Baby Testa Rossa: yours for £97K

A new electric-powered 75% scale replica of the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa has been launched, priced at £97,000. The Testa Rossa J is a faithful reproduction of the Scaglietti-designed ‘pontoon fender’ TR barchetta.

Developed by Ferrari in collaboration with The Little Car Company, Ferrari’s Styling Centre in Maranello oversaw the proportions and liveries, while the chassis and other components were created using original drawings held by Ferrari’s Classiche department.

The body – which measures 3.1 metres long and 1.1 metres wide – is constructed from hand-beaten aluminium and uses the same paint applied to Ferrari’s current road car range. The 3/4 scale car retains the same steering and suspension geometry, giving it “authentic handling”, while the suspension (using Bilstein dampers and custom springs) was signed off by Ferrari’s test drivers at the Fiorano test track. Brembo disc brakes replace the original drum system while handmade 12-inch wire wheels are shod with Pirelli tyres.

The interior has a single leather seat designed to accommodate one adult and one teenager. The Nardi steering wheel has a quick-release system to ease access. The dials use the original design and fonts, the oil and water gauges being repurposed to monitor battery and motor temperatures, while the fuel gauge is now a battery gauge, and the tachometer has become a speedometer. The pedals come straight from the F8 Tributo.

Three front-mounted batteries provide a range of 56 miles. A manettino gives the choice of four driving modes: Novice (1kW), Comfort (4kW), Sport and Race, the latter offering progressively sharper responses and a maximum speed of 38mph. Designed to be driven by anyone over 14 years old, the car is not however homologated for road use.

An online configurator allows a choice of 14 historical liveries and 53 bodywork colours. The Testa Rossa J limited edition of 299 units is priced from €93,000 excluding taxes, equating to around £97,000 tax paid.