Ferrari Testarossa Ferrari Testarossa Targa by EBS, 1985 р.в.

Ferrari Testarossa – Rare EBS-Converted TargaFerrari’s flagship supercar of the 1980s, the Testarossa, resurrected a legendary name when it debuted in 1984. Conceived as the next generation of the 512 Berlinetta Boxer, it retained the mid-mounted 5.0-liter flat-12, a layout born from Ferrari’s championship-winning flat-12 Formula 1 and sports-racing engines. Evolving from the 365 GT4 BB’s 4.4-liter design, the Testarossa’s engine gained four-valve cylinder heads and delivered 380 bhp at 6,300 rpm. Despite the extra power, drivability improved, offering superb flexibility in top gear and a 290 km/h (180 mph) top speed.Styled by Pininfarina, the Testarossa rivaled Lamborghini’s Countach for dramatic presence. Its signature side strakes—feeding air to the radiators—became one of the era’s most iconic and imitated design elements. Wider than the 512 BB to accommodate broader tires, the Testarossa combined high downforce with low drag without resorting to ungainly spoilers. Early examples wore the distinctive high single mirror (Monospecchio), now among the most sought-after variants.Despite its increased dimensions, the Testarossa was lighter than its predecessor thanks to aluminum bodywork (with steel doors and roof). The luxuriously appointed cabin featured air conditioning, electrically adjustable seats, a tilting steering wheel, and abundant leather. Unlike many rivals, the Testarossa’s light controls and user-friendly handling made it a genuine grand-touring supercar—attributes that fueled immediate and lasting demand.About this TestarossaFerrari never produced a factory convertible or Targa Testarossa—aside from a one-off Spider for FIAT chairman Giovanni Agnelli—leaving specialist firms to fill the gap. Belgian coachbuilder EBS, renowned for its officially sanctioned Renault 5 cabriolets, created the unique example presented here.Converted new by Ernst Berg of EBS for a wealthy American client described in period Italian media as a “Dallas oilman,” this car retains its signature buttresses but features a 60 cm roof section refashioned into two removable panels. These panels store neatly in the front trunk and can be used singly or together. To preserve rigidity, EBS installed discreet bracing within the passenger cell—an engineering solution that added only 50 kg. Sport Auto magazine quoted Berg claiming, “Our car is just as stiff as the coupé,” and period drawings on file illustrate the reinforcement layout. Initially painted body-color Giallo, the panels were later trimmed in a protective finish similar to that of the contemporary 328 GTS.Factory-built to European specification in 1985 and ordered through Garage Francorchamps in Belgium, this is a coveted Monospecchio/Monodado Testarossa finished in Giallo with single mirror and center-lock wheels. Modified to meet U.S. requirements on arrival—including side repeaters—it was first registered in Belgium as DTF 425 and immediately drew media attention, appearing on the November 1985 cover of Sport Auto as “the most expensive open car in the world” at 270,000 Marks.Carfax records place the car in Washington by 1991, with inspections there in 1997, 1999, and 2005, and a change of ownership in 2001. In 2006 it was advertised online, reaching Hawaii by early 2008, remaining there until late 2012 before being sold in California. The current UK-based Ferrari Owners’ Club member acquired it, shipped it to the UK, and registered it as B183 FNO. After several years he sold it to a doctor, who commissioned major works but relocated to Australia during COVID travel restrictions. The present vendor repurchased the car in 2020 and completed the restoration through Grimaldi Engineering.The work included a full engine rebuild, a new black-leather interior, and new wheels for modern tires (the original cream interior and wheels accompany the sale). Invoices total more than € 100,000.- The odometer shows approximately 57,500 km —less than 3.000 km since the rebuild. Body and paintwork remain largely original.This unique EBS-converted Testarossa offers an extraordinary opportunity to own an open Ferrari synonymous with 1980s excess, guaranteed to command attention at any gathering of Prancing Horse aficionados, and celebrated in period magazines as the world’s costliest open-top car when new.