1987 Ferrari Testarossa Chassis

And now for something completely different, an unregistered Ferrari Testarossa bodyshell with an interesting provenance.

Mark Higgins, a man who is both a well-respected rally driver and a James Bond stunt driver and therefore one of the coolest people you’re likely to come across, bought the shell after working on the film Murder Mystery starring Jennifer Anniston and Adam Sandler.

The film features a chase scene where a Ferrari Testarossa pursues an Alfa Romeo police car, and we understand the production company bought a spare bodyshell and some panels in case they needed to re-shell the car, something that would have been faster and cheaper than halting filming to buy another complete car.

D’ya see where the money goes on big-budget productions?

As the official auction partner of the Ferrari Owners’ Club GB, it seemed sensible to reach out to see what they could tell us about an unregistered bodyshell like this one.

Their understanding is that this is what a Ferrari dealer would have received had they ordered one, the final digits being stamped to match the car they were repairing.

(The old, damaged chassis would have been destroyed to stop it falling into the hands of anyone with loose morals and a well-equipped workshop.)

We note there are no numbers stamped onto the top of the steering box either as we understand that these too would have been added during production/repair.

Mark bought the bodyshell, along with the actual car they used for filming and a few other bits and bobs, from the filmmakers after shooting had finished.

Apparently, he’s still got the Testarossa and given the damage to the panels looks very like the damage you can see in the film clip we linked to – and the rear engine subframe is also twisted and has had a chunk cut out of it, which might also have occurred during filming – it may be that he used the spare panels to repair the driveable car.

Our seller bought the bodyshell and the other bits and bobs you see here about five years ago. He had no plans for it but thought it was an unrepeatable opportunity to buy something cool, which makes him exactly our kind of chap.

The bodyshell is finished in primer and is in the sort of condition you’d expect to find given it’s been stored under cover but not pampered.

As you can see, there is a little surface rust here and there, and it looks straight to us. However, given the scale of the investment you’ll be making you’ll obviously want to pop along and check it for yourself.

The body panels and rear subframe were placed loosely in position to photograph them; they are not attached to the car. The panels comprise four doors, a front bumper and valence, the rear section and a rear wing, and bonnet.

The bonnet shows the sort of damage that might have been incurred during filming, as does the front bumper assembly, which is damaged and missing its nearside. The rest are a bit tatty but could probably be restored.

The bonnet is probably too far gone to be saved though. However, given the damage looks very like that sustained by the car during filming, it might have some value as a memento? Maybe fixed to the wall as a piece of art; after all, how many Testarossa bonnets have you seen mounted in a man cave?

The package also includes rubber door seals, a pair of wheelarch liners, a box of wiring and a wiring diagram, another box with miscellaneous parts in it, a grille, and the aforementioned damaged rear subframe; please see the photos to see what is included.

What you’re really buying though is the bodyshell, which would be invaluable if you’ve got a wrecked Testarossa in your barn and Ferrari won’t sell you a new shell.

Does anyone have Matt Armstrong’s number?

There is no interior.

Well, strictly speaking there is but you wouldn’t be very comfortable driving it in this condition.

Not that you could drive it, of course because there are no mechanical components fitted to it either.

No, you’ll have to bring your own interior to this particular party – and everything else.

There is an underneath though, and we’ll pop the kettle on while you crawl around to check its condition.

Not that you’ll have to stoop too low because it comes with a dolly, which makes inspecting it a bit easier and means you can wheel it around your garage.

We’ve covered the history, and while it doesn’t have the cachet of a Steve McQueen chase scene, it’s a pretty darned cool car chase in its own right not least because Alfa Romeo supplied the police car.

We aren’t going to take even a WAG at what it’s worth, but Google uncovered two Testarossa bodyshells currently for sale – and the asking price for these ranges from €40,000 all the way up to €100,000.

However, the seller isn’t greedy and is happy to offer it with no reserve, trusting the market to value his Ferrari Testarossa bodyshell accurately.

C’mon, why not buy now and decide what you’re going to do with it later? After all, it’s probably not going to be a depreciating asset, is it?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.