Introduced the night before the opening of the 1984 Paris Motor Show at the famed Lido nightclub on the Champs-Élysées, Ferrari’s dramatic Testarossa took the world by storm. Not only did the Testarossa find its way into the garages of over 7,000 enthusiasts, but it also earned a place of honor on many a child’s bedroom wall, becoming the poster-child for a generation. The Testarossa’s place in 1980s history was further solidified with its starring role in Miami Vice alongside Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, and it has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, songs, and music videos since, including Rocky V, Wolf of Wall Street, and Straight Outta Compton.

Ferrari took their customers’ comments on the Berlinetta Boxer models to heart when addressing the model and designed the Testarossa to be a more user-friendly car overall. Increasing the Testarossa’s width by nearly half a foot and its wheelbase by 2.5 inches, it offered passengers more interior room while also giving the car a more menacing stance on the road. Engineers also managed to provide customers with more luggage space and additionally made an effort to reduce cabin heat. The flat-12 cylinder engine was redesigned with four valves per cylinder, and the Testarossa received a new clutch as well. Horsepower was increased to 380, which provided the car with a 0–60 mph time of just over five seconds and a top speed of just under 180 mph.

This particular Testarossa, a highly desirable single-mirror, European-delivery example, was delivered new to Istanbul, Turkey, in February of 1986. The car spent little time there and was almost immediately shipped to the United States. On March 4, it was formally imported into the United States according to a release letter from the Department of Transportation and was sold to its first owner shortly thereafter. Although little is known about the car’s subsequent history, it is believed that it has remained in the US since it was imported. Today, the car presents very well in largely original and unmolested condition, very much in accordance with the 40,000 kilometers (24,854 miles) currently showing on its odometer.

The most sought-after Testarossas include both the early single-mirror examples for their unique looks as well as European-specification models for their free-flowing exhaust, lack of catalytic converters, smaller rear bumper, and increased performance. Furthermore, the Testarossa’s performance can still outpace most production cars today, and it remains highly exciting to drive.

As those children who once had a poster of a Testarossa on their bedroom wall have come of age, it is no wonder that these cars have experienced a marked surge in popularity. This particular Testarossa would be an excellent choice for the individual looking to purchase their childhood dream car.