Beschreibung:

One of the most evocative model names in motoring history, 'Testa Rossa' (Red Head) was first applied to a competition Ferrari in 1956. So called because of its distinctive red-painted cam covers, the 500TR sportscar was developed as a 'cheaper' alternative to the Maranello firm's larger multi-cylinder cars and came, initially, with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine developing around 180bhp. For the Testa Rossa, a four-speed gearbox in unit with the engine and a live rear axle were preferred to the 750 Monza's five-speed transaxle/De Dion arrangement. Nevertheless, this somewhat simplified specification would prove no handicap, the Testa Rossa in its later twelve-cylinder form proving good enough to win the sports car World Championship three times between 1958 and 1961, only the combination of Aston Martin and Stirling Moss depriving Ferrari of the title in 1959. Built to comply with Appendix C of the FIA's sporting regulations, the 500 TRC appeared in time for the 1957 season equipped with full-width windscreen, passenger door, folding hood and spare wheel, all of which were then deemed necessary to comply with the definition of a 'sports car'. The first twelve-cylinder version - the 250 Testa Rossa - was built to conform to the new 3.0-litre sports car formula applied from 1958. Its development overseen by Carlo Chitti, the 250TR combined the chassis of the 290MM and the engine of the 250GT. Launched in November 1957, the production 250TR appeared with sensational bodywork by Pininfarina, the projecting nose separated from the wings by huge brake cooling ducts being a veritable styling tour de force by a master carrozzier approaching the height of his powers. Developed progressively, the 250TR gained a five-speed gearbox, disc brakes, independent rear suspension and an F1 Dino-esque shark-nosed body as the years went by, finally bowing out in grand style in 1962 when Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in the lone 330TRI/LM entered. The car we offer has to be one of the most faithful re-creations of the legendary ‘pontoon fender’ Testa Rossa ever achieved. The project was overseen by the legendary car designer and enthusiast, Strother McMinn, a chief designer for General Motors and leading light at the ‘Art Centre in Automotive Design’ in California. A 1963 250GTE was chosen as the ideal basis, as this particular model’s components were similar. Chassis number ‘4275’ was subsequently rebuilt to correct Testa Rossa specification, many of the mechanical and body parts being originals sourced over a long period of time or specifically manufactured. Suffice to say the detail of this car bears close scrutiny throughout. The fact that the renowned Blackhawk Collection purchased it in the early 1990s may be taken as an indication of the work’s high quality. It should be stated that this Testa Rossa re-creation is not just built for show, its accuracy extends to the authentic driving experience. This is a very well sorted car, rapid and truly exciting, that really does feel honed to perfection. Since coming to the UK in 2004, the Ferrari has been in the hands of a famous collector and former racing driver of some distinction. Marque specialists DK Engineering checked the car thoroughly, ensuring that it would meet UK road requirements, and sorted out any items requiring attention. Now nicely patinated while remaining in excellent order throughout, the car is offered with copy US title deed, sundry maintenance invoices, fresh MoT and UK Swansea V5 registration document.