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Thoroughly steeped in racing tradition, the first 250 Testa Rossa appeared in 1957. Project chief Carlo Chiti anticipated racing regulations limiting the engine capacity for sports cars for 1958, to three litres. He had the chassis from the 290 MM mated to the power plant of the 250 GT and sensuously cloaked it with the bodywork of the TR. Testa Rossa, is Italian for Red Head. The cam covers over the cylinder heads were painted red. Ferrari won the World Championship in 1958 and a good deal of that success was enjoyed because of the competitiveness of the 250 TR. A pure racing machine, the form and function was aesthetic as well. The flowing front pontoon fenders aided in brake cooling. The large grill opening, not seen again until Cobra in
the mid-60's, took in vast amounts of air. The automobile became a lesson in aerodynamics, from the covered headlamps to the shape of the wave-like body itself.
Danbury Mint first issued this little red head 10/89, devoid of frills, reminiscent of the real object. Everything fit precisely; it had beautiful paint work and good attention to detail for that time period. Reissued 2/97, the only change came to the seating. Leather now covers the two bucket seats and center transmission tunnel. A timeless classic rendered in great diecast fashion. The issue price $112 + S&H. (10/23/1998)
(12/26/1998)
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