Ferrari Testarossa Previously Owned by Nigel Mansell Now Available for Purchase
Even the most devoted fans of Lewis Hamilton might be getting tired of all the talk about him joining Scuderia Ferrari. Over time, we’ve seen him in Ferrari’s signature red, driving their new SF-25 car during pre-season testing in Bahrain alongside his competitors. Some might wonder if the excitement has faded. If he shows up at the next race in Melbourne and performs exceptionally well, it’s likely that the discussion about Hamilton moving to Ferrari will persist throughout the year and possibly beyond.
But can you blame the excitement surrounding this news? Hamilton is the most successful driver in the history of Formula 1, and now he is racing for Ferrari, a team known for its incredible achievements. He seems more motivated than ever to win that elusive eighth championship title. While he may not be the first British driver to race a Ferrari in recent years — reserve driver Ollie Bearman did so early last season — he is certainly the first Brit to hold a world championship title and drive for Ferrari since Nigel Mansell back in the late 1980s. Mansell was loved by Ferrari, earning him the nickname ‘Il Leone,’ which means ‘The Lion’ in Italian, along with a special gift of a Ferrari Testarossa during his first season.
Speaking of that Testarossa, it was delivered to Mansell in 1988, likely after his tenure with Williams. This car is quite special, with a plaque inside to remember the occasion. Mansell customized his Testarossa in Rosso Corsa red with cream leather and red carpets, which many enthusiasts consider the ultimate color combination for a Ferrari. On top of that, it came with six pieces of fitted luggage engraved with Mansell’s initials — a cool touch for any car owner.
However, despite the luxury, it’s noteworthy that the Testarossa doesn’t offer much storage space. With a big flat-12 engine, the cooling system takes up a lot of room, leaving only a limited area for luggage under the hood. But the sacrifice comes with a remarkable engine, one that has deep roots in Ferrari’s history, going back to the 365 GT4 BB from 1973 and extending to the 512M model from 1996. The design, crafted by Pininfarina, is seen by many as an iconic representation of a supercar from its time.
Throughout its long production run, Ferrari made various tweaks to the Testarossa, including changing from one wing mirror to two, which the specific model that Mansell drove features. This 1988 version could fall into two categories regarding emissions regulations, so prospective buyers should check that detail before making a purchase.
Good news for potential buyers: the steering wheel is on the correct side for driving in the UK. While many other Formula 1 drivers tend to flock to glamorous places like Monaco, Mansell had a preference for the Isle of Man with its unrestricted mountain roads. Now, this particular Testarossa is available for £199,995 and retains its amazing condition, complete with the original fitted luggage. This price aligns with typical market values for a Testarossa, although there are slightly newer models available for a lower price. While such options are tempting, the unique features that came with Mansell’s model make it a special find. It will be interesting to see what kind of perks Lewis Hamilton receives as he begins his journey with Ferrari.
