Should our son-in-law sell his unreliable 1991 Ferrari Testarossa?

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Should our son-in-law sell his unreliable 1991 Ferrari Testarossa?

Our son-in-law has owned a 1991 Ferrari Testarossa for the two years. I would be embarrassed to tell you just how much this car has cost him in repairs and maintenance. I am convinced that this car was a very bad model. It looks gorgeous but the reliability of the car stinks. Can you give me your opinion on this model and should he get rid of it? He is a lover of Ferrari cars and is talking of replacing the Testarossa with a classic Dino. I know the old saying; if you own one of these cars, then you should not mind paying out for it. But there are limits.

Asked on 10 February 2011 by JA, Surrey.

Answered by Honest John

Ferraris tend to drop and drop and drop, then bottom out, then start appreciating. The 4,943cc flat 12 Testarossa followed the Berlinetta Boxer and was in production from 1984 to 1991, after which it was updated and renamed firstly 512 TR, then F512 M. They currently tend to sell for between about £40,000 and about £50,000. The people to consult are specialists such as the excellent DK Engineering (www.dkeng.co.uk, tel: 01923 287687). Dinos are exquisite, but the construction method of small bore square tubing with the panels tack welded to it lends itself to horrific corrosion.

Tags: longevity build quality reliability classic cars sports cars

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