1988 Ferrari Testarossa Coupe. Stunning, Very Rare Example. No Reserve! on 2040-cars
United States
1988.5 FERRARI TESTAROSSA COUPE. Classic Red over Camel Hides. Very
low mileage, well-maintained example.
This is a spectacular opportunity to acquire an incredible example of
one of the world’s iconic Italian supercars in superb condition. A rapidly appreciating Testarossa, specifically
a 1988 mid-year model when the wheels and many other upgrades were introduced,
this special example features the ideal Ferrari livery combination: Red, Tan,
Black (obviously standard Testarossa dashes were chocolate brown). Years ago, the current owner spent three
years seeking out this ideal combination worldwide until finding the ideal,
well-maintained vehicle to add to his/her collection. This Testarossa is owned by a significant private collector in the Mid-Atlantic
and has been his principal driving classic for years. As is obvious in the photos (all of which were taken in advance of
this listing on June 28, 2014), the car is in extraordinarily straight condition. It has been aggressively maintained without
concern at expense throughout the owner’s tenure. As you would expect: The
vehicle starts instantly and performs flawlessly. The leather headliner is perfect, the high
performance tires have ca. 90% remaining: Note tire nobs still visible in the
photos. No hangar queen, this vehicle is driven biweekly and has never been on
a track for any reason to the seller’s knowledge. Despite the vehicle’s amazing condition, seller classifies it as technically
a driver given ever slight signs of age of the vehicle, evidenced in the
photography. Among items, the car does
have things like flawlessly matched road chips, very minor wheel scuffs, and
leather scuffs/dash edging that betray to a judge or collector it’s not a 2014
model. That said, all photos in this
listing were taken on an unforgiving sunny afternoon to betray any flaws. Obviously they are few and hard to
identify. The car is stunning and is photographed at almost every stop light by
adjacent drivers. It is far and away
the most attention grabbing automobile, Ferrari or otherwise, that seller has
ever owned. Should prospective buyers wish to see or inspect the vehicle, seller
can arrange for the vehicle’s transport and mechanical inspection (fully at the
prospect’s sole expense) in the care of one of America’s very few
Factory-authorized Ferrari Master Mechanics.
Because the vehicle is currently at a secure, second home private
location with armed security, there will be no inspection on other terms. As a policy, seller does not allow test
drives of any collection vehicle. Thank
you for your interest. Of course this vehicle includes Ferrari tools, books, and records to
include original window sticker copy from Walnut Creek Ferrari, California
($135, 050.00 USD). WHY THIS CAR? This car model is an extraordinary piece of automotive history. It is an iconic, stunning design with shapes
and curves that still stop the seller in his tracks years into his ownership. The side grills, feeding separate engine
banks, still amaze and their graceful slope make the car smoother and smoother
as the car speeds up. Kids and folk in
the forties and fifties still ask if they can take their photo with the seller
at every fuel stop. For some reason,
this car model has come to embody the supercar of the 1980s, without the
ergonomic and mechanical baggage that many of us have experienced with other
Italian supercars of the same period. The Testarossa market is indeed showing life and this vehicle likely
well represents a credible opportunity to secure a position in that rising
market. Unlike the early and later eight
cylinders, the Testarossa remains the most affordable largely handcrafted
twelve cylinder Ferraris. With a tubular
frame, it is also a relatively advanced and straightforward design with modern
adaptations beyond the achievements of the Boxer Series. This example will flourish and allow the next
owner to enjoy and drive the vehicle a great deal during this appreciation
phase before exiting, in many years, with a still-low mileage, clean and
perfectly optioned example. SERVICE STATUS: The car has been aggressively maintained by the current owner by
factory trained mechanics throughout his tenure. An experienced Ferrari collector, the vehicle
has been maintained constantly without price being an object. In preparation for the listing, the vehicle
had a typical annual service and what he refers to as biannual private sorting,
e.g. perfect fresh battery, fresh dual window switches, fluid services,
etc… (Done by Competizione’s Master
Ferrari Mechanics the week of 23 June 2014). As mentioned above, the vehicle is driven usually at least biweekly
and has no storage/idling issues common to virtually every other Ferrari that
is only stored, polished and shown. It
is driven and used and in tremendous mechanical repair as a result. Of course the vehicle had a full engine out (30k service) and clutch
replacement service at Ferrari of Washington at 20560 miles (5500 miles
ago). Seller is aware of no outstanding
service needs. As obvious in the photos,
the engine bay is extremely straight and clean.
(Note that the original flaking foam deck lid insulation is long
gone. Lid lighting cables have been
wrapped and protected in aviation grade heat sheathing. Seller would embark instantly on a coast to coast drive in this
vehicle from the garage without either hesitation or preparation of any kind to
the vehicle. TERMS: This is indeed a NO RESERVE AUCTION.
Seller intends fully to honor any authentic bids made. To prevent any misunderstandings:
Please ask any questions in advance.
Seller is a very private party and not a car dealer; Unfortunately please ask any and all
questions before bidding as any deal is fortunate, but final. Assume there is nothing beyond the
photographed. Buyer must provide for a
significant deposit within 48 hours and payment in full by cashier check,
certified funds or wire transfer within seven calendar days. If you cannot afford the vehicle, please do
not bid. If the successful bidder fails
to meet any term, seller will immediately issue a second offer to the next
fortunate bidder. This will be an extraordinary addition to any collection. There are lots of clean, strange colored TRs
on the market or others that were inappropriately cared for during their
lives. If you know the market and these
cars well, you’ve likely already realized this is a special vehicle. Heartfelt thanks for your interest.
Best of luck in your own auto pursuits and adventures….whatever they may
be! |
Ferrari Testarossa for Sale
Auto blog
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