Faults:

Testarossa: Careful with this lady, mostly made of delicate aluminum. Dings can appear especially on hood/trunk.

Mechanically solid, however most wear comes from seldom use and long seasons of sitting in the climate control garage. You can also see signs of wear from polish, cleaning and other worship type ceremonies.

None power steering, and manual gate shifter make it nearly impossible to enjoy coffee or cell phone conversations.

General Comments:

Testarossa: The heart beat of this machine is the 5 liter flat 12 power plant. If Ferrari were to produce this today it would cost over 500,000.

The Testarossa provides the total experience, current Ferraris seem to have lost, forgotten, or simply left out. That experience it the combined rack/pinion steering, manual five speed, and aggressive style. The powerful flat 12, gives no back talk. Push the accelerator and it accelerates. Because the driver is so involved in the driving it takes no time to feel connected even intimate with the Testarossa. This Ferrari has soul.

When I selected the Testarossa I was looking to buy a 360 Modena F 1. However the style, the ride, the joy of driving the Testarossa superseded that of the 360. Although the 360 is a refined machine I feel it will follow the same path as the other Ferraris in its class, the 308, 328. 348 and the 355. The Testarossa, although far less refined will probably stand as the definitive Ferrari for my generation.

Faults:

Replaced the 'slow down' ECU for the cat temperature sensors - these were bad when the car was purchased secondhand. The previous owner had disconnected the ECUs.

The check valve on the air pump rusted to failure. Moisture then went up into the air pump itself and rusted it to failure. 1700$ air pump (parts only) - be sure your check valves are good!

Major service (cam belts) requires engine removal. Figure 3K to 4K$ every 5 or 6 years.

General Comments:

Last flat, mid-engine 12 made by Ferrari. Sound is sweet, power intoxicating.

The car typifies the 'excess' decade of the 1980's. It is doubtful that Ferrari/ Pininfarina will ever again make such a bold and controversial styling statement. Enzo has passed, Ferrari is now run by dark blue suits.

Low ground clearance in the front.

Fit, finish and the smell of the leather are superb.

Everybody should enjoy the Ferrari at least once in their life. Automotive nirvana only comes from Maranello...

Forza Ferrari!