Does anyone know if the rear grill emblem on an 86 model year Testrossa should be black or chromed ? I have seen both and wonder if one is correct before I change mine.
The flat, flat black design is intended as an understated design element that enhances the horizontal grill work to emphasize to car’s gigantic width. A totally unique and novel design in the automotive world. A non-OEM, chrome and sculpted horse shouts out ‘Ferrari’. Owners also add Shields on the front fenders for the same reason. Just like the mercedes folks that feel compelled to shout ‘MERCEDES’ to any and all onlookers. IMO... your Testarossa need not shout for attention. Image Unavailable, Please Login
So, did you send a strongly-worded letter to Ferrari to tell them that they made a horrible design decision for the rear cavallino on the 512TR?
No... but Ferrari made so many bad decisions on their 512 ‘redesign’ the chrome horsey was the least of the damages done. No doubt Enzo was screaming some strong words from the grave over their ‘efforts’.
This is a very good point. When the horse is left black, the car’s width is emphasized by leaving the rear grill uninterrupted (almost infinite-like), whereas with a chrome horse, the shiny middle focal point deemphasizes the car’s width. Of course with the TR, the width and the strakes are the design’s party pieces (and with the early version, the flying mirror too.)