One of our mates is about to go look at and probably buy an 89 Testarossa. Red/Black, ZFFAA17T0J0075954 If anyone knows this car speak now or forever hold your peace. If anyone can CARFAX it that would great. Please get this info ASAP as he has a long drive to go buy this thing across large lakes and barren states. MB
Produced for the Middle East, so gray market. Less value than a comparable US car. As you say Red/Black and LHD. Prob built around January 88 or so.
Damn, Brian, you are good. Our very own Dave Goldman (LA) owns 75955, and it was built in January, 1988. So Brian is probably right on the money with the build date of the Middle Eastern Testarossa. Speaking of which, according to the Ferrari Market Letter, that Testarossa was for sale in October, November and December of 2006, through Stan Kasiewicz: red with black interior, full history and service records, car cover, all tools and manuals, factory-fitted luggage set from the factory, pristine condition, original owner, 4,500 miles, $72,000. Can you tell us who has the car for sale now...? How many miles, city/state location, etc....?
Here's what CARFAX has to say... A CARFAX Vehicle History Report is based only on information supplied to CARFAX. CARFAX checked over 5 billion vehicle history events and found 3 record(s) for this vehicle (ZFFAA17T0J0075954). Date: Mileage: Source: Comments: 02/22/1988 New York, NY US Dept of Transportation Vehicle imported to United States 07/12/1988 New York, NY US Dept of Transportation Vehicle declared to meet US highway safety specifications Bond released 05/31/2007 Michigan Motor Vehicle Dept. Bad Axe, MI Title #275V1510016
I would pay a premium for a grey market car because they are lighter and faster than the US spec car. If the car is in the US legally and unconverted or can be imported no sweat then some people (like myself) would pay more to get the unmolested version of any car.
I agree with you, though the majority train of thought on the subject is the opposite. This, however, raises an interesting question. One that I hope you, or Brian, can answer. It's my understanding that Middle Eastern cars are, aside from all of the data plates, identical to US cars. Is this true...?
When I was looking at TR's I saw a few (one from Dubai) Middle East Versions. They are usually low mileage cars and combined with the dry heat, major repairs usually needed. Once you start driving it, expect a lot of gaskets to start letting go. Rubber trim pieces and dash may be overly deteriorated. One imported from Dubai the dealer purchased for $25K US and 3000miles. I don't know if he ever got it running properly with all the leaks, new gas tanks, fried fuel pump, etc. Red with Tan interior in Toronto 89 to 91 model.
It is "almost retired" and he found the car for sale in Michigan. The owner did mention the middle east life of the car, and he is down to around 40K for price. If it is still in good condition he better snatch it up this weekend. Wow, $72k? The owner just had a stroke and wants to get rid of the car. Car has about 6600 miles on it and needs a major which the owner was also honest about, but OMG for that price he needs to buy it or I MIGHT!!! Heck at $40, he can put 15k into the car to complete the major and replace gaskets pumps etc and still only be at 55... Opinions??? MB
15K wouldn't even fix half the problems of the other TR from Dubai. This car seems to be low Miles as well which sounds exactly like the one from Dubai. BUYER BEWARE.
In many cases I agree. The Kuwaiti and Saudi cars I have seen are "Base" but I understand the Dubai importer gets US models. It is up to the importer to decide which version to order. Ferrari is happy to supply whatever you want. When a US model is ordered it comes with all the stickers and an "A" VIN. I have seen that several times so know that is how it is done. That being the case there must be something that sets a ME car apart or it would have a "B" VIN.
