1988 Ferrari Testarossa from North America - Comments

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.

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 However the style, the ride, the joy of driving the Testarossa superseded that of the 360.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.

Excellent Report I have recently purchased a 1990 Testarossa with just 16000 miles. I also own a 1997 Twin Turbo Porsche & a 1975 Morgan Plus 8.The Ferrari is a uniquie machine so much fun despite no power steering. Much better ride than the morgan & porsche a great head turner and a true beast to drive. Viva Ferrari.

I couldn't agree more! I recently purchased a '91 Testarossa. The car was from it's first owner and had only run 25.000 miles. The looks of the Testarossa is a shouting 80's design. It is one of the last real statements made by the factory in Maranello. The cabin is spacious and comfortable. Steering is tough when standing still, but easy when on the road. The gearbox is heavy, but secure. The power is absolutely intoxicating. For me this is the ultimate Ferrari.

I purchased a 1988 testarossa 2 years ago... a black one (the only color for the car in my opinion) with tan interior. I have had minimal problems with it... it has 20,000 miles..its been 5 years since belt changes and the customary major service... runs better now than when I bought it... although the major service costs 7-9000 (replace water pump belts clutch adjust and tune) it's a real gem to drive (especially early Sunday mornings).Truly the last real artful styling from Ferrari (most new ones look like toy race cars that belong on a track)...the elegance of the TR is timeless... oh yeah and it performs too. Feb 10 2006.

Recently purchased a 1988, paid for the major engine out tune up, and have now driven the car for about 300 miles, putting its total miles at around 18,000. Having owned Porsche, Vettes, and Vipers previously, going "RETRO" struck me as a step backwards in performance. I was buying the car for the "art" I have been very pleasantly surprised at how well this 18 year old car performs. Supercar performance, with luxury, and style. Very pleased to have a 12 cylinder, stick shift, mid engined Ferrari. Each drive feels "special".

I would have a very hard time parting with a low production 10 cylinder Viper with add'l endless performance modifications for looks alone. I have owned cars that have lanquished in the garage myself except for a local run to have a Sunday coffee as I was hesistant to utilize or rely on them. That is the downfall in my opinion. The Viper can be driven on the track or the strip and then driven home. It is not uncommon to put 500 miles on it on weekend trips. Don't you miss that?

"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"...What??? Are you really familiar with these cars? If you were you would know that the 308/328 uses the traditional Ferrari tube framing while the 348/355 were a complete departure from that. Also, the 308/328s are more reliable even then your Testarossa and are rising in value while your Testarossa plummets. Don't believe me? Look at what they are selling for, not being advertised at. Don't get me wrong, I LIKE the Testarossa; just not your comments about Ferraris.