What exactly makes a car “cool”? It’s a question that sparks endless debates among automotive enthusiasts, and there’s arguably no single right answer. “Coolness” in cars can stem from various factors, from groundbreaking style and impressive engineering to sheer performance and raw power. It can be rooted in innovative concepts or flawlessly executed ideas. Ultimately, the cars we consider truly special often possess a combination of defining characteristics, both tangible and conceptual, that elevate them beyond mere transportation. A “cool” car frequently transcends the sum of its parts, becoming an embodiment of the ideas and passion infused into its creation.
When encountering Kazuki Ohashi’s reimagined 1989 Ferrari Testarossa, the immediate impression is undeniable: this is a cool car.
Kazuki Ohashi's 1989 Ferrari Testarossa, showcasing its low stance and ground-hugging profile.
Ferrari Testarossa prancing horse badge, highlighting the iconic brand and heritage of the vehicle.
However, this initial feeling might be accompanied by a sense of internal conflict, especially for purists. One can appreciate this Ferrari as a bold statement that prioritizes visual style above all else, even potentially over traditional notions of practicality or performance. Kazuki’s approach seems to be a pure expression of vision: “This will look incredible, and I’m going to make it happen, regardless of conventions.” And the result is undeniably visually striking. Performance considerations and traditional Ferrari aesthetics aside, this Testarossa is captivating to behold.
Kazuki Ohashi's Ferrari Testarossa illuminated at night, emphasizing its stance and presence.
Yet, the broader automotive world reacted with a mix of fascination and criticism. Images of Kazuki’s creation rapidly spread across social media, igniting a firestorm of comments, both praising and condemning the modifications. A recurring theme among supporters was a sense of rebellious satisfaction – a pride in the car’s ability to provoke and “upset” detractors. For these enthusiasts, Kazuki’s Testarossa became less about the car itself and more about challenging automotive norms and, in their view, “pissing off the haters.”
Kazuki Ohashi's 1989 Ferrari Testarossa featuring split wheels and air suspension, highlighting the customization work.
This polarized reaction raises questions about the motivation behind such a build. Is Kazuki simply expressing his personal style and vision onto an iconic 80s Ferrari? Or is there an element of deliberately provoking controversy by seemingly “ruining a Ferrari”? While contemplating these questions, one might conclude that the intent, in this case, is secondary to the result. It’s perhaps more enjoyable to appreciate the car for what it is – a unique and visually compelling creation – and leave the debate about motives aside.
Kazuki Ohashi's bagged Ferrari Testarossa, demonstrating its lowered ride height and stance.
Rear view of Kazuki Ohashi's Ferrari Testarossa in Japan, showcasing its wide stance and modified taillights.
The stir caused by Kazuki’s Testarossa is understandable. With Testarossa values hovering around a significant price point, it’s undoubtedly not an inexpensive car to modify so drastically. While the automotive world is filled with vehicles of far greater value, the Testarossa remains an emblem of the prancing horse lineage – arguably the most revered automotive marque globally. Adorned in vibrant red, it embodies the quintessential “Ferrari” image. However, this particular example sits dramatically low to the ground, a stark departure from its intended high-performance persona. The inclusion of air suspension adds a layer of practicality, allowing for adjustable ride height, and the 18/19″ staggered wheels offer a subtly enhanced, OEM+ aesthetic. Despite its visual appeal, it fundamentally contradicts the performance-oriented purpose most associate with this supercoupe. Yet, one could argue that seeing a Testarossa boldly reimagined like this is preferable to it being confined to a garage as a static display piece.
Kazuki Ohashi's Ferrari Testarossa in a Japanese setting at night, highlighting its modified lighting and overall aesthetic.
Kazuki Ohashi's slammed Ferrari Testarossa, emphasizing its extremely low ride height and Japanese tuning style.
There’s a crucial distinction between executing a vision that challenges convention and inadvertently provokes a reaction, and deliberately aiming to upset the automotive community for its own sake. The former holds intrinsic value as a form of personal expression, with the controversy being a byproduct. The latter, however, seeks validation solely through that controversy, lacking deeper substance. While this is a personal perspective, building a car purely to generate negative reactions seems ultimately shallow and transient. It’s far more compelling to witness a build that authentically reflects the owner’s personal automotive dreams, rather than one engineered solely to ruffle feathers in a quest for attention.
Kazuki Ohashi's Ferrari Testarossa rear detail, showing the taillights and exhaust, dubbed the "tail rear butt" in the original context.
Ultimately, what makes Kazuki Ohashi’s Ferrari Testarossa cool to you? Is it the controversy it has ignited? Or is it the fact that, regardless of the dissenting opinions, Kazuki pursued his vision and created a visually stunning car? For many, it’s likely the latter. And one thing remains largely undeniable: this is one undeniably cool Ferrari Testarossa Car.
