The Ferrari Testarossa was a 23-year-long mistake - ISSIMI Spotlight feat. Jason Cammisa - Ep. 06

Some things don't go the way they're planned. We often call them "mistakes." But some of the best things have come from unplanned events, miscalculations, or aberrations: the Ferrari Testarossa, the Post-It note, and even Jason Cammisa. We asked his mom. Jason was a mistake.
Doesn't make him less of a Jason. And the Testarossa, despite its huge commercial success, was part of a lineage of Ferraris which was, in retrospect, compromised at its mission.
Ferrari, perhaps caving to the en-vogue mid-engine fad of the late 1960s and early 1970s, ushered his 12-cylinder GT cars away from their successful front-engine layout. For the 365 GT/4 BB, Ferrari splayed the Daytona's V-12 to 180 degrees and mounted it the middle of a body so sultry that its creators nicknamed it "BB," after Brigitte Bardot.
Ferrari's press office had to make up a story about BB, and called it the Berlinetta Boxer - but of course this Berlinetta never had a Boxer engine. (Ferrari insiders confirmed this BB story to us.)
The press railed on the BB for not being a usable car, and so it was replaced with the Testarossa, which gained 6 inches in width that allowed the cooling system to be moved to the rear of the car. This addressed the media's complaints about the heat-soaked cabin. Despite its enormity, the Testarossa became one of the most successful Ferrari models ever.
Its 1980s cocaine-snorting image doesn't quite line up with the valium-popping driving experience, but the Testarossa was a magnificent luxuxry car. Great, just not what you'd expect. Its replacement, the 512 TR, sharpened many of the rounded edges and made it halfway back to the magnificent 365 BB's driving experience, but without the drawbacks.
After 23 years, Enzo had left us, and the mid-engined 12-cylinder GT was retired by new boss Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, who realized the middle-motor concept was probably best left for the sports cars. The flat-12 lineage ended, and the Ferrari GT returned to its front-engine roots with the 550 Maranello.
The Testarossa is the middle-child in a two-decade series of cars between the 365 GT/4 BB, BB 512, and BB 512i; and then the 512 TR and 512 M. Each is an amazing Ferrari in its own right, even if it's not what you think it is, proving that sometimes the best things come from something that ultimately proved to be a mistake.
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ISSIMI’s “Spotlight” series gives automotive enthusiasts and collectors an in-depth look at rare, interesting, and important cars. “Spotlight” is an editorial wiki video that, first and foremost, provides context, answering the question “why is this car important?”
With his trademark balance of insight and comedy, automotive journalist Jason Cammisa combines the facts with editorial insight, allowing the audience to walk away with a cursory understanding of each featured car. Wherever possible, Spotlight will include driving footage and acceleration footage with high-quality audio to provide a first-person experience of sight, sound, and motion that words alone never could.
ISSIMI is an enthusiast-owned, full-service specialist offering sales, consignment, collection management, service, and consulting to discerning enthusiasts and collectors. Specializing in complex transactions that include international services for exceptional cars, ISSIMI’s San Francisco Bay Area and Europe-based teams of experts pride themselves on transparency and knowledge. ISSIMI also produces enthusiast editorial media, including “Spotlight,” “Jason Cammisa on the Icons,” “The Carmudgeon Show,” and “Proper Care & Feeding of Cars.” Some of the vehicles featured in these editorial products, including the subjects in this Spotlight video, may be listed for sale through ISSIMI’s platform. Please check www.ISSIMI.com for more information.

[@ianl8389]

This series is EXCELLENT. I love learning the backstories and real experiences behind these epic cars. You're not a mistake to us, Jason

[@haydenhale9066]

Am only 24, I second this comment

[@richardmahoney9415]

I 3rd it Jason is one the all time best KZbin car reviewers or car reviewer period my short list Jason and Chris Harris

[@ctdieselnut]

The best car journalists by a large margin. Interesting, compelling, and well written. Chris Harris was also great when he was independent, but just descent on top gear.

[@sabastiantaylor7209]

Testarossa is STILL beautiful. It’s rolling art!

[@ghost21501]

The 512TR looks miles better.

[@stephanvelines7006]

I like the 512BB most

[@paulthomson9709]

I would take any one of them over any of there current lineup, not one single current ferrari I like .

[@Fee.1]

Paul Thomson so you’re the old man who wants to drive a couch type ?

[@campkira]

meh... too 80 for me...

[@camilorodriguez5603]

23 year-long mistake wow that's one year less than the Me lol

[@Turshin]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Cylus024]

Same here...same here...

[@MrLundefaret]

#metoo 😂

[@victoralley708]

You weren't a mistake, you were a suprise... 😂

[@zxsand]

Same bro

[@hanyrambod_FST7]

Thanks for not beating up my Testarossa too much Jason! The title of the video did scare me a bit but you were right on in terms of the driving characteristics. I’m surprised you forgot to mention the car has a built in cocaine mirror in the glove compartment, ah the 80’s lol. 😎

[@kevinkim9620]

that glove compartment mirror, first time i heard of it. awesome lmao

[@FrancoisSchneider]

The Countach also had a cocaine mirror, as the mirror on the passenger side sun shade was detachable.

[@andyb1653]

@@FrancoisSchneider "Why would you EVER need a small, handheld mirror in 1980s Miami?!" -Doug DeMuro

[@itsmvrik]

Omg the Pro Creator himself 🤯

[@Atlastheyote222]

Enzo knew his customer base well

[@JasonCammisa]

I love how this video got 2 dislikes before the first view was complete! That means my title is... WINNING! I explain the "mistake" thing in the video, but you'll just have to watch it. Questions? Ask 'em here.

[@lyndonklymchuk7391]

I havent even watched it yet and hit like! lol

[@JasonCammisa]

@@lyndonklymchuk7391 Thaaaaaat's more like it! 🥰

[@kennethwilliamsinc]

JasonCammisa I can tell you put a lot of effort in your videos by the way you smelled that interior 😂 ! Love your videos man!

[@llys3742]

But can you reach the top of the steering wheel? (Also, maybe it's intentional, but I can hear "action" in the very beginning of the vid.)

[@iammyping]

Yep, that's how You make KZbin videos ladies and gentleman.

[@mcspikesky]

Production is way too good for 60k subs. A gem yet to be discovered(lol), love the style, Cammisa

[@abalakrishnan4152]

Cammisa is my all time favorite motoring journalist.

[@STRGHTSXBNZ]

Amen to all above

[@dhoffnun]

It's like Donut but a bit less... flamboyant?

[@obsidian....]

People will slowly continue to find it... But I agree

[@writenamehere0000]

Too much for this cocaine addict

[@Alvaricokemaureira]

in an interview of Davide Cironi with Mauro Forghieri, he explained that BB means Berlinetta Bialbero (berlinetta Twin Cam)

[@JasonCammisa]

Saw that. And I called Modena on this one and was told, in no uncertain terms, that BB came from BB, Bardot's nickname.

[@TehRuiAlv3z]

@@JasonCammisa They're selling a better story than the engineer could ever tell...

[@tonydelo7292]

@@TehRuiAlv3z true

[@retroracingshirt591]

ownership manual says: Berlinetta Boxer

[@aydankhaliq2967]

Forghieri is super underrated. First with a delta wing concept, first with a spoon wing concept and did the aero for the 250 gto.

[@mchristr]

In the early '80's, while working at a SF car repair shop, I was sent to the local tire store to pick up a Mercedes-Benz. There sat a 512BB. It was like seeing a rock star, only better.

[@SPy009r0]

10:54 Your shifting in the BB was perfection, I had to rewatch several times to enjoy that close ratio box.

[@bicyclist2]

This is one of the best Ferrari videos I've seen in a long time. I was always a big fan of the Testarossa. Thank you.

[@FixItRyan]

I love car videos where you learn new things. This hasn't happened for me in at least a decade. Great video 👌

[@banestock]

This show is automotive gold! Good job Jason & team! Can’t wait for the next episode!

[@727skydivers]

"Looks like Cocaine, drives like Valium!"

[@jojodivas9211]

*Snorts*

[@AdarisTempest]

The 512TR is quite honestly the only Ferrari I truly lust after, even counting modern stuff. Is it from growing up in the late 80's and early 90's? No idea! But it speaks to me like no other.

[@jamespisano1164]

What a great "mistake" it was. I love the 512 TR. One of the coolest cars ever made besides the CarreraRS, the 930 Turbo, and the ultimate car ever made, the 959.

[@BasedHadrian]

959 the ultimate car ever? You just picked a twin turbo 6 cylinder as the best car ever, you’re not to be trusted with car opinions.

[@jamespisano1164]

@@BasedHadrian Ok cupcake. Go have a bubble bath.

[@dragospahontu]

@1% Evan Ł lol

[@dragospahontu]

@@BasedHadrian it's a really nice car

[@evermayne3151]

@@BasedHadrian it was a car that was way ahead of its time

[@capnella]

Please keep doing videos like this Jason. One of the best KZbin car videos I’ve seen in ages. The testarossa/512tr is one of my favorite cars of all time. They drive like a Ferrari Cadillac (kind of disappointing-not very thrilling) but they have some of the most amazing iconic looks of all time. Thank you for making this video!

[@dillon6630]

This guy is the most entertaining car reviewer since clarkson. Perfectly balanced humor with detailed informative history.

[@anciagabelus1802]

Yessss I agree

[@amsterob]

too bad he sounds like an ass. you must be easily entertained.

[@dillon6630]

@@amsterob You must be super fun at parties

[@horsepower523]

Are you kidding me? You really like this kind of exaggerated clown behaviour? This isn't proper car journalism.

[@Houthiandtheblowfish]

The best video on this era of Ferrari

[@zetoch]

This video is extremely well done. Very entertaining and to the point. Love the speechless conclusion that says so much by comparing the 3 cars in just a few seconds. Impressive stuff. You guys rock!

[@productofthe80s]

'Love It or Hate It' the *Testarossa* is and always will be one of Ferrari's most iconic looking Cars

[@DeltaDubai03]

It's a great video. from start to finish. Actually, I wished it never ended as the onboard experiences were so good. Those V12s sound amazing and the "click" of the gated boxes...

[@subarnosinha8042]

Finally, the Testarossa/512 video everyone was waiting for. Took you long enough, Jason!

[@victorszabo3866]

Awesome episode. One of my most favorite episodes on You Tube . Thank you.

[@RetroCarsForever]

This was really clever and well done. Really appreciate the effort to tell something new about such an icon!

[@moizzkhan8546]

How the F*** is this channel not on 100,000 subs already ?!

[@fastcargtv6]

I guess the usual 1 hour long discussions on the channel retain many of today's 'KZbin-eaters' to spend that much time watching a video where nothing happens visually. They are living in the fast lane. They aren't like many of us. After 28-years of ownership of Alfetta GTVs I still be able to gaze them long and realize new and new great details around.

[@BOKtober]

This may sound like a dumb reason but it does have a terrible name, branding is very important

[@Vekurus]

Oh how I remember that Car&Driver magazine cover when I was a kid. That started my love affair not with the Testarossa, but with the GTO.

[@ghostinplainsight4803]

Instantly brought back memories

[@harryrodriguez9796]

YEA, I USE TO HAVE ONE, BUT I GAVE IT TO A LONG GONE GIRL FRIEND 😩 BUT I KEEP THE COUNTACH 1988 SPECIAL EDITION MAGAZINE FOR EVER. SALUDOS FROM COSTA RICA. (how i missing my magazine 😭)

[@victorhs258]

Great series, thank you for the work.

[@shakedlevi6263]

Jason,your videos are so beautifully done and presented, so engaging and fascinating that it makes the others feel so humdrum & technical.you are way up there with the best

[@EricHamm]

Whoa this is where Jason went. He was sorely missed on MotorTrend reviews.

[@jordanbandak7440]

Love the driving videos at the end!

[@WhiteGloveFans]

You nailed this video. As a 1987 TR owner you really hit this one out of the park. Well done!!!

[@iulian2548]

Great material,it deserves many more views. Thank you!

[@benhadden7038]

This video popping up is the Best surprise to happen this week whilst taking a poo.

[@FasterThanSoup]

Hahahaha...I can relate :|

[@motard126]

First exotic I ever drove was a 512BB, it was the 90s, I was 21 and my leg is still sore from the clutch.

[@kpsig]

Absolutely great episode. So much new and unheard info!

[@rickriggs7233]

Great video!!! Love history lesson!!! I learned something today!! Thank you!!

[@VarioFelce]

Saluti dall'Italia Adam Sandler! Sei bravissimo

[@JasonCammisa]

Ciiiiaaaaooo!

[@ashdoglsu]

Miami Vice made it out to be a cool car that's fast. I think they nailed it.

[@JohnSkyPatterson]

great video! your humor is very funny and educational at the same time. excellent delivery for an informative video on the history of these cars! i'm hitting thumbs way up! :)

[@piccalillipit9211]

*WHAT AN ASTONISHING* level of production quality 10/10 - you deserve 1m subs if this is your standard...!!!

[@foxrower]

That ending was great to hear the comparison!

[@carlob517]

like your humour," buying a Congressman for a 100k " was spot on lol

[@tsvetelin6556]

I have nevers seen a better review on the Testarossa!!! Simply AMAZING! GRET JOB GUYS!!! You got a new subscriber.

[@kyle_vr]

Love this 'Spotlight' series! 👍

[@OEMPlus]

UGH 550 maranello one of the most beautiful cars ever.

[@brandonherrera2891]

Absolutely! I'd love a manual 550 Barchetta.

[@FAT8893]

Anything before 2000 look great. After that Japanese Ken took control of Ferrari styling, it all looked terrible. I find it ironic since it wasn't the case for Maserati. Remember, the fourth gen Quattroporte with 4.2L V8 was also designed by that Japanese Ken.

[@longtailgt]

I agree so much! On Instagram and KZbin you see kids calling the 550 boring and they couldn't be more wrong. I think it's one of the best looking Ferraris ever made and even Ferrari collectors have the same opinion.

[@norwegiantechnolover]

0:00 Anyone else hear the director say "action"? :P

[@clevelandaeromotive]

Great documentary! This clarifies a lot of the why’s and how’s of late 20th century Ferrari history. Thanks!

[@noahkahn8987]

Best car series on youtube! keep the content coming

[@future62]

The auto industry needs more of these mistakes today. Everyone is coalescing around the same definition of perfection. 500cc/cyl ZF8 equipped AWD car with "drift mode". We won't be talking about the cars of today in 30 years......

[@badlydrawncars6460]

People will be talking about muscle cars though. The last bastion of naturally aspirated, manual, V8 cars...and every one ignored them.

[@vimalkarpe5818]

There's Koeniggggsenisseggsegnignigsegigiseg

[@juanordonezgalban2278]

Hypercar-wise these are great years, I hope the valkyrie becomes the next F1

[@FrostedSeagull]

Love the 512TR and I actually saw one a week ago 👌. They cost an absolute fortune. There is a low mileage one for sale in my home, Australia for $USD361,000 OR $526 000 Aussie dollars ! 🤷‍♂️

[@ttystikkrocks1042]

This is a great series with an entertaining script and commentator. Really enjoyable!

[@mladenbasic1]

This is hands down one of the best car vids out there!

[@N8_DoubleYou]

When I see a gated shifter, I turn into a telescope.

[@kindledlight]

While the BB might have been the first production Flat-12, the Porsche 917 had a Flat-12 screaming on track just 4 years prior. So, maybe not the worlds "first" flat-12

[@alexjenner1108]

I almost fell off my chair when he said "world's first and only ever horizontally opposed or flat 12". I'm not sure how you end up presenting an automotive channel, without knowing the Porsche 917, which was a legend not just at Le Mans and other European sports car races, but also in the Can-Am series until it was banned. It would be a little more understandable if someone didn't know about Ferrari running a flat-12 1.5L Ferrari 1512 in the 1964/65 Formula One seasons, as the team also ran the 158 1.5L V8 in most races, so those flat-12 cars probably aren't so well known.

[@kindledlight]

@@alexjenner1108 Exactly. I was basically yelling at my phone watching this haha. Maybe he was referring solely to production cars for the most part but even so, we can't forget some of the early F1 greats and the mighty 917

[@playtimehulot7383]

Intelligent Iconoclasm. That´s what You Tube and it´s tons of car videos need!! Thank you deeply!

[@SurPraw]

this is the coolest review I've ever heard. It's like monologue drama about history of cars!

[@cls63amgwagon34]

Ok the 512M is NOT THAT BAD, it’s just the weird front grille opening, idk that’s the only excuse I can give it

[@andreuclimentverdu9593]

Yes! I too can't understand the hate behind the M... I'd even venture to say it's one of the most beautiful 512 derivates

[@Taco-bomb-GTA]

9:02 Just to look at the 512M it's make me wanna 🤮🤮🤮

[@christianbrix5211]

Good to see Adam Sandler has been reading up on cars and learned how to act.

[@dustyrusty7956]

Jason - thank you for your old-school analysis. It hearkens back to the day when you [and he who will remain nameless] were doing fun videos.

[@billystutz55]

Good video, very informative. The title had me almost mad lol. Testarossa's were bringing $50k over window in the '80s, thats $117k of todays money. Thats insane!

[@sid-a794]

simply, 180 degree engine is call boxer. Amen.

[@GarretSterling]

The 512 TR still remains one of my favorite cars of all time, I'd like to think that I had exquisite taste as a small child, and you just confirmed it. Great video! Now i can go in peace

[@FAT8893]

The same for me. Heck, I'd take the 512 TR over the Testarossa all day. F512M is a big NO-NO, it's too fugly.

[@E3T7]

Farhan Ahmad Tajuddin What? I still can’t understand that. The ‘86 Rossa is my favorite car all time and IMO miles better than the 512.

[@FAT8893]

@@E3T7 Visually, the Testarossa and 512 TR are just the same apart from the front lights at the bottom, and that's it. But the 512 TR brings a substantial upgrade to the Testarossa and that is why I like the 512 TR more. It manages to be better without spoiling the look.

[@E3T7]

Farhan Ahmad Tajuddin I agree internally the TR is superior, but visually the changes are much more obvious than how you describe them. The black paint around parts like the skirts and front bumper (splitter) were removed, the iconic single mirror gone, (in ‘87, but like I said my fav is 84 to 86) as well as those legendary rims replaced. (Other things like wheels as well) That’s not to mention the biggest change with the front bumper you were talking about. The grill was an obvious change along with the lights. I know there’s some people who prefer the look but not me. The idea that the TR is a 90’s car also ruins the atmosphere as well imo. (Don’t get me wrong I love me some 90’s cars, but the best legends are from the 80’s)

[@skrads]

Excellent analysis! Thank you. 👍

[@timmoffat6890]

Simply the best reviewer there is. Love this guy

[@apostolis2939]

5:11 Harry Metcalfe can confirm

[@Prodriver33]

The 512TR is the best looking Ferrari ever.

[@titan8535]

How am I just finding this channel now?? Incredible job on your videos

[@Yorkiepoocharlie]

Great stuff! As always! More please.

[@cicci0salsicci0]

Actually BB stands for berlinetta bi-albero.

[@retroracingshirt591]

officially it stands for Berlinetta Boxer, as the owners manual says...

[@cicci0salsicci0]

@@retroracingshirt591 The actual Engineer who worked on the car said in an interview that it was bi-albero. Later it was confused.

[@retroracingshirt591]

@@cicci0salsicci0 yes I know

[@BlueRidgePhantom]

Very entertaining! Well done.

[@davecroden9793]

I watch these because of this guy. I love the way he tells the stories of these cars.

[@JPWack]

The research and writing on these pieces is great!

[@jasonjcr_cars819]

Jason, I too was worried for a second or two how you were going to pillage my teenage poster car..you nailed it. And just like Harry Metcalfe, you showed me I should not have worried about buying one. I did get the Valium GT car, but I will comeback to the Testarossa soon.. Keep up the great videos

[@jasonkupke6768]

The best car content on KZbin! Love watching videos with actual substance!!

[@boredomarisen]

thanks for fixing the volume difference between the voice over and camera segments.

[@richarddarsa6353]

FANTASTIC video! Thank you - Blown me away with the story about how the name BB came about!

[@barisondude7673]

I love your videos. Awesome quality.

[@peppino5413]

Exactly , well stated.🙂Most inventions occur by mistake.One of the best 1986 super- cars I have ever driven..., Testarossa with spline knock-off wheels...quite comfortable but not the easiest to drive...20 minute warm up time and forget about quick gear changes.....High C of G which makes the back end twitchy at speed around bends....and poor brakes. Forget about driving in traffic on a hot day.🥵🥵🥵😎At 11:11 Testarossa drivers' side mirror oscillates so retention spring is loose or missing.....a truly entertaining well presented video without the usual " hit the subscribe button B.S. Well done Sir Jason.👌👌👌

[@pedrocampinopt]

I learned a lot of new things about my favorite car brand and in a fun and interesting way, really liked this video a lot...

[@CalebOrvik]

I remember reading his Automobile column “Collectible Classic” featuring that Scirocco and all those old cars-time flies!

[@walterm.robertsiiiphd2157]

Informative and funny. Good work!

[@ProBale]

Great stuff Jason and the Issimi Team! I would love to see those pulls at the end through a POV camera thats mounted at the forehead or chin maybe even with better quality. And also please, since these cars also have a great sound, make the audio better, maybe even mount something on the rear bumper.

[@chrisbouris3699]

straight to my top 5 car videos on youtube together with your video with integrale and Ari Vatanen, 1988 Pikes Peak climb

[@edgallagher8675]

Great video! A fresh perspective on one of my dream cars of all time.

[@imrecco]

The quality here is may to good for under 100k subs. Good luck growing and imma sub rn

[@jonorourke4857]

Absolutely superb video.

[@trisbuckley409]

Having owned all of them, you are spot on. The Boxer has the most character, especially when properly restored.

[@Gr0t0tter]

Great video - I thoroughly enjoyed the Cammisa brand of humor and presenting on MotorTrend content, so I'm glad I found the channel. Keep it up Jason! I always liked the Testarossa as a kid, but fell in love with the 512 TR in the wake of the first Need for Speed title. They're expensive now, but as the ultimate incarnation of the Testarossa, I believe it's set for future classic status, with a matching price tag.

[@mkevin88]

Amazing series!

[@rivenmotors7981]

That's some real nice A-pillar action there at the end.

[@DamianSupra]

This is such a great video! Amazing and true.

[@blessed7fold]

Very well done video and presentation 👏

[@LuisSanchez-hn1iq]

Jason Simply AWESOME video, you deserve more subscribers!! Thank you for fun video when I need something positive

[@redtesta]

ive owned a lot of cars and i just love my testarossa. The presences , the sounds , the smell, the comfort ( with upgrades over the years) make it one of my all time favorites. Thank you for the honest review and great factual information on the history of all the TR.

[@Tommyblueeyes]

Yet you type like a 3rd grader. I call bullshit.

[@paulmonte7642]

Fair breakdown of the TR... well done !

[@logwind]

Grew up with a TR on my wall and never knew this! Great content.

[@Yan7001978]

That was a good and fun learning video!

[@shafferjoe1962]

OMG you make me laugh. I love how you describe and say things that no one else would have the balls to say, and you say it with such elegance. Keep up the good work brother.

[@remingtonsteele3220]

Well done. As someone whose owned all three you are very correct. The Boxer, particularly the 512BBi, is really the best of the bunch if you are looking for something that feels really special when you drive it. It also is aging well and like cream it will rise towards the top. The TR/512 are cool because, especially from the rear, they look like no other car ever made before or since.

[@omarr6021]

great video ,,educative and entertaining