Much like Daytona captured the spirit of the jet-set 1960s, Ferrari Testarossa can be considered the automotive embodiment of the wild-partying 1980s. Brash, showy and expensive, the Testarossa was the perfect ride for extroverts and attention seekers.
The mid-engine Testarossa was produced from 1984 till 1991. It replaced the relatively subtle Berlinetta Boxer. It was succeeded by the 512 TR, which was essentially just an updated and reworked Testarossa. The car’s name means “red head” in Italian. This is a reference to the red-painted cam covers on the V-12 engine.
Like most Ferraris, Testarossa’s exterior was designed by famed Italian design house Pininfarina. The model stands out not only because of its dramatic aesthetics but because of how much care was taken with aerodynamics. The Testarossa had a coefficient of drag of 0.36, which was impressive at the time. In comparison, the Lamborghini Countach – which was produced during the same period – had a coefficient of drag of 0.42. To make the achievement even more impressive, Pininfarina team accomplished this without using a rear spoiler.
