by Nathan Hook

Created on: June 17, 2008   Last Updated: April 25, 2009

One of the more exotic and luxurious modern sports cars to emerge from the 1980's would have to be the Ferrari Testarossa. Designed by Pininfarina as a replacement for the aging Berlinetta Boxer, the pretty lines and curves of the car along with its' high revving 12 cylinder engine and handling characteristics, were an immediate threat to the more outrageous and vociferous, Laborghini Countach. The Countach perhaps had the greater exclusivity, since Ferrari were simply producing a greater number of cars per year. However, Lamborghini was also notoriously difficult and uncomfortable to drive and therefore less popular with some drivers. It wasn't surprising then that Testarossa, quickly established itself as one of the most popular and desirable high end sports cars by the end of the decade and even today used examples command high prices.

The car features a mid-mounted 180 degree flat 12 which produces 390bhp@5300rpm, reaching 60 miles an hour in 5.2 seconds and going on to a top speed of 180 miles an hour. Another highlight of the car is the bold exterior which sees ventral slats mounted horizontally along the side of the car and into the enormous radiator scoops keeping the engine cool. Notably, early models had the single high mounted review wing mirror attached to the pillar of the driver's side and the racing pedigree of Ferrari emerges in the single nut wheel locks. This racing pedigree also demands owners to drive their cars hard and in the upper rev ranges to get the best from the vehicle.

Pininfarina used as light a weight of materials as possible whilst still keeping the car in line with numerous countries vehicle crash safety requirements. Plastic bumpers, steel doors and aluminum body work kept the car light, enhancing acceleration and allowing for the terrific handling which left most other sports cars in their wake. It was little wonder the car was a feature of the later series of Miami Vice as, if ever a show embodied 80's excess, then it was Miami Vice. It made sense then to have one of the most luxurious and fastest cars of the decade in the show, but don't confuse it with the Daytona Spyder seen in earlier episodes, as this was a replica. It's hard to fathom why two undercover drug cops would need to drive around in the most conspicuous sports car to conduct covert operations, but it was a Ferrari and we didn't care. It was as cool as the Miami sea breeze which ruffled Don Johnson's silk shirt and tickled his permanent 5 o'clock shadow. Ferrari

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