What Makes This Ferrari Testarossa Speedster So Special?
Imagine a Ferrari Testarossa, but not the one you remember from Miami Vice reruns. This one’s been sliced, sculpted, and reimagined into a wild, curvy speedster—no windshield, no roof, and a presence that turns heads even in a room full of supercars. It’s the handiwork of Franco Sbarro, a Swiss designer known for his fearless approach to automotive art. Only three were ever built, and just one was registered for road use. That unicorn is now for sale in Germany, and it’s causing quite a stir among collectors.
How Did Franco Sbarro Transform the Testarossa?
Sbarro didn’t just tweak the Testarossa—he basically reinvented it. He started by chopping down the chassis, making the car shorter and more agile. Then came the bodywork: flowing curves replaced the original’s sharp lines, and scissors doors (think Lamborghini, not Ferrari) added a dramatic flair. The absence of a windshield isn’t just for show; it’s a nod to pure, unfiltered driving, where you feel every rush of air and every nuance of the road.
One of the most striking features is the pair of oversized roll bars behind the seats. They’re not just for safety—they actually channel air from the front of the car toward the rear. It’s a quirky, almost sci-fi touch that sets this build apart from anything Ferrari ever produced.
Why Did This Car Predict a Trend Decades Early?
Fast-forward to the 2020s, and suddenly every major supercar brand is rolling out their own speedsters—McLaren Elva, Ferrari Monza SP1, Aston Martin V12 Speedster. These modern machines all share the same basic formula: take an existing model, chop off the roof and windshield, and crank up the drama. But Sbarro’s Testarossa did it nearly 30 years earlier, making it a genuine trendsetter.
It’s a bit like finding out someone was wearing skinny jeans in the ’80s. Sure, it looked odd back then, but now it seems almost prophetic.
What’s Under the Hood and Inside the Cabin?
Despite the radical exterior, the heart of the car remains pure Testarossa. You get the iconic 4.9-liter flat-12 engine, delivering around 385 horsepower through a classic five-speed manual gearbox. The open-gate shifter—a hallmark of old-school Ferraris—sits proudly in the center console, while the original gauge cluster has been relocated to the middle of the dash for a more race-inspired feel.
The interior is just as unconventional as the outside. The seats are molded directly into the chassis, much like what you’d find in today’s hypercars. Transparent doors offer a glimpse of the mechanical artistry within, and the whole experience is about as raw and analog as it gets.
How Rare Is This Sbarro Testarossa Speedster?
Rarity is an understatement here. Only three of these Sbarro speedsters were ever built, and according to reputable sources in the collector car world, this is the only one that was ever road-registered. The other two? They’ve faded into obscurity, making this example the only one you could legally drive on public roads.
When it was first unveiled at an international auto show in 1995, it caused a sensation. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanished into private hands, rarely seen in public since. Now, with its listing in Germany, collectors have a rare shot at owning a piece of automotive history that’s as bold as it is unique.
What’s the Market Saying About Unique Supercar Builds?
The appetite for one-off and ultra-rare supercars has never been stronger. According to a 2023 report from Hagerty, the market for bespoke and coachbuilt vehicles has grown by over 20% in the past five years, with collectors seeking out cars that tell a story and stand apart from the crowd. Sbarro’s Testarossa speedster fits that bill perfectly—equal parts conversation starter and rolling sculpture.
It’s not just about the badge anymore. Today’s buyers want something with a backstory, a car that sparks curiosity and admiration at every stoplight. This Sbarro Ferrari delivers on all fronts.
What Should Potential Buyers Know Before Taking the Plunge?
Owning a car like this isn’t for the faint of heart. Maintenance can be tricky—parts for a modified 1980s Ferrari aren’t exactly on Amazon Prime. And driving a windshield-less, open-cockpit supercar on public roads? That’s a commitment. You’ll want to invest in a good helmet and maybe a scarf or two.
But for the right person, the rewards are immense. You’re not just buying a car; you’re acquiring a piece of automotive folklore, a machine that bridges the gap between art and engineering. Plus, with only one road-registered example in existence, you’ll have bragging rights that even most Ferrari owners can only dream about.
The Big Takeaway? Chasing Automotive Perfection Is About Bold Moves
If there’s one lesson from the Sbarro Testarossa speedster, it’s that greatness often comes from daring to be different. This isn’t a car for purists or those who want to blend in. It’s for the dreamers, the risk-takers, the folks who see a Testarossa and think, “What if?” The result? Pure magic. Chasing automotive perfection isn’t about sticking to the script—it’s about smarter, bolder adjustments. Start with one bold idea this week, and you might just find yourself ahead of the curve before you know it.