Tony’s Take: 👍 Thanks to Miami Vice and Sega’s Out Run, the 12-cylinder Ferrari Testarossa was an “it” car of the ’80s. Fans dug its wide stance and trademark side strakes (a.k.a., “cheese graters” or “egg slicers”), a radical departure from the brand’s curvaceous creations. I was well on board.
The first Ferrari I bought was a 1988.5 Testarossa with the newly introduced five-lug wheel design. It didn’t break the bank. In fact, in 2011, I bought ten Testarossas for resale, all low miles, all for under $40k. The red/tan cars were the most expensive. And now . . .
Red/tan cars are the least expensive; the odder the color the more it’s worth. Today’s Testarossas hammer for $125k to $325k. [Helpful hint: a dentist-owned car is the one to buy.]
Last year, this self-same Testarossa sold for $145k. Add eight percent for inflation, deduct the service history mystery, add the marketing value of the gorgeous photos, deduct $5k for the black interior, add collector car mileage, and this car should find a new home for around $165k.
Downside: It’s not Crockett and Tubbs’ white flying mirror car (replacing a Corvette-based Daytona replica).
| Make | Ferrari |
| Model | Testarossa |
| Year | 1989 |
| Total Produced | 7,177 Worldwide 1984 – 91 |
| Number of Owners | 3 |
| Mileage | 8k |
| Condition | ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Price When New | $141,780 Inflation Calculator |
| Highest Previous Price | $321,250 (03/05/2022) |
| Auction House | Bring A Trailer |
| Auction Date | 09/17/2022 |
| My Prediction | $155k – $170k |
| Hammered At | $160k No Sale |
