I want to buy a Testarossa

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.

 

Here's a pic of the one I want to buy.
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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.

 

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?

 

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.

 

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!
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