When Ferrari sent legal notices to the makers of the hit TV show Miami Vice for featuring replicas of the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4, they had no idea just how popular the series would make another model of theirs. That model being the Ferrari Testarossa, the perfect poster boy for 80s excess.

The Testarossa was designed by Pininfarina, but even the famous Italian design firm says it “combines the brashness of a prototype and the refinement of a road car”. The Testarossa came in as the replacement to the Berlinetta Boxer, an altogether softer, more rounded mid-engined V12 exotic. But love it or hate it, the Testarossa is now peak 1980s Ferrari, having made the side strakes, flying rearview mirror and single nut alloy wheels design icons in themselves.

And we’re more than ready to see the Testarossa make a comeback, in the same way Lamborghini built a limited run of the modern-day Countach. While Ferrari said they wouldn’t make continuation cars, they did just that with the super-exclusive Icona series. The Monza SP1, SP2 and Daytona SP3 all pay homage to iconic Ferrari models of the past. Some people have attempted Ferrari Testarossa restomods, with great success. Some have even built rat rods out of the Testarossa. But we think the seminal 80s Ferrari deserves its moment in the sun, with a continuation of its own, straight from the Ferrari factory.

Here's why we think a Ferrari Testarossa continuation model should be next on the cards in the Ferrari Icona series.

The Ferrari Testarossa Is A Style Icon

Ferrari Testarossa - Front
Via Mecum Auctions

Sure, the Testarossa isn’t the most beautiful car that’s ever worn the Prancing Horse ‘Cavallino’ badge, but it’s certainly cemented its place in history books. Penned by a team of talented designers at Pininfarina, led by design chief Leonardo Fioravanti. He’s also the man behind cars like the 365 GTB, Dino, 308 GTB, and the Testarossa’s precursor itself, the 512 Berlinetta Boxer. Most say Fioravanti’s crowning glory is the 288 GTO, or the F40. But the Testarossa was arguably plastered across more bedroom walls than the other two.

Rear 3/4 view of a red Testarossa, studio shot
Ferrari

The funny part is that the most recognisable part of the Testarossa, the raked door panel intakes, were actually born from regulations. Rather, in finding the loopholes to circumvent regulations. Laws of the time banned large openings on cars as a safety hazard, and given the mid-engine layout of the V12 and the need for cooling, side intakes were definitely required. So what Pininfarina came up with was the side strakes that spanned from the doors to the rear fenders, handily covering the large intakes in the process.

Related: Why The Ferrari Daytona SP3 Is The Most Exciting Car From Maranello In Years

At launch in 1984, the Testarossa also had the coolest outer rearview mirror ever – a floating mirror on a long extended stalk high up on the quarter glass. It allowed the driver to get a good view out over the beautiful rear haunches, whilst being sat low in the car. Later models would move to a more traditional mirror setup on either side, but early cars with the single driver’s side mirror command a premium.

Officine Fioravanti Restomodded This Crashed Testarossa

Ferrari Testarossa Restomod Front View With Headlights Popped Up
via Facebook

Swiss firm Officine Fioravanti gives us an idea of what a Testarossa with modern internals will look like. And it’s everything that the original is, and a little more. Built on a Testarossa that had been in a crash, and updated to Testarossa Monospecchio-spec, which means it’s a solid white car with all the rockstar details of the early models. The restomod, however, runs on custom 17- and 18-inch wheels styled after the original.

Related: 201-MPH Ferrari Testarossa Restomod Resurrects The '80s Classic

The 4.9-liter, flat 12-cylinder motor has been modernized, now putting out 503 HP or about 118 HP more than the original. It’ll also rev out to a screaming 9,000rpm, with switchable engine maps that the driver can choose from toggles inside the cabin. Everything from the exhaust, to suspension, brakes and interiors get fully modern touches too. And though this Testarossa rocks Apple CarPlay, it still has the wonderfully 80s massive carphone! Except, now it’s a Bluetooth headset.

The RML Short Wheelbase Is An Unoffical Ferrari 250 GT SWB Continuation

Ferrari 250 GT SWB
Via Car Magazine

If you need any more proof of how good a reimagined Ferrari may be, you only have to look to the RML Short Wheelbase for the answers. Loosely based on the Ferrari 250 GT SWB, and with a rebuilt Ferrari V12 powering it, this thoroughly modern special is limited to 30 units. All of which have been sold out, even at its price of $2.4 million.

So Ferrari, please do the world a favour, and resurrect the Testarossa. But with modern styling, modern V12 and modern running gear. Just please leave the side strakes in. And maybe the popup headlights too.