traffic, and an exhilarating and rewarding experience when the roads open up and get twisty.