1987 Ferrari Testarossa "Monodado"

OVERVIEW

SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1987 Ferrari Testarossa “Monodado” showing 33,302 km (20,693 miles) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in Rosso Corsa over a Cream and Dark Brown leather cabin, this iconic Ferrari has all the hallmarks of meticulous enthusiast stewardship.

When Ferrari unveiled the Testarossa at the Champs Élysées in Paris back in 1984, they kicked off the start of what would become an all-time 1980s automotive icon. Defined by sharp-edged Pininfarina aluminum body work, ultra-long side strakes, and an incredibly wide rear end, the Testarossa was a proper tribute to its 1950s 250 Testa Rossa namesake. 

Along with looks that were wild standing still, the Testarossa was the fastest production car in the world at the time and a critical hit. Gracing the cover of Road & Track 9 times in 5 years, it was the “it” car of the era with an ownership list including Elton John, Michael Jordan, and Gerhard Berger. 

The spectacular Rosso Corsa example up for auction today is an all-original ‘80s time capsule with the sought-after “Monodado” center-lock magnesium wheels. The no-frills driving experience that comes with it makes this a Ferrari not to be missed.

NOTABLE COMMENTARY

• “The Testarossa is a fully immersive machine.” - Road & Track

• “Squeeze open the taps of the flat-12 and you’ll find it hard to keep a smile off your face.” - Evo Magazine

• “It’s about feeling the road surface replicated in the rim of the steering wheel, engine noise not synthesised in some semi-anechoic laboratory but the combustion chambers of one of the greatest road car engines of all time.” - Autocar

SPECIFICATIONS & OPTIONS 

This 1987 Ferrari Testarossa “Monodado” is powered by a 4.9L F113 flat-12 rated for 380 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 354 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. A 5-speed manual transaxle routes power to the rear wheels with a limited-slip differential. Additional features below:

Exterior

• Rosso Corsa finish
• Black-finished front splitter with asymmetrical cooling duct, rocker panels, and rear Cavallino Rampante emblem
• Pop-up headlights
• Fog lamps
• 16” “Monodado” center-lock 5-spoke magnesium wheels measuring 8” wide up front and 10” wide out back
• BFGoodrich g-Force Comp-2 tires with 2016 date codes measuring 225/50 front and 255/50 rear  
• Pininfarina rear fender badges
• Quad exhaust outlets

Interior 

• Cream leather upholstery
• Dark Brown leather dashboard and center console
• Light Brown carpeting
• Cream, Dark Brown, and Light Brown door panels
• 3-spoke Black leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Veglia Borletti analog instrument panel with 200-mph speedometer, 10,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for oil pressure and coolant temperature
• Center stack gauges for oil temperature, fuel level, and odometer reading 33,302 km (20,693 miles)
• Gated shifter
• Power windows and side mirrors

Mechanical

• Rear mid-mounted 4.9L flat-12 with dry-sump lubrication
• 5-speed manual transaxle
• Limited-slip differential 
• Unequal-length wishbones front and rear
• Disc brakes measuring 309 mm front and 310 mm rear

SERVICE HISTORY

This 1987 Ferrari Testarossa underwent an engine-out major service at 31,383 km (19,783 mi) that was completed in 2018 by Competizione & Sports Cars in Gaithersburg, MD. The following work, at a cost of $14,696.50, was completed:

• Replaced all belts
• New valve cover gaskets
• Fresh water pump seals, gaskets, and o-rings
• Replaced fuel and coolant system hoses and associated clamps
• All fluids flushed and refilled
• New spark plugs
• Engine leak-down test
• Installed new Ferrari AGM 360 battery
• Balanced motor with mercury columns
• Replaced brake light switch and bulbs
• Stripped and powder-coated valve cover in Wrinkle Red
• Stripped, blasted, and coated air inlet in Black
• Replaced front and rear tires
• 4-wheel alignment 

The most recent service was performed in October 2024 by Black Horse Garage in Bridgeport, CT at 33,270 km (20,673 mi). The following was completed: 

• Refinished front leather seats
• Replaced front hood struts

OWNERSHIP HISTORY & PROVENANCE

This 1987 Ferrari Testarossa was brought to the US on October 23, 1987, and was registered to its first owner in New Jersey on March 13, 1988. They owned the car for 15 years until the second owner took possession on June 20, 2003, with 21,109 km (13,116 mi) on the odometer. The current, and third, owner purchased the car on June 20, 2008, with 23,500 km (14,602 mi).

NOTED IMPERFECTIONS

Exterior condition including the paint finish and all trim appear to be in excellent condition and there are no known mechanical issues with this 1987 Testarossa. Minor issues include a bubble and a small tear in the dashboard leather and wear of the steering column cover and around the parking brake. Per the seller, the bubble will be repaired prior to delivery of the vehicle. There is also seat belt wear as shown in the gallery, but, according to the seller, it does not affect functionality.

INCLUDED IN THE SALE

• Original Ferrari toolkit
• Jacking kit
• All service receipts

SUMMARY

The Ferrari Testarossa remains an ‘80s cultural icon thanks to head-turning looks and serious performance, as in 0-60 in 5 seconds flat and a top speed in the neighborhood of 180 mph. Simply laying eyes on a Testarossa is a special experience, particularly when finished in Rosso Corsa with the coveted “Monodado” wheels found on this 1987 example. 

As for the chance to own one, the Testarossa up for sale today represents a prime opportunity. As seen in the gallery and start-up video, this 1987 Testarossa has been very carefully maintained with highlights including the recent engine-out service, refinished upholstery, and a single owner for the past 16 years. 

Don’t miss this chance to find out what it's like to crack open the glorious flat-12 mounted out back and experience all the back-to-basics analog driving you can handle.

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.