Pininfarina's timeless design, a gated 5-speed manual gearbox, and a robust, naturally aspirated 12-cylinder engine - this was Ferrari's signature recipe that created some of the most iconic and sought-after road cars. As the 1980s began, it was an exhilarating era in the automotive world, with the rise of the supercar. Manufacturers were pushing the boundaries, conjuring exotic body styles and ultra-powerful engines for their road cars like never before. Lamborghini's Countach, with its massive rear wing, scissor doors, and stunning aesthetics, was a bold new vision that captivated car enthusiasts. Ferrari’s answer for the radical Lambo was the Testarossa.

The Testarossa name carried significant historical weight, having been used for the Le Mans-winning 250TR. So the expectations were high when Ferrari unveiled the new Testarossa at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. It did not disappoint, becoming an instant success with over 10,000 units produced. Over its lifecycle, the Testarossa underwent subtle cosmetic and mechanical updates, such as the switch from high-mounted single mirrors and the single lug ‘monodado’ wheels. By 1990, just a few years before the 512 TR replaced it, the original Testarossa had gained 5-lug wheels, catalytic converters, and a new flywheel. Given the Testarossa's earlier success, Ferrari's engineers wisely opted for only minor refinements rather than reinventing an already successful formula.