1off Ferrari Testarossa Special by Bob Houghton H17 TRS

Hi

Has anyone seen the one off Testarossa Special that Bob Houghton made for a client. Its in Classic Cars this month...

I am pleased there are individuals who are not afraid of putting a statement out there, especially given the considerable sums involved (although I suspect this would be a lot cheaper than Pininfarina's more recent efforts!

The picture shows on p.120 (if you are passing a magazine shop, I don't have a scanner I am afraid!) the rear of the car in the workshop behind some others and says:

"Special Testarossa - This Testarossa special was designed about 15 years ago: The Owner wanted a 1 off. the brief was that you had to be able to see the engine and we had to get all the mechanicals within his shape. We built the quarter scale model and took it to a wind tunnel - its got an adjustable diffuser at the back. We are good at things like that."

There are definite MacLaren F1 shades in this, especially around the side windows etc and the rear! I like it a lot EXCEPT the front lights, I would change those to a more aggressive look if I had it! The rear plexiglass window is very F40-esque

I have been in contact with Tim Dunlop who has taken some pictures in 2006, he has a a website http://www.dunlopix.com/, and has kindly agreed to post the pictures on here...!

Kind regards

Edward

 

It has cropped up at various shows etc, so I suspect is used,

I think it was about 10 years ago maybe, by Bob Houghton, http://www.bobhoughtonferrari.co.uk/ a very very well respected UK Ferrari agent who handles many cars including Nick Masons etc.

The car is in the UK

 

I have emailed Bob Houghton himself asking kindly for more info, hopefully he will come back to me or reply directly to this!

Tim does not have any interior shots

 

Bob Houghton has replied, very quick of him and very friendly email. I have thanked him and asked him if he has anymore photos.



From: bhoughton
To: edward
Date: Thu, 4 Aug 2011 14:04:00 +0100
Subject: RE: Ferrari Testarossa Bob Houghton Special H17 TRS

Hi Edward,

Someone has to do it !!

I will have to put my thinking cap on !

The owner of the car , who was in fashion, produced all the body drawings himself and was very particular with his attention to detail.

Once the shape had passed its wind tunnel tests the body was formed in alloy making the whole car 100 Kgs lighter than a standard TR.

If you look around the car in detail you will see visions of 1970 512S , F355, F40, bringing together all the great designs of the past.

90% of the mechanicals we were able to use from the TR , the rest we made, wheels were 360 Challenge.

We used 550 M seats, the dash and switches were of the owners design .

The car drives really well .

It was a nice project to do, it still resides in my garage and always stirs up a lot of interest.

FORZA FERRARI.

Bob.

From: Edward
Sent: 03 August 2011 11:27
To: Bob Houghton
Subject: Ferrari Testarossa Bob Houghton Special H17 TRS

Dear Mr Houghton

What a wonderful job you have, it is breathtaking looking at your website!

When you have a minute, I wondered if you might be able to shed some light on a special car you handle, following Classic cars exposure of it in the recent issue, the Testarossa Special H17 TRS you built.

The picture just shows (on p.120) the rear of the car in your workshop behind some others and says:

"Special Testarossa - This Testarossa special was designed about 15 years ago: The Owner wanted a 1 off. the brief was that you had to be able to see the engine and we had to get all the mechanicals within his shape. We built the quarter scale model and took it to a wind tunnel - its got an adjustable diffuser at the back. We are good at things like that."

What a superb car! Did it have a standard interior do you recall? I am pleased there are individuals who are not afraid of putting a statement out there, especially given the considerable sums involved (although I suspect this would be better value than Pininfarina's more recent one off efforts!

There are definite Maclaren F1 shades in this, esp around the side windows etc and the rear, and the rear plexiglass window is very F40-esque.

Should I swap to the OTHER prancing horse (I am currently a Stuttgart man myself with a 911) I will be sure to seek out your buying advice.

Kindest regards

Edward

 

The 512TR was introduced at the Los Angeles show in 1992.

In the UK the "H" registration as per this car would mean it was a 1991 car, therefore a Testarossa, last of line.

It is a private plate (H17 TRS - TestaRossa Special) however you cannot make the car look newer than it is with a later Letter (e.g. "N").