Even in the storied history of Ferrari, the 250 Testa Rossa stands proud. A multiple Le Mans and championship winner, it is one of Maranello's most beloved sportscar racers. And, with just 33 made, one of the rarest as well - you might remember an unrestored 250 TR sold for £24m a few years ago. By comparison, a €93,000 replica looks a snip...
The Testa Rossa J is a recreation of the original Scaglietti-designed, 'pontoon fender' 250 TR; built in collaboration with The Little Car Company - responsible for the recently launched the Bugatti Baby II and Aston DB5 miniatures - it has been designed for Ferrari's "most passionate collectors". As such, there have been no half measures: original drawings from Ferrari Classiche were scanned to ensure the styling was just right, the paint is the same that's applied to the road cars and the set up was signed off on the Fiorano test track. Yes, really. This is one toy the kids might find it hard to get off their parents, in fact...
Such is the Testa Rossa J's commitment to accuracy that its aluminium panels are handbeaten and the suspension geo matches the original as well. The seat features the same piping motif as used in the 50s (albeit now with leather as found in new Ferraris) and the dial fonts are identical as well. There are Ferrari replicas and then there are Ferrari-commissioned replicas.
Naturally, this Testa Rossa is slightly different to the original under the bonnet. Gone is the 3.0-litre Colombo V12, in its place three batteries and an electric motor. Exact power hasn't been confirmed, though given the Bugatti Baby Vitesse we drove last year was similarly sized and boasted 2.8kWh, expect similar from the Ferrari. Performance is about on par between the two as well, with 45mph possible, and tamer modes selectable here via a manettino. Those buyers that own both Baby II and Testa Rossa J aren't obliged to race them against each other but, well, they really ought to...
Our money would be on the Ferrari. It gets Pirelli tyres, Bilstein dampers, bespoke springs (with that Fiorano sign-off, don't forget) and Brembo disc brakes. Certainly, if the Bugatti is anything to go by, with its car-like dynamics and actual driver engagement, the Ferrari is going to be huge fun to drive whether you're 15 or 50.
Ferrari says that the Testa Rossa J has a range 90km (56 miles), with the batteries charged via the socket in the fuel cap. Additional nice touches include a Nardi steering wheel, rims that evoke the Borrani originals (authentic ones are an optional extra) and the oil/water temp gauges now repurposed for battery and motor temperatures. The wheel is even a quick-release item, handy if certain big kids struggle getting in and out...
Ferrari and The Little Car Company will build just 299 of these Testa Rossa Js, making them rarer than even some of the most notable roadgoing cars. Buyers will be able to choose from 14 historical liveries and 53 bodywork colours, with personalised liveries also possible if none of those suits. There's even a configurator if Monday morning is going especially slowly - Rosso Scuderia with Nero leather looks very nice from here. As does, frankly, any spec you can think of.
Unsurprisingly, the €93,000 mentioned at the beginning - or £79k at the current exchange rate - really is just the start, as it excludes taxes, shipping and options. And your bespoke NART homage livery. But heck, if you're one of the 299 people Ferrari is aiming the Testa Rossa J at, €93,000 is less than you've spent on options for the 812 Competizione that's also on the way. And it isn't clear yet which Ferrari might be the more entertaining...
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