1987 Ferrari Testarossa (Italian for "Red Head"), was the top-of-the-line model that, when introduced, was considered the fastest production car in the world. The massive 12-cylinder power plant in this car is mounted between the passenger compartment and the rear axle and is connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. This layout is called Mid-Engine and is preferred for race cars because it provides the perfect balance for ultimate performance and handling. As with most Ferraris, the Testarossa is a thinly disguised race car wrapped in gorgeous sheet metal that was given the minimum number of modifications necessary to allow it to be legally driven on the street. These modifications include the addition of emission controls, correct lighting, quieter mufflers, standard height bumpers and other safety features required by law. They also tossed in a few comfort and convenience features like air-conditioning, power windows and a sound system to make the car easier to live with.
Despite these few frills, the race car heritage of this Ferrari comes through loud and clear. From the small steering wheel and lack of power steering to the heavy clutch and the gated five speed shifter, driving this car around town and in rush hour traffic is hard work. But it's work that pays off handsomely if you like the idea of having all that ferocious performance on tap. And that 12-cylinder engine behind your back produces a wonderful throaty snarl that makes that sound system beg for mercy. Take caution: constantly tipping into the throttle just to listen to the engine's song can make one quickly become annoyed by other cars on the road that keep getting in the way. From acceleration to breaking to cornering, this silver rocket produces G-forces that are suitable for training astronauts for their next space mission.
Sitting behind the wheel, you'll find the driver's seat to be comfortable and supportive. The small Momo steering wheel has a nice grip and is positioned closer to the windshield for arms-out driving which is great for fast driving but is a disadvantage when you are looking for leverage in order to steer into a parking space or maneuver in heavy traffic. The interior is swathed in rich Connolly Leather which covers the seats, dash cover and door panels. A nice detail is the prancing horse logo that is embroidered into each headrest. Behind the seats is a built-in carpeted luggage shelf. The radio hides behind a pop-up panel in the center of the dash and plays through large speakers that are mounted on the wide wheel wells up front.
While there is plenty of power on tap at any engine speed, this engine is happiest when it is pushed hard. With the throttle floored at anything below 4000 RPM the acceleration is merely great, but over 4000, it's enough to distort your face into a permanent grin. And oh that sound, nothing comes close to the sound of a 12 cylinder Ferrari at full throttle. While there are cars produced today that may out-accelerate this 20 year old model, none can top the overall driving experience and few can hold their own against a new Ferrari. Shifting from gear to gear is good exercise as long as you can find something equally strenuous for your left arm. Each shift through the exposed gate needs to be deliberate and forceful in order to be successful, but then that is one of Ferrari's trademarks that persists to this day.
Driving a Ferrari for the first time can be likened to a date with your favorite movie star. You're extremely nervous at first, but once you begin to relax, the fun begins. Out on the road, this car certainly draws attention. People are trying to see if they recognize the driver while other drivers and passengers try to make eye contact with you. Cars seem to be always chasing you to try to get a longer look while not paying enough attention to their own driving (almost as bad as drivers talking on cell phones).
The fact that Ferraris are meant to be driven fast doesn't make you very popular with the local highway patrol (or maybe it does). At any rate, this silver streak going by, even if it's just keeping up with traffic going 10 or 15 mph over the speed limit, is going to make for some great end-of-shift bragging on how they pulled over a 180 mph car after a short chase. Details will fly about the sound of the engine, the smell of the leather and the beautiful shine on the paint all the while holding up the ticket stub as proof of the conquest.
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
