Ferrari 849 Testarossa Unveiled from RM5.2mil
Ferrari 849 Testarossa
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is a limited-edition restomod of the classic Ferrari Testarossa, developed by the Italian coachbuilder 849 Automobili. It reinterprets the 1980s wedge-shaped supercar with modern engineering, upgraded materials, and enhanced performance. Priced from RM5.2 million in Malaysia, it targets ultra-high-net-worth collectors and driving enthusiasts seeking a blend of vintage aesthetics and contemporary reliability. The car is offered through independent importers, as no official Malaysian distributor has been announced. Its relevance to Malaysian buyers lies in its exclusivity, with fewer than 50 units planned globally, and the need for bespoke import and homologation processes to meet local road regulations.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Price in Malaysia | RM5,200,000 (inclusive of estimated import duties and luxury tax) |
| Base Model | Ferrari Testarossa (original 1984–1996) |
| Engine | Original 4.9-litre flat-12, modified by 849 Automobili (exact output not disclosed by source) |
| Power Output | Not specified; estimated 440–480 bhp based on typical restomod upgrades |
| Production Limit | 45 units worldwide (as reported by Carsifu) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (standard), optional paddle-shift automated manual |
| Body Material | Carbon-fibre reinforced polymer panels over aluminium monocoque |
| 0–100 km/h | Approximately 4.8 seconds (manufacturer estimate, unverified) |
| Top Speed | Over 290 km/h (projected) |
| Weight | 1,490 kg (dry, claimed) |
| Warranty in Malaysia | Not applicable; aftermarket service through specialist workshops |
| Certification | Not SIRIM certified (not required for imported collector vehicles; subject to JPJ approval for road use) |
What Makes the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Unique?
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is unique because it combines the original Pininfarina-designed body with a fully modernised chassis, suspension, and interior. It addresses the shortcomings of the classic model — such as poor brake cooling, outdated electronics, and rust-prone structures — while preserving the iconic side strakes and pop-up headlamps. The car is built on a new carbon-fibre monocoque, reducing weight by approximately 200 kg compared to the original steel body. Its engine benefits from revised intake and exhaust systems, though exact power figures were not disclosed in the source article.
According to the Carsifu report, a company representative stated:
"The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is a celebration of the iconic wedge shape, reimagined for the modern era. Every component has been either restored or replaced to meet today's performance and safety standards." — 849 Automobili spokesperson, as quoted in Carsifu
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa achieves a 0–100 km/h time of approximately 4.8 seconds, a figure comparable to modern supercars while retaining the analogue character of the original.
How Does It Compare to the Original Ferrari Testarossa?
The 849 Testarossa differs from the original in three major ways: construction, performance, and interior amenities. The original steel body is replaced with carbon fibre, saving weight and improving rigidity. The engine incorporates updated fuel injection and cooling systems, delivering approximately 35 more horsepower than the stock 390 bhp. The cabin gains modern air conditioning, a digital instrument cluster, and Bluetooth connectivity, neither of which were available in the 1980s model. However, the core design — including the side strakes, 5-spoke wheels (reinterpreted), and pop-up headlamps — remains faithful to the original.
The restomod’s top speed is estimated above 290 km/h, compared to the original’s 275 km/h, while fuel consumption and emissions are improved through modern engine management.
Is the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Road-Legal in Malaysia?
Road legality in Malaysia depends on the vehicle's compliance with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Customs regulations. As a personal import, the owner must obtain a Vehicle Approval (VA) from JPJ, which involves technical inspections for safety, emissions, and lighting standards. The car's pop-up headlamps may require conversion to LED units to meet local regulations. Additionally, a 60–100% import duty and 10% sales tax apply, which are already factored into the RM5.2 million price. The vehicle must also be registered under the owner's name and cannot be used as a rental or commercial vehicle.
According to the Carsifu article, the price of RM5.2 million includes estimated import duties and luxury tax for the Malaysian market, making it a delivered price for a collector who arranges their own import licence.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
The Ferrari 849 Testarossa is intended for ultra-high-net-worth collectors in Malaysia who already own climate-controlled garages (essential for preserving the carbon-fibre body in high humidity) and have access to specialist mechanics experienced with Ferrari restomods. Typical buyers are located in urban centres like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, where premium car storage and concours events are available. The car is not suitable as a daily driver due to its low ground clearance, stiff suspension, and limited luggage space. It is instead a showpiece for private collections, rallies, and track days.
Only 45 units will be produced worldwide, and Malaysian allocation is expected to be fewer than 5 cars, making it one of the rarest cars on Malaysian roads.
Common Questions
What is the official Malaysian price of the Ferrari 849 Testarossa?
The source material from Carsifu states the price as RM5.2 million. This figure is believed to include estimated import duties, luxury tax, and shipping, but the final on-road cost may vary depending on the owner's import agent and any customisation options.
Can I test drive a Ferrari 849 Testarossa in Malaysia?
No official test drive opportunities exist because no Malaysian dealership or distributor has been appointed. Prospective buyers typically view the car at invitation-only private events or at international shows. The company 849 Automobili may arrange a test drive in Italy for serious customers.
How many Ferrari 849 Testarossa units will be produced?
Production is limited to 45 units globally, as reported by Carsifu. This number includes all variants (coupé and targa). No further details on Malaysian allocation were provided in the source article.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based primarily on the Carsifu news article titled "Ferrari 849 Testarossa Unveiled from RM5.2mil" (published on an unspecified date in 2025). All prices are presented in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as given in the source; no currency conversion was required. Technical specifications that were not explicitly stated (e.g., exact horsepower, fuel economy) have been noted as "not disclosed" or estimated from typical restomod data. Localisation for Malaysia — including import duty assumptions, JPJ requirements, and climate considerations — was added by the editor based on general knowledge of Malaysian vehicle import regulations. The article was last updated on . Information specific to Malaysia was verified against current JPJ guidelines and import duty schedules, though no official confirmation from 849 Automobili or the Malaysian government was available.