I want to buy a Testarossa | FerrariChat

I want to buy a Testarossa

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by jbenjimac, Nov 26, 2006.

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  1. jbenjimac

    jbenjimac Rookie

    Aug 16, 2005
    27
    Idaho Falls, IDAHO
    Full Name:
    J. Johnson
    Ok, I'm looking at a car. How do I tell the difference between a 512 TR and a Testarossa. The car I'm looking at was built in June of 1990. It has no 512 badging that i can see. The owner thought it was a 512 TR. The car is a local car and maintained by Steve Harris imports in SLC. There is an electrical connection that is sticking out above the driver side visor. Anyone know what it is? It has a round connection and two holes. How do I tell if they have a radar installed? What is the round hole in the air dam of the bumper? It has a rock chip in the window. What do those cost to replace? Before you start picking on me yes I'm new to this but my dream is to own a Testarossa too. Finances will allow it and I'm pretty excited but don't want to rush into anthing. The car has just under 23k and he said he just had a major service done at Steve Harris imports. $4000 plus. The car looked to be in pretty good shape. The leather was excellent. It accelerated in a straight line and when the brakes were applied stopped in a straight line. There were no vibrations or strange sounds or smells. It sounded wonderful. It smelled incredible. I was in love when i left. The carpets need replaced or a really good cleaning. The front air dam was the only place besides the window I could find any problems and you can see it's been hit a time or two. The car has been mechanically maintained but the appearance is a little rough with wax showing here and there. The owner is heading off for the winter. My plan is to purchase in May. I can afford to do the scheduled maintenance yearly. Is there anything else I should know before I take the plunge? I have the blessing from the wife and the insurance company. I'll let you guess which one was harder. Both my kids are making plans for roadtrips. Has anyone used their car for photo shoots or driven for hire? I can't seem to think of owning it without a way for it too make a little money too. Let me know your thoughts. Thanks. Josh. Thor, I need one of those Stainless steel Cavellino's for the facia on my garage. ;)
     
  2. jbenjimac

    jbenjimac Rookie

    Aug 16, 2005
    27
    Idaho Falls, IDAHO
    Full Name:
    J. Johnson
    #2 jbenjimac, Nov 26, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  3. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    You'll have to give him the bad news that it's just a testarossa ;)

    The front bodywork is slightly different on the two, and the TR has the little "flip" tail, while on the 512TR, the C-pillars run all the way to the end -- have a look in the SHOWROOM section.

    Another way to tell is the engine -- I'll post each separately.

    On the windshield, the trim is in the $800 ballpark and the glass is somewhere from $1500 to $2500 -- so I'd deduct $3K~$4K.
     
  4. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #4 Steve Magnusson, Nov 26, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  5. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    #5 Steve Magnusson, Nov 26, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  6. RacerX_GTO

    RacerX_GTO F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 2, 2003
    14,750
    Oregon
    Full Name:
    Gabe V.
    To add to the above comparisons, I made a little quick guide that contrasts the two at a glance

    http://s07.picshome.com/2d8/tr_compare.jpg
     
  7. jbenjimac

    jbenjimac Rookie

    Aug 16, 2005
    27
    Idaho Falls, IDAHO
    Full Name:
    J. Johnson
    Thank you very much for your post. That answers my most important question. Do you know what the small hole is in the front air dam? I've seen it on other Testarossa's. I'm ok with it not being a 512 TR. The owner is 85 years old and very reluctantly admitting it's time to sell. It's his third Ferrari and is going to be my first. His Grandson is a friend and customer of mine. What are the most important questions to ask about the car? What do i need to know going into it? I also would like to know if I'm getting a good deal. From watching Ebay and other car sites I see alot of them for sale and few of them selling. I would prefer to keep the $ amount's in a private message. Thank you.
     
  8. Tifoso1

    Tifoso1 F1 Rookie

    Nov 18, 2003
    2,602
    Pacific NW
    Full Name:
    Anthony C.
    Before you buy the car, I would suggest to you that you do a little more homework first, not just on that car but Testarossas overall. I am not trying to be harsh but IMO, not being able to differentiate the varies versons of the car and knowing the basic differences is not a good start in Ferrari ownership. The following is a good website to start:

    http://www.red-headed.com
     
  9. Steve Magnusson

    Steve Magnusson Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 11, 2001
    26,799
    30°30'40" N 97°35'41" W (Texas)
    Full Name:
    Steve Magnusson
    If you mean the small hole in the middle, it provides access to thread the male tow hook into the female threaded bushing mounted on the frame.
     
  10. sparky p-51

    sparky p-51 Formula 3

    Aug 8, 2004
    1,375
    klamath falls, Or.
    Full Name:
    steve
    The hole in the front spoiler is for the towing eye. There is a threaded nut behind it. If you look in the tool kit that should be with the car you will see it. Cad 2 (gold in color) about 8in long with a loop on the end. You really need to have a close look at the paperwork and all maint records. Where was car sold when new. How many owners.
     
  11. Javelin276

    Javelin276 Formula Junior

    Jan 16, 2005
    512
    Idaho
    Full Name:
    Thor Zollinger
    Hi Josh!
    Thanks for the phone call! I miss my Ferrari, dang it. I probably won't get it back until maybe just before Christmas. I'll have to come over and see you at work to see if you have some more photos of the TR.

    How big of a Cavallino do you want, 24"?
    Thor
    www.JavelinArt.com
     
  12. KatMan

    KatMan Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 2, 2006
    498
    Silicon Valley
    Full Name:
    Stan K
    A major for $4000 sounds like not a "real " engine out major. Does he have receipts for what was done?
     
  13. jbenjimac

    jbenjimac Rookie

    Aug 16, 2005
    27
    Idaho Falls, IDAHO
    Full Name:
    J. Johnson
    Anthony C, Thanks for your post. I'm doing homework now and you guys are giving me lots to go off of and learn from. I appreciate your concern. I'm not committed to purchase the car until May. I'm also not locked into it. I know myself too well. I get an idea and run with it and sometimes regret it later. I'm pretty confident in this one and have friends who are ferrari owners here locally to help guide me. (Thor's reading this and laughing at me.) I may even get in over my head. I guess it's times like that you learn how to swim. I enjoy a good challenge. As a small aside I was also planning on buying a mondial this summer until a friend/customer saw me wearing a ferrari polo and mentioned that his Grandfather had a car that he was considering selling. The Testarossa was not something I had considered. The price seems very right and The owner does have the reciepts and has offered more time to study them. He's in his late 80's and seemed unsure of some of my questions. I have a good relationship with his grandson who is basically brokering this sale for his Grandpa. I also have an email into to Steve Harris Imports SLC requesting more information regarding the car and the cost of the windshield. I have not heard from them yet. I will call the owner and request detailed information on the services or request him to contact Steve Harris and ask them to release more information to me. I'm guessing that may be the hold up.

    Does anyone have an idea what the electrical connection above the drivers visor is? It had a round head with two small round holes. I'm guessing a power cord for a radar detector?
     
  14. jbenjimac

    jbenjimac Rookie

    Aug 16, 2005
    27
    Idaho Falls, IDAHO
    Full Name:
    J. Johnson
    Thor, I do want the 24"...the same as the Lamborghini shield in my bathroom. Have you created any metal sculptures of the Testarossa?

    Hows the supercharger coming? They going to let you have your Ferarri back anytime soon?

    I only took the one picture. When you drive down with me we'll take some more. Joe said he would meet us there pretty much anytime with some notice. He has to drive down from MT.

    Swing by the office this week if you get a chance. The foot of snow didn't seem to come today.
     
  15. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,596
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    I think this is good advice. I'd also recommend looking at several Testarossas before committing to buy one, as well as spending a lot of time on this site looking over the issues people have posted. I bought a 328 last year and learned a lot from viewing cars for sale -- just because they're Ferraris doesn't mean they've all been treated like royalty.
     
  16. GTB4NART

    GTB4NART Formula Junior

    Jan 17, 2004
    421
    My engine out was $4644 on my TR. Included the alternator upgrade too.

     
  17. AntonioMora

    AntonioMora F1 Rookie

    Jul 27, 2004
    2,941
    Malaga (España)
    Full Name:
    Antonio Mora Romero
    Testarossa is the most famous dream car in the world, if you want and you can, buy it, no doubt is a dream for car lovers, 512TR is 50 more HP and maybe better brakes, but a frien who is race pilot say me that really both are similar in brakes (not is the better thing in the car) the rest is wonderful, is like a Kart, i enjoy much my testarossa when i drove it. regards.
     
  18. redheadedstranger

    BANNED

    Nov 1, 2006
    65

    +1. I thought it may have even been a troll post.
    Not being rude at all. But walking into a 12 cylinder Ferrari purchase with this level of knowledge can very well end up in a very, ver, very frustrating and expensive circus.
     
  19. jungathart

    jungathart Guest

    Jun 11, 2004
    3,376
    NoVA, AmeriKa
    Full Name:
    Komrade Jung
    The paint seems to have a semi-gloss appearance, most notable on the side view; has it been resprayed?
     
  20. LW RedTR

    LW RedTR Karting

    Jan 12, 2006
    173
    California
    Do you have an extra $12,000-$20,000 set aside after buying the car to sort it out? If not, take it to a very, very good independent Ferrari mechanic. If you were in California, Rifledriver (Brian Crall) is a supporting member here on Ferrari Chat. Even beautiful looking, low mileage Testarossas and TRs can cost a bundle.
     
  21. dsd

    dsd F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 19, 2006
    4,271
    Northern Virginia
    I had a TR for 3 years. I loved it but it is not for the weak :)

    I purchased a well sorted example from a Ferrari Dealer (FoNE) and overall it was a good car. I had only two big repair bills:

    $3500 for ignition (dist cap and plug wires, etal)
    $3500 for minor service (valve adjustment, etc...)

    I ended up selling the car prior to needed a major service.

    Just be prepared for the bills to roll in. Honestly, its still worth it though.

    Best,
    dsd
     
  22. BigTex

    BigTex Seven Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 6, 2002
    79,380
    Houston, Texas
    Full Name:
    Bubba
    J.Johnson,

    Saw this thread and just wanted to offer this..a PPI is a good idea to assess condition of the car and spot needed repairs....VITAL if on the open market...

    But in a case like yours you KNOW the owner of the car, where it's been, etc....so I'd pursue the deal and not let the inspection be a sticking point..

    You know this car has been cared for, and not abused based upon the maturity of the Owner.....go for it.
     
  23. jbenjimac

    jbenjimac Rookie

    Aug 16, 2005
    27
    Idaho Falls, IDAHO
    Full Name:
    J. Johnson
    #23 jbenjimac, Dec 1, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thank you. I'm prepared for that. I appreciate all the good information and advice. I've got time now to think about it, continue my research and make a decision. It's not going anywhere. I now have a check list of requirements that I have to satisfy before I purchase it. It will also have to be a win for me and a win for my friend selling the car. I'm not in any hurry. This is a dream I'm fulfilling. I could buy it now or if it takes 5 more years to find the right car that's fine with me. I will have a Testarossa. Thanks again for all of your time and efforts. I really appreciated the helpful posts and url's and private messages. If/when I buy the car I'll let you know. Happy Holidays and safe driving.

    Ireland we'll be in touch!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  24. furmano

    furmano Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 22, 2004
    32,215
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Furman
    Is (was) that Richard Losee's car?

    How's he doing BTW?

    -F
     
  25. Simon^2

    Simon^2 F1 World Champ

    Oct 17, 2005
    12,313
    At Sea Level
    Yup that's it. Unique doors give it away.
     

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