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The Ferrari Testarossa is a mid-engine flat-12 supercar produced from 1984–1991 as the successor to the Ferrari 512 BBi. Known for its wide side strakes, flat-12 engine, and appearance in Miami Vice, the Testarossa became one of the most iconic Ferrari road cars of the 1980s.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.9L Flat-12 |
| Horsepower | 390 hp |
| Torque | 361 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| 0–60 mph | ~5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 mph |
The Ferrari Testarossa has a top speed of approximately 180 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.2 seconds. While not as fast as modern Ferraris, its performance was highly competitive for its era.
The Ferrari Testarossa became one of the defining symbols of 1980s supercar culture through television, gaming, and pop culture exposure.
The white Testarossa helped tie Ferrari to the visual identity of 1980s excess and South Florida nightlife.
The Testarossa family was one of Ferrari’s most successful 12-cylinder lineups, with nearly 10,000 cars produced from 1984 to 1996. Production was spread across three generations, each with different levels of rarity today.
| Model | Years | Units Produced |
|---|---|---|
| Testarossa | 1984–1991 | 7,177 |
| 512 TR | 1991–1994 | 2,261 |
| F512 M | 1994–1996 | 501 |
| Total | 1984–1996 | ~9,939 |
The original Testarossa is the most common, while the F512 M is the rarest by a wide margin. Early single-mirror “Monospecchio” cars and other low-production variants are especially sought after by collectors today.
Ferrari Testarossa values have risen in recent years, with prices varying by model, condition, mileage, and service history. Well-kept examples are often far more desirable than neglected cars with deferred maintenance.
| Model | Estimated Market Range |
|---|---|
| Testarossa | $140,000 – $200,000+ |
| 512 TR | $250,000 – $400,000+ |
| F512 M | $450,000 – $900,000+ |
*Values shown are general 2026 market estimates and can vary.
When released for the 1985 model year, the Ferrari Testarossa carried an original U.S. MSRP of roughly $85,000–$94,000. During the height of 1980s “Ferrari fever,” many buyers reportedly paid far above sticker price to secure early production cars.
The Testarossa family evolved significantly over time, with each version offering a different balance of analog character, performance, and collectibility.
| Model | Personality | Horsepower | Top Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Testarossa | Original icon | 385–390 hp | 180 mph | 1980s collectors |
| 512 TR | Driver’s choice | 428 hp | 195 mph | Performance enthusiasts |
| F512 M | Rare finale | 440 hp | 196 mph | Serious collectors |
Ferrari created the Testarossa to replace the 512 BBi with a faster, more usable flagship that improved cooling, comfort, and long-distance practicality.
The result was a more refined grand touring supercar that became one of Ferrari’s defining cars of the 1980s.
Ferrari is expected to revive the Testarossa name with the upcoming Ferrari 849 Testarossa, blending modern performance and technology with design inspiration from the original icon.
While official details remain limited, the future model is expected to connect Ferrari heritage with the brand’s next generation of flagship performance.
Testarossa means red head in Italian. The name references the red-painted cam covers on the engine.
The Testarossa is only one chapter of Ferrari history. Today’s lineup continues that legacy through modern supercars, grand tourers, and limited-production icons.
Explore our Ferrari Models Guide to discover past and present Ferrari vehicles, or browse our Ferrari for Sale inventory to view available new, pre-owned, and specialty Ferrari models.
Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale proudly represents Ferrari in Broward County, Greater South Florida, and across the United States.
