Supercars of the 80s – Ferrari Testarossa

The Ferrari Testarossa is an iconic supercar from the 1980s, known for its striking design, with its wide rear end, dramatic side strakes, and flat-12 engine. It was launched in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer.

Its name, which means “red head” in Italian, was chosen in homage to the famed Testa Rossa sports racing cars of the 1950s and ’60s. The “red head” moniker came from the red-painted cam covers of the 4.9-litre flat-12 engine.

The Testarossa’s engine produced a then-impressive 385 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds and reach a top speed of around 180 mph. Some reports back in the day clocked the top speed at 191mph. While these figures made the Testarossa one of the fastest cars of its era, it was not the absolute fastest. That title was held by its contemporary rival, the Porsche 959, which boasted a top speed of 197 mph.

The Testarossa, however, was about more than just speed. It was a symbol of luxury, excess, and style during the 1980s. It was the car of choice for many celebrities, and it famously featured in popular culture of the time, most notably as the car driven by Don Johnson’s character in the television series “Miami Vice.”

The car’s iconic status was cemented in pop culture, with it’s appearance in the video game Out Run.

As for its current status, the Testarossa remains a desirable classic supercar. Its distinctive styling and the aura of 80s nostalgia around it have helped it maintain its allure. It’s not a common sight on the roads today, but well-maintained examples are still sought after by collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts.