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Details
40th Birthday present from MCA
1987 FERRARI TESTAROSSA
Registration No. D57 URG
Chassis No. ZFFAA17C 0000 66471
Engine No. 20
Rosso with brown and tan interior
Engine: 12-cylinder horizontally opposed 4,943cc, Bosch fuel injection, 390bhp. Gearbox: five speed manual, in-unit with engine. Brakes: hydraulic ventilated discs front and rear; Suspension: upper and lower transverse wishbones, front and rear. Right hand drive.
It's the key to the Testarossa's enduring appeal - there's nothing quite like a flat-12, either in feel or sound. It combines smoothness and refinement with diamond-hard edge, pulls harder for longer than any turbocharged rival, and possesses a generosity of character that is completely seductive. Autocar & Motor, 1988.
The name Ferrari has always been associated with performance and style. In October 1984, at the Paris Salon, the Testarossa created a sensation and was considered to be perhaps the ultimate GT car for road use. The name, of course, was derived from the earlier Testa Rossa roadsters, (which in English refers to the red-topped cylinder heads). From the 250 Testa Rossa was developed the 3-litre V12 and this engine dominated the World Championship of Makes for three seasons, beaten only by Aston Martin in 1959, and the 250 GTO in 1962, because of the new regulations. (The GTO engine also being derived from the Testa Rossa.) The Testarossa was the replacement for the BB series, which had run for twelve years. The twelve cylinder Boxer engine had been redesigned and retained only the engine displacement of its predecessor. The engine was some 20kg lighter than that of the 512 BBi and, with the new four valve head engine, performance was increased in power and torque with reduced fuel consumption, and horsepower was actually increased by 50hp. With influence from Formula One, a relocation of the water and oil tanks from the nose of the car to the centre just ahead of the engine helped tremendously. This allowed better weight distribution, a more efficient cooling effect of great importance to a road going GT and also increased luggage capacity in the front. The radiator grille is in fact retained partly for tradition, but also to cool the front brake discs.
The Pininfarina designed body obviously owed much to the aerodynamic engineers to evolve into the stunning silhouette shape, which is unique to the Testarossa.
This car is a 1987 example, and was registered on the first day of that year, it was kept by that first owner for just two months before being purchased by Elton's record company, to give to him at his 40th Birthday party. Whilst it is uncertain why the car was not a brand new factory-ordered car as other models in the collection (had been), a possible explanation is that the level of demand was so high at this time in the 1980s and presumably it was required at such short notice that it was simply not possible to complete an order, so buying a nearly new car was the only option. Having secured the Ferrari, it was transferred to Mr John's ownership in March that year; later on it was joined in stable first by the 412 Coupé [Lot 1] then by its successor the 512 TR [Lot 13] and has been kept by him ever since. During Elton's ownership the Ferrari has been maintained by Maranello Servicing and Weybridge Automobiles. The most recent of these services will be just prior to the auction, the cam-belts having last been replaced at 6,858 miles, in March 1996.
The mileage at the time of inspection was 7,434 miles, and its condition reflects careful ownership, though there are some minor signs of age. It is offered complete with its tool kit, handbook and manual.
The Testarossa was given by Elton John's record company, MCA, for his 40th Birthday on March 25th, 1987, at a party held for him the following month at Lockwell House, in Rickmansworth. A large red ribbon and feather boa decorated the car, which was presented to Elton John in front of the press. Friends and employees of Elton John recalled that due to the terrible weather on that day, there were huge queues for parking at Lockwell House, and all the cars got stuck in the mud. Even Elton himself was held up in the traffic jam. Tired of waiting he got out of the Phantom VI [Lot 11] and walked into the house, catching all by surprise and somewhat dampening the moment of presentation of the car.
Sir Elton John thinks of his Ferraris as truly classic cars and loves their design, shape and style. He has used this Testarossa more than the later model [Lot 13].
John Newman, Sir Elton's fleet manager, refers to the two Testarossas in the collection as the 'Red Devils' and describes this model as more of an enthusiasts' car to drive than the later version in the sale, due to its gate gear system.
1987 FERRARI TESTAROSSA
Registration No. D57 URG
Chassis No. ZFFAA17C 0000 66471
Engine No. 20
Rosso with brown and tan interior
Engine: 12-cylinder horizontally opposed 4,943cc, Bosch fuel injection, 390bhp. Gearbox: five speed manual, in-unit with engine. Brakes: hydraulic ventilated discs front and rear; Suspension: upper and lower transverse wishbones, front and rear. Right hand drive.
It's the key to the Testarossa's enduring appeal - there's nothing quite like a flat-12, either in feel or sound. It combines smoothness and refinement with diamond-hard edge, pulls harder for longer than any turbocharged rival, and possesses a generosity of character that is completely seductive. Autocar & Motor, 1988.
The name Ferrari has always been associated with performance and style. In October 1984, at the Paris Salon, the Testarossa created a sensation and was considered to be perhaps the ultimate GT car for road use. The name, of course, was derived from the earlier Testa Rossa roadsters, (which in English refers to the red-topped cylinder heads). From the 250 Testa Rossa was developed the 3-litre V12 and this engine dominated the World Championship of Makes for three seasons, beaten only by Aston Martin in 1959, and the 250 GTO in 1962, because of the new regulations. (The GTO engine also being derived from the Testa Rossa.) The Testarossa was the replacement for the BB series, which had run for twelve years. The twelve cylinder Boxer engine had been redesigned and retained only the engine displacement of its predecessor. The engine was some 20kg lighter than that of the 512 BBi and, with the new four valve head engine, performance was increased in power and torque with reduced fuel consumption, and horsepower was actually increased by 50hp. With influence from Formula One, a relocation of the water and oil tanks from the nose of the car to the centre just ahead of the engine helped tremendously. This allowed better weight distribution, a more efficient cooling effect of great importance to a road going GT and also increased luggage capacity in the front. The radiator grille is in fact retained partly for tradition, but also to cool the front brake discs.
The Pininfarina designed body obviously owed much to the aerodynamic engineers to evolve into the stunning silhouette shape, which is unique to the Testarossa.
This car is a 1987 example, and was registered on the first day of that year, it was kept by that first owner for just two months before being purchased by Elton's record company, to give to him at his 40th Birthday party. Whilst it is uncertain why the car was not a brand new factory-ordered car as other models in the collection (had been), a possible explanation is that the level of demand was so high at this time in the 1980s and presumably it was required at such short notice that it was simply not possible to complete an order, so buying a nearly new car was the only option. Having secured the Ferrari, it was transferred to Mr John's ownership in March that year; later on it was joined in stable first by the 412 Coupé [Lot 1] then by its successor the 512 TR [Lot 13] and has been kept by him ever since. During Elton's ownership the Ferrari has been maintained by Maranello Servicing and Weybridge Automobiles. The most recent of these services will be just prior to the auction, the cam-belts having last been replaced at 6,858 miles, in March 1996.
The mileage at the time of inspection was 7,434 miles, and its condition reflects careful ownership, though there are some minor signs of age. It is offered complete with its tool kit, handbook and manual.
The Testarossa was given by Elton John's record company, MCA, for his 40th Birthday on March 25th, 1987, at a party held for him the following month at Lockwell House, in Rickmansworth. A large red ribbon and feather boa decorated the car, which was presented to Elton John in front of the press. Friends and employees of Elton John recalled that due to the terrible weather on that day, there were huge queues for parking at Lockwell House, and all the cars got stuck in the mud. Even Elton himself was held up in the traffic jam. Tired of waiting he got out of the Phantom VI [Lot 11] and walked into the house, catching all by surprise and somewhat dampening the moment of presentation of the car.
Sir Elton John thinks of his Ferraris as truly classic cars and loves their design, shape and style. He has used this Testarossa more than the later model [Lot 13].
John Newman, Sir Elton's fleet manager, refers to the two Testarossas in the collection as the 'Red Devils' and describes this model as more of an enthusiasts' car to drive than the later version in the sale, due to its gate gear system.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.