Ferrari 512bb, 1981
Ferrari 512 BB
Ferrari 512 BB•
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Auction: Monterey 2016
Auction date: August 20, 2016
Lot No.: S125
$330,000 | High bid
- Exterior: Black
- Interior: Tan
- One of the most original 512BBs in existence
- One family ownership up until 2016
- Just over 1,500 original miles
- Original paint
- Original interior with plastic still on the sills
- Still wears its original tires
- Matching numbers throughout
- Parked in heated storage since the the mid 1980s
- One of the most desirable color combinations
- Recent service
- Early desirable carbureted version
- Original books and tools
- Lots of documentation
- MUST BE SOLD TO AN OUT OF STATE RESIDENT OR LICENSED DEALER
The increasing demand for mid-engined sports and Grand Touring cars in the late Sixties initially went unanswered by Ferrari, who was basking then in the success of the front-engined 365 GTB Daytona. But when the front-engine layout began to look dated, Ferrari answered the call with a mid-engine design of his own, using not the time-honored V-12 but a 4.4L/380 HP version of the flat-12 “boxer” engine first seen in the 312B Grand Prix racers of 1970. The flat-12 enjoyed substantial advantages over the conventional V-12, most significantly its low center of gravity and reduced harmonic vibration.
Since it implimented the Daytona’s reciprocating internals it was relatively cost effective for Ferrari. It was also more compact, a factor most appreciated by Sergio Pininfarina, whose job it was to package the engine, running gear and ancillaries and still leave room for two passengers. Dubbed the 365 GT4/BB (for Grand Touring, 4-cam Berlinetta Boxer), the new car first appeared at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. While the choice of engine was logical, it nonetheless surprised the public, but Pininfarina’s design was sensational, with taut, dramatic lines presenting a smoother, more chiselled look than the earlier mid-engined Dinos.
In 1975 the 365 GT4/BB gave way to the 512BB, the name marking a return to the Dino nomenclature signifying its 5.0L 12-cylinder engine. The larger 5.0L flat-12 produced less horsepower at 360, but was more flexible thanks to a wider torque band. While appearing similar to its predecessor, the 512BB incorporated significant exterior changes, including a front spoiler, NACA intake scoops in the rocker panels, four tail lights instead of six and a slightly longer tail section with more louvering for improved cooling. The wheelbase and front track remained the same, but the rear track was increased two inches and wider 9-inch wheels were used.
These changes combined to make the 512BB absolutely stable and predictable at speed, prompting Road & Track to declare the 512BB “the best car we have ever tested.” Sold new in Massachusetts, this 1981 Ferrari 512BB remained in the same family until 2016. Auto Palace of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania converted it to U.S. specification in October 1981; it has been returned to its original European configuration, otherwise remaining unrestored. Driven a total of 2,456 kilometers (1,526 miles), it retains its original Nero paint, Tan leather interior, V-12 engine and 5-speed transmission.
The parts removed for the specification conversion are included along with great documentation that includes the original import shipping manifest and title application, Massachusetts registration from 1991 and a letter of testimony from an original family member dated 2016. This milestone Ferrari 512BB has become a blue-chip classic, one whose value and prestige will only grow in the years to come.
