1991 FERRARI TR SPECIALI
A one-of-a-kind reimagining of the iconic Ferrari Testarossa, the TR Speciale is a unique masterpiece designed by Robert Horne and crafted by Bob Houghton Ltd. This extraordinary car started life as a Ferrari Testarossa, chassis number 87193, supplied by Evans Hawshaw and registered as H540ARR.
In the early 1990s, Robert Horne, the owner of Horne’s Tailors and a passionate designer, envisioned a futuristic re-body for the Ferrari Testarossa. Over the next decade, this concept blossomed into a labour of love, transforming from initial sketches into the truly remarkable car we present for sale today.
Some of the original designs were even drawn on a Pizza Express napkin, which eventually led to the creation of a wind tunnel model. Under the guidance of Geoff Carr from MIRA, this model was meticulously tested to refine the car's aerodynamics, ensuring optimal downforce and drag. The extensive history behind this car includes not only the sketches and wind tunnel data but also the very model used in the testing process.
Bob Houghton Ltd. was enlisted by Robert Horne to handle the mechanical construction of the project, following their long-standing collaboration, including their partnership in setting the land speed record with the famous yellow Ferrari 512M, driven by Derek Bell. The original Testarossa donor car underwent a full disassembly, with the bare chassis sent to Clive Smart at the renowned Shapecraft to craft an entirely new hand-built aluminium body. This was completed in the early 2000s and painted by Adrian George of Spraytech.
Once the body was returned, we began assembling the car using the original engine. The completion of Robert's dream involved months of meticulous work, including the fabrication of a bespoke aluminium dashboard, custom suspension setup, and intricate electrical re-wiring. Ferrari 550 Maranello race seats were installed, along with Ferrari 360 Challenge wheels and a Pilkington-pattern windscreen. Every detail was executed to perfection, ensuring this was no ordinary re-body, but something truly exceptional.
Upon completion, the car was invited to the Ferrari Owners Club UK Concours event in 2003, where it garnered widespread admiration and even won the Ladies' Cup Trophy. This event is well-documented with photographs that accompany the car's extensive history file.
Although the Testarossa was low-mileage when the project began, it has only added an additional 1,000 miles over the past 22 years giving a total of 16,314 now. We have carefully stored and maintained the car since its completion, with Robert occasionally taking it for a drive. Throughout this time, the car has been comprehensively serviced and maintained.
The driving experience is unique—agile, fast, and incredibly stable. With a design that evokes the Ferrari F50 and 360 Modena, yet predates them by many years, this car stands as a testament to Robert's exceptional design talent and foresight. It's a true one-off.
The car is available for viewing at our Cotswold showroom.
£199,000.00
