Ferrari Testarossa 1984 Paris Show Car

The 1980s were a period of excess and indulgence, the perfect backdrop for the Ferrari Testarossa and its extravagant appearance. It did not take long, however, before the car was labelled excessive and vulgar. Today, the broad shouldered flat twelve is regarded as a fashion statement, making this a great opportunity to drive the very car displayed on the Pininfarina stand at its 1984 debut and to speak with the man responsible for this visionary design.  

It is easy to ridicule the 1980s, especially if you were not around to experience it. The music and especially the fashion could at times be questionable, yet that rebellious decade also produced enduring style icons, with the Testarossa standing out as one of the most famous, if not the most famous of all. That reputation is almost entirely built on its design, particularly the distinctive horizontal strakes along the flanks, created in the Pininfarina design studio. At the time Leonardo Fioravanti was leading the studio, but much of the work came from a young team of designers, including Diego Ottina. His proposals were selected for the production car, and in conversation with him I asked about several aspects of the design, including the now iconic side intakes.