A Convertible Ferrari Testarossa Would've Been Amazing

Although Ferrari is well-known for their excellent V12-powered vehicles — recent amazing examples have included the 550 Maranello, the 812 Superfast, the F12 Berlinetta and many more — Ferrari doesn’t tend to make convertible versions of these cars. Instead, if a V12-powered convertible is made, it’s an ultra-limited-production model like the 550 Barchetta or the 575M Superamerica — cars most people will never even see, let alone drive or own, given their stratospheric values.

Of all the cars I’m sad Ferrari didn’t “convertible-ize,” probably the biggest disappointment is the Testarossa. You can see an example of an aftermarket Testarossa convertible conversion above, of which there are many — mostly because the market did really want such a thing. But Ferrari didn’t seem to want to be a part of it — and even though Ferrari made the Testarossa and its variants for something like 15 years, a convertible version never came.

I always thought this was sad for a few reasons. One, because a convertible is the best way to enjoy a 12-cylinder car, as the top-down driving experience means you can fully hear the glorious engine behind you. Two, because of the obvious market demand — and the fact that these drop-top Testarossa models would still be highly appreciated today. And three, because a Testarossa convertible actually looks really nice. The aftermarket companies that created them did a surprisingly good job, and it’s a gorgeous design that lends itself well to a removable roof.

Unfortunately, to this day, Ferrari carries on the tradition of not really offering droptop V12 models, except to the select few — and, to this day, certain specialty shops offer to modify Ferrari V12 coupe models and turn them into convertibles. It’s a business Ferrari should’ve entered a long time ago — starting with the Testarossa.

8 COMMENTS

Wesley Blokker December 22, 2018 At 9:33 am

The Testarossa is one car that needs to be reproduced or replicated, I’m sure there are some kit cars which would take an MR2 donor car but I’d much rather see a replica or re-release maybe with some modern features/engine.

I’d take one that is a facsimile of the original with an LS engine instead of the 12 cylinder or have another rear engine car inspired by it with door strakes and all.

I can dream, But in theory a good replica could be as cheap as 30-40k including donor car and engine swap.

Blasphemous? Probably yes but this will be the only way poor plebeians like myself will ever own something like it.

hajime1990 December 20, 2018 At 8:40 pm

Can you believe Testarossa is nearly 40 years old?