1991 Ferrari Testarossa

OVERVIEW

Offered for sale on SBX Cars is this 1991 Ferrari Testarossa, appropriately clad in Rosso Corsa over a two-tone tan interior, and showing 34,813 miles at the time of cataloging.

MODEL HISTORY

Of all of the years of the iconic Ferrari Testarossa, at least in terms of manufacturing upgrades, the 1991 model year is undoubtedly the most advanced. A revised air conditioning system helped with in-cabin comfort. Ferrari engineers opting to fit five-bolt wheels over the previous single-bolt wheels after the 1988 model year increases serviceability as well as increasing upgrade options, though this example retains the classic five-spoke, 16-inch wheels specified from the factory clad in BF Goodrich tires. The wheel change accompanied a revision in the suspension system, benefitting the Testarossa’s handling considerably. 

Under the hood, a significant upgrade in the 1991 model year addressed two manufacturing issues, the infamous pump chain and water pump upgrades, for which the earlier cars were given a service recall. Above the skin, the 1991 model retained the iconic lower chin spoiler and classic fascia of the original Testarossa, as well as its name. When the model moved on to the 512 TR, Ferrari adopted the same front fascia as the 348, which some collectors do not prefer. This 1991 Testarossa balances classic looks with welcome factory upgrades. 

THIS 1991 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

Even for casual Ferrari fans, the Testarossa presents as sculpture in motion. With its signature side strakes channeling air into its 4.9-litre, dry sump, flat-twelve engine, this is a format that Ferrari is unlikely to ever repeat. As a model destined for the American market, this 1991 Testarossa produced 380 horsepower from its Tipo 113 040 engine, and was treated with Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and a taller gearing compared to earlier models.

Made in the Maranello factory in March of 1991, this Testarossa was destined for export. Desire for the iconic 1980s Ferrari supercar was exceptionally strong during its debut, with some dealers charging exorbitant fees for the privilege of purchasing this prancing horse. As competition in the sports car increased into the following decade, with rivals like the Lamborghini Diablo debuting in early 1990, Ferrari knew it had to modernize its Testarossa. 

Fixes to internal engine issues were at the top of mind for Ferrari engineers. An upgrade from a multi-piece seal to a single piece for the late-model Testarossa’s water pump was a welcome upgrade for anyone who wished to use their cars regularly. So too was an upgrade to the air conditioning system and a move away from the difficult-to-source metric Michelin TRX tires. Dispatched to America soon after its build date, this Ferrari found its way to Lockport, New York, a quaint suburb of Buffalo. After that, its next title registration was in posh Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a wealthy area outside of Detroit. 

By 2005, this Testarossa found a new home in California. As Ferrari followers know, the Testarossa was originally sold as a 49-state car, with California being the lone exception, on account of its strict emissions guidelines. In a predictable result, on September 21, 2005, this car failed its first emissions test in Modesto, CA. But the Testarossa proved victorious the following day, when it passed its re-test with only 170 additional miles, and was registered at the California DMV the following day. The following smog test in 2007 was passed without incident, and after a documented fuel pump replacement in 2011, the bi-annual test that year and 2013 were both passed without issue. 

A FerrariChat forum post in 2015 highlights this chassis number, which by that time had become a potential purchase for a first-time Testarossa owner. The prospective owner took the plunge and decided to take this car to a Ferrari dealership in Ft. Lauderdale for a pre-purchase inspection. The forum poster reported that the PPI was successful, with the majority of the imperfections found on regular wear items, such as the door gaskets, the high beam headlight, and unoriginal materials on the radiator cap and the rear hood insulation. The most major flaw found was a bent inner front wheel—all issues that the seller agreed to fix before the sale. The forum poster reported that the dealership technician reported that this example was the nicest Testarossa that he had seen in a long time, and the prospective buyer happily went ahead not only with the purchase, but commissioned a major service at the same Ft. Lauderdale Ferrari dealership the following month. Further registrations in Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Montana followed before it arrived at its present consignor.

MECHANICAL

Perhaps the most important factor for any Ferrari purchase is how recently the car has been serviced. A record of service appointments is noted on this car’s CARFAX report, including a pair of service stops at Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo of Ft. Lauderdale in September and October of 2015. The recorded mileage during these service appointments was approximately 33,000 miles, around the recommended period for the all-important major belt service. 

Then, in October 2022, another service was carried out, encompassing a full inspection, a fresh oil change and filter swap, a brake fluid flush and fill, as well as bringing all other engine fluids up to factory specifications. 

In June 2024, an engine-out service and starter motor replacement was performed by Black Horse Garage of Bridgeport, CT, at a cost in excess of $22,000. The engine-out service involved inspecting the engine block, heads, and all components for signs of wear, damage or leaks, while also cleaning the exterior of the engine with degreaser. Key components such as sealing rings and O-rings were replaced, as were the spark plugs, distributor rotor, distributor cap, ignition wires, end plate gasket, and power steering belt. Engine oil and gearbox oil were drained and replaced, while valve clearances were checked and adjusted to workshop manual specifications. The camshaft timing was verified and adjusted accordingly, with the coolant hoses and thermostat also inspected. After replacement, components were checked to ensure they had been properly installed and torqued to the manufacturer’s specifications, while also double-checking all connections and fasteners. 

Evidence of the engine-out service and paint meter readings are included in the picture gallery, while pictures also show the undercarriage of this Testarossa to be tidy, with minimal signs of wear, all commensurate with its age.

SUMMARY

The present owner of the Testarossa is said to be meticulous, a member of the Ferrari Club of America New England region, and a true connoisseur of the brand. This is your opportunity to acquire what for many is the iconic Ferrari of the era, powered by an equally iconic engine. 

As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.