This is the 1989 Ferrari/Lotec Testa d’Oro (head of gold), a seemingly extraterrestrial vehicle which was styled by the iconic and ingenious German industrial designer, Luigi Colani. Colani filled the world with imagination from the beginning of his career in the 1950’s until his passing in 2019 at the age of 91 years old, leaving behind an enormous legacy of extravagant designs not only of automobiles, but also everything else under the moon including pens, trains, lamps, phones, planes and more. The Testa d’Oro was initially designed in 1989 using a Ferrari Testarossa as a base in order to chase down top speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in northwestern Utah. In order to build this 200+ mph dream car, Colani teamed up with German sports car manufacturer, Lotec who modified the Testarossa engine to achieve 750hp. In 1991, the Testa d’Oro managed to achieve a speed of 340 kph (211 mph) during the Bonneville Speed Week with driver Mike Strasburg behind the wheel, securing Colani’s team a class win. In 1992, after some slight modifications and Strasburg behind the wheel yet again, the team achieved a higher speed of 351kph (218mph), resulting in a world record for vehicles with catalytic converters at the time. The car’s 3rd and final bodywork alteration (shown here) came in 1993, truly exemplifying Colani’s ‘biodynamic’ vision. The Testa d’Oro of 1993 was given a massive windscreen, a ‘Blu Cuoio’ interior to mesh perfectly with it’s ’Rosso Corsa’ paintwork, a bulbous front splitter, plus an unprecedented combination of other design elements that have never been seen on a Ferrari ever before. After having been re-discovered by the talented team of experts at @mortonstreetpartners in 2022, the car today is part of @thecolanicollection, and is currently undergoing a preservation project, with a goal of completion by 2025.
How many made? 1
Engine: twin-turbocharged 4.9L 48-valve Tipo F113B 180-degree V12 modified by Lotec
Debut: 1991 Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Top speed: approximately 218mph
0-60mph: n/a
Photo credit: @tdubya_91
Research: @rarecarsonly