Automotive designer Robert Forrest returns to dissect the iconic Ferrari Testarossa and discover why this 12-cylinder supercar became an object of desire for enthusiasts in the 1980s.
Sometimes the stars align. In the 1980s, there was no brighter star than Ferrari’s Testarossa. Ferrari’s red giant ushered in the look that would dominate the decade, inextricably linking his name, color and shape in an unforgettable cascade that Kandinsky would be proud of.
Rather than the bold, intimidating look of the Berlinetta Boxer, the Testarossa’s body is carved into blocks that banish its predecessors from the past. Before getting to the side vents, the Testarossa’s master stroke is the side-separated shoulder line. What started as a steam trail behind the front wheels expands into a new volume at the rear, splitting the side of the body in two. This burlesque rooster’s tail licks its body like a solar flare, creating a frame that dangles over the sheer surface. Here, under his shoulders, his five straight metal fins will give Testarossa immortality.
The bravery of the air intake cannot be overstated, considering that Pininfarina’s design team, led by Leonardi Fioravanti, initially tried to hide it. Viewed strictly from the side, it’s almost shocking to see the contrast between the long nose and the cut-off rear. But you’ll never see a car like this. The height is so low that he can only see in two dimensions. If you look at his rear three-quarters, you can clearly see the black grill extending from corner to corner, extending his chest. It’s very simple. This elementary addition pairs perfectly with the Power Ballad body sides that dominate the car. The top of the lamp just barely exceeds the height of the wheel arches, giving the car VHS-like proportions. It’s hard to imagine a lower, wider stance.
Pininfarina’s attention-grabbing styling was breathtaking, with the ribbed black mask at the rear impressing the immortal Peugeot 205 and 405 that imitated the Italian. These cars served as a conduit for Dima, who was sure to capture the tuning market, especially his 205 T16. Subsequent products such as his GTi/Mi16, Mini Red His Hot and Jet Black drew on his Testarossa Rosso and his Corsa as the streets of the 1980s became checkered with the red and black of the hot hatches of the time. .
However, no one is more attractive than redheads. Even when all the test drives are done and the flat 12’s performance beats the EV, what remains is its story and styling. There is no racing pedigree to speak of here. You don’t need anything. Just looking at his Ferrari Testarossa shines more stardust than most cars do in a lifetime.
The stunning Ferrari Testarossa you see here comes courtesy of House of Cars and can be found alongside many other outstanding models on the Classic Driver Market.
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