Broad Arrow Auctions: 1986 Ferrari Testarossa Monospecchio

Tony’s Take: When Ferrari introduced the Testarossa at the 1984 Paris Auto Show, Enzo’s “Redhead” was an instant hit. The low-slung side-straked Pininfarina-designed two-seater went on to become a cultural icon, in large part due to its large part in Miami Vice. The next generation – the 512 TR and the F512 M – are better cars in every way. But the original is purist collectors’ catnip.

The first cars are easily identified by the mirror mounted high on the A-pillar, earning them the nickname “Monospecchio” (single mirror). Here’s how that happened . . .

The single, high-mounted mirror was a result of a misinterpretation of a European type approval regulation that appeared to demand a completely unhindered backward view.

The flamboyance of the Testarossa’s bodywork meant the only way to avoid the mirror glass being partly-filled by side strakes and a protruding haunch was to mount it high on the A-pillar – a location that sort of worked on the driver’s side, but which would have made a passenger-side mirror completely invisible to the ‘pilota’.

So Ferrari simply didn’t bother fitting one as stock. In reality, the lofty mirror wasn’t that user-friendly either, meaning many owners specified twin, low-mounted units – although some also asked for another high-mounted one on the passenger side just to balance things up.

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The Ferrari Testarossa was no slouch. Zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, 13.5 second quarter-mile, 180 mph top speed. It’s also one of the great Old School Ferraris – spartan cabin, green analogue gauges, five-speed gated shifter, amd no traction control, driver-aids or airbags. As for the sound of the 4.9 liter flat-12, hearing is believing.

Nice car. Really nice. The world’s first comfortable supercar, complete with bespoke Schedoni luggage. And, get this, reliable – as long as you practice preventive maintenance religiously (engine out every five years or 30k for timing belts and valve adjustment).

Upkeep ain’t cheap – figure $10k for the above – but what made you think it was? Broad Arrow says the silver dream machine’s had a recent engine-out belt service with new axle seals and a fuel distributor rebuild. Which is just as well. But it’s only a matter of time . . .

This Redhead’s Argento Metallizzato (silver) over Crema (tan) and Beige Connolly leather color combo is the right answer. As I pointed out in my prediction for the [unsold] Bring A Trailer 8k-mile 1989 Testarossa, red/tan cars are the least expensive; the odder the color, the more it’s worth.

Ferrari Classiche-certified cars like the silver streak get bonus points (and points mean prizes). Broad Arrow thinks this three-owner, high-mileage (41,200) ’86 Testarossa will hammer for up to $180k, fees included. I’m thinking more.

A year ago, a Flying Mirror Testarossa with 32,638 miles on the clock brought in $322,897. That’s strong money for big miles.

Its owner banked big bucks thanks to the car’s rare color combo (one of six made in Argento over Rosso). Ranged against that: the price of red Redheads is softening, the drop will affect the value of all the other colors. Seen another way . . .

Ferrari made four times as many Testarossas as Lamborghini made Countaches. Logic tells us Enzo’s mid-engine marvel should be worth 25 percent of the price of Lambo’s poster child. Using that calculation, a pristine low-owner low-mileage Testarossa should sell in the $250k – $260k range.

It’s hard to understand why some Testarossas bring more, especially high milers like the silver/rosso car in the comps. But they do. Yet more proof that the heart wants what the heart wants. Downside: Seat wear and high miles.