1980 - ACA

Sbarro Testa Rossa baby -1980

In 1980, Franco Sbarro created a car for older children based on the lines of the Ferrari Testa Rossa of the 1950s. The first in a series of "baby" cars for children.

Without size comparisons, it looks like a Ferrari Testa Rossa (Christie's photograph).

For adult children

Beneath an all-polyester monocoque body, you'll find a 15 hp single-cylinder engine, a 4-speed gearbox (plus reverse), front disc and rear drum brakes, and four-wheel independent suspension. With a total weight of around 300 kg, the Sbarro Testa Rossa Baby can reach a respectable 90 km/h.

A luxurious cockpit worthy of the greatest (Christie's photograph).

Few copies

La Testa Rossa baby was sold by the Swiss company Syma, based in Yverdon. One model, from the royal house of Savoy, was sold by Christie's in 2019 for £23,750. One example was for sale in October 2004 in the classified ads pages of Sport Auto magazine n°513, at a price of €18,000. I've found a few photos of an example "out of the barn" on the internet. Total production is unknown.
Only the large size of the prancing horse and taillights betray the fact that this is a children's car (Christie's photograph).

En bref
1- A car for big kids in the style of the Ferrari Testa Rossa of the 50s
2- 90 km/h top speed
3- Designed like real cars
Principales sources
1- catalogue Sbarro "Testa Rossa"
2- Christie's auction house website
  • Single-cylinder engine
  • Engine in front longitudinal position
  • Power output around 15 hp
  • 4-speed manual gearbox + reverse
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes
  • Weight approx. 300 kg
  • Top speed around 90 km/h