Sculpting Speed: Inside the Unique World of Testa D'Oro by Colani

Maestro WORKS - Step into the world of automotive eccentricity with the Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani, a peculiar creation that challenges the conventional beauty associated with the Prancing Horse emblem. Crafted in 1989 by the renowned German industrial designer, Luigi 'Lutz' Colani, this sports car is a testament to Colani's obsession with aerodynamics and efficiency.

1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Colani, driven by a desire to push the limits of speed, embarked on a quest to modify a Ferrari Testarossa in the late 1980s with the aim of breaking the world record for the fastest production car. The result was the Testa D'Oro, a vehicle that defies norms and stands as a unique manifestation of Colani's biodynamic design language.

Front side view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)

The exterior of the Testa D'Oro is a spectacle in itself. The front boasts an elongated and flat air splitter, resembling a giant tongue protruding from the car. Colani's signature aerodynamic elements, including spoilers and air dams, contribute to the car's distinctive shape. However, the extreme air splitter limits its practicality for regular road use, demanding meticulous planning.

Interior view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The nose of the car takes on an oval fish-mouthed shape with an air scoop for the braking system. The expansive windscreen, devoid of significant curvature, resembles a massive flat plate of glass. Moving over the mid-mounted Ferrari flat-12 engine, the glasshouse tapers, maintaining a sculptural and bold design.

Engine view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The rear of the Testa D'Oro features an organic and soft design, avoiding sharp surfacing or jarring angles. Colani's design philosophy, inspired by Galileo Galilei, rejects the trend of angular shapes, embracing the beauty of rounded forms.

Left side view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Under the hood, the Testa D'Oro houses a potent Lotec-Ferrari 12-cylinder twin-turbo engine with a capacity of 4,942 cc, generating a staggering 750 hp. This powerhouse catapults the car to a top speed record of 218 mph or approximately 351 kilometers per hour.

Rear side view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)

Inside the cabin, the Testa D'Oro exudes a sporty ambiance with blue-colored racing seats and a bare lower deck adorned with steel plates instead of carpeting. The original black dashboard features various indicator panels, maintaining a balance between performance and functionality.

Rear side view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)

The glasshouse tapers away as it passes over the Ferrari flat-12 sitting amidships. The body, which was minimised at the doors rises over the rear wheels and forms a short deck. Below this it terminates in a reverse-sloping fascia that contains the exhaust ports and cooling vents for the brakes. 

Rear view of 1989 Ferrari Testa D'Oro Colani. (Picture from: CarDesignNews)

Whether adored or criticized, Colani's expressive creations stand as a striking departure from conventional automotive designs. The Testa D'Oro, available for purchase in Maranello, Italy, through exotic car dealer Purosangue Maranello, is a rare find for enthusiasts seeking unparalleled uniqueness. 

Priced at a bold US $1.7 million or approximately Rp. 22.63 billion, this extraordinary stallion is a testament to the fusion of fantasy and horsepower, resulting in a record-breaking and inspirational masterpiece. If You wanna see another Luigi Colani' works, visit his sites @Colani.org. *** [EKA [27062015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COLANI.ORG | CAR AND DRIVER | CARDESIGNNEWS ]

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