The Testarossa was designed by Ferrari specifically for the U.S. market’s strict safety and emissions rules, applying lessons learned by the Ferrari racing program and also marking a dramatic entry into the high performance, luxury gran turismo market. Like all Ferraris, its signature element was the engine, returning to Ferrari’s roots with twelve cylinders but arrayed in Boxer fashion. This had been tried and proven in the 365 and 512 BBs but the Testarossa put it in a remarkable new body by Pininfarina which was a clear departure from their earlier designs for Ferrari coupes.

The Testarossa design emphasis was on airflow management, taking advantage from Ferrari’s racing experience. The body design was developed in Pininfarina’s wind tunnel specifically to develop high speed aerodynamic downforce. It’s most dramatic feature, and one which would be adopted for a succession of subsequent Pininfarina designs for Ferrari, were the side strakes which channeled cooling air into the engine cooling radiators located in front of the massive rear wheels.

Ferrari also began with the Testarossa to specify materials closely to their use and environment. The Testarossa’s structure was mostly aluminum, but steel was used for the doors and roof. The interior was luxuriously appointed and large enough to accommodate “American sized” drivers. It proved to be hugely successful both in sales and in re-establishing Ferrari at the top rank of luxury high performance GT cars.

It is a shame that Ferrari and Pininfarina never offered a factory spider version of the legendary Testarossa berlinetta, as the lines are so clearly suited to an open version. It is not surprising, therefore, that several firms sought to fill the void with independent conversions. One of the first, and clearly among the most successful, such cars were the examples built by the noted firm of Richard Straman Company. Stunningly expensive, they were nonetheless well engineered and offered both exclusivity and excitement for those who could afford the very best.

This custom spider conversion was executed by Straman when the car was nearly new. It was made for and used in a Pepsi commercial starring the late “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson singing his hit song, ”I’m Bad.”

When the Straman Ferrari Testarossa Spider was featured on the cover of Road & Track magazine in September 1987, the writer enthused “Richard has performed the best-engineered and –finished convertible conversions we’ve seen, true coachbuilding in the grand tradition.”

The Testarossa is powered by a 301.6-cid, 380-hp horizontally-opposed (flat) 12-cylinder engine that is connected to a five-speed manual gearbox. The precise steering is through a rack-and-pinion system that enables the fortunate driver to utilize the cars great handling characteristics. The brakes are vented discs at all four corners.

This open car has a truly elegant rear deck line and compliments the wild rear fender form as well as, if not better than does the original berlinetta design. When the top is raised, the shape of the soft-top is impressively rakish. It gives the Ferrari an aggressive, ready–to-pounce appearance. With the angle and length of the existing windshield extending nearly to the drivers head – wind noise is reported to be nearly nonexistent, even in fully open-air driving.

This triple black beauty has approximately 17,000 miles, and it was fully serviced recently. It represents an incredible piece of Hollywood and music history.