The Pininfarina-penned Testarossa improved on the basic formula of Ferrari’s Berlinetta Boxer thanks to more horsepower propelling the flat 12-cylinder coupe to a 180-mph top speed. Derived from the Boxer, the flat 12 featured two banks of six horizontally-opposed cylinders and 48 valves. Bosch's latest K-Jetronic fuel injection improved power and drivability; with 390 horsepower on tap, the Testarossa was capable of sprinting to 60-mph in 5.3 seconds. Launched at the 1984 Paris show, the Testarossa was aimed directly at the American market. It was so much better as a road car and more aggressively styled than the preceding Berlinetta Boxer that a remarkable 7,200 Testarossas were sold between 1985 and 1991, making it the most successful Ferrari to date.

Pininfarina engineered the Testarossa to address some of the concerns with the 512 Boxer; it was wider, taller and longer for improved inside space, and the radiator was moved to the rear to eliminate plumbing that previously ran through the car. The all-important engine air intakes were dramatically extended into the doors with side strakes which stylistically enhanced the Testarossa’s body and actually directed air to two radiators in Formula One design fashion and contributed to making the rear of the car wider and handling more stable. Like many performance and all-out supercars, wind tunnel testing dictated the Testarossa have concealed headlights for improved aerodynamic figures.

The Testarossa became an American icon for its role in the hit TV police series “Miami Vice.” It was initially so popular that buyer frenzy fueled additional dealer markups, which peaked at about $150,000 in the early years.

The car on offer is handsomely finished in Rosso Corsa with a black leather interior. This model of Ferrari is amply powered by its 4.9-liter, 390-hp horizontally-opposed (flat) 12-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that is linked to a five-speed transaxle. This Testarossa is fitted factory alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, full instrumentation (speed displayed in kilometers per hour) and numerous convenience amenities.

Maintenance records are most important on Ferraris and this Testarossa has recently seen a major engine-out service that replaced the belts; the receipts are included. The overall appearance of the car is excellent, and the interior shows only very slight wear to the driver’s side seat bolster. Enzo Ferrari’s cars and his automotive vision are timeless. The Ferrari Testarossa is an iconic sports car; unendingly desirable and always in vogue, just as Mr. Ferrari wanted.