1986 Ferrari Testarossa

4.9-liter (4943 cc) flat-12, known internally as the Tipo F113A. It’s a 180-degree horizontally opposed 12-cylinder, but unlike a true boxer, each pair of pistons shares a crankpin. The engine features four valves per cylinder—a total of 48 valves—with dual overhead cams per cylinder bank and uses Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection. Factory output is rated at 390 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, delivering power through a broad, linear band. It’s mounted longitudinally in the rear, just ahead of the rear axle, and paired with a dry-sump lubrication system to manage oil flow under high-performance driving. The flat-12 gives the car its signature wide body and unique balance, and it makes a sound that’s unmistakably Ferrari—high-strung, mechanical, and absolutely addictive.

16-inch “flat dish” wheels, often referred to as the “monodado” style, with the iconic single knock-off hub in the center—just like on Ferrari’s race cars of the era. Up front, they’re 8 inches wide, and in the rear, a massive 10 inches wide, perfectly complementing the Testarossa’s wide-track rear and staggered tire setup. Not only do they look absolutely period-correct with the car’s dramatic side strakes and wide haunches, but they also contribute to a more authentic and raw Ferrari driving experience.

12-inch rotors up front and 11.1-inch rotors in the rear. They use dual-piston calipers and were considered high-performance for the era, providing strong and consistent stopping power for a car that weighs over 3,600 pounds. There’s no ABS on the early cars like mine, so braking is completely mechanical and requires a confident foot—but the pedal feel is firm and communicative, giving you precise control once you get used to it. Combined with the wide stance and mid-engine balance, the brakes help deliver a surprisingly composed and stable stop, even at higher speeds.

5-speed manual, mounted longitudinally just behind the engine as part of the classic rear mid-engine layout. It uses the iconic gated shifter, which not only looks incredible but offers a tactile, mechanical connection that’s pure Ferrari. The gearbox requires a deliberate hand, especially when cold, but once warmed up, it becomes intuitive and incredibly rewarding. Ratios are well-spaced for the flat-12’s powerband, delivering strong acceleration and relaxed high-speed cruising. It’s a true driver’s gearbox—no assists, no shortcuts—just metal-on-metal precision that demands skill and gives back pure satisfaction in return.