The "Ratarossa": A Unique Ferrari Testarossa Experience (video)

Its appearance is so outlandish that it's hard to believe it's real. But it is, and its history is just as intriguing. Ferrari made only one official convertible Testarossa. This was custom-made for Mr. Agnelli of Fiat, and equipped with a special gearbox. However, due to structural rigidity issues, Ferrari never ventured into making it a regular production convertible.

The 'Ratarossa', however, isn't one of those aftermarket convertibles from the ‘80s. Current owner, Scott Chivers' with the car began when he stumbled upon it on an American forum while searching for a part for another Testarossa he owned. The Ratarossa was a rolling shell, accompanied by two massive wooden crates filled with parts. A project car that hadn't touched the road in over two decades.

Despite the challenges, his passion for Ferraris and a knack for tinkering, managed to piece the car together without an owner's manual. The result? A 390-horsepower flat 12 beast that, while lacking the rigidity of a typical Testarossa, offers a driving experience like no other.

Driving the Rattle Rosa is an adventure in itself. The car, with its quirks and jiggles, feels alive. The gearbox requires some warming up and a bit of double-clutching finesse. And while it might not be the smoothest ride you've ever been in, it has a certain charm that's hard to resist. It's raw, unfiltered, and gives you a sense of connection with the road that modern cars often lack.

But what truly sets the Rattle Rosa apart is its character. Its exterior, a mix of grey primer with hints of red, might not win any beauty contests, but it turns heads wherever it goes. The reactions it garners are a mix of awe, curiosity, and sheer disbelief.

In a world where cars are becoming increasingly similar, the Rattle Rosa stands as a testament to the joys of automotive eccentricity. It's a reminder that sometimes, the journey of building and restoring a car can be just as fulfilling, if not more so, than the drive itself.