1982 FERRARI 512 BBI

1982 FERRARI 512BBi Serial number ZFFJA09B000038831 Vintage service book and manuals Sold new in Monaco Same owner since 1998 French title The history of the Ferrari 512 "Berlinetta Boxer" is linked to the adoption of the 12-cylinder V engine by the prancing horse brand at the beginning of the adventure in 1946. At the time, only two American brands offered this exceptional engine and the young Enzo Ferrari was fascinated by the power of this mechanism. Little by little, his name became associated with this particularity and his V12 models became the nec plus ultra of the production sports car. Very attached to this engine, he even refused to put his name on the hood of models equipped with V6 or V8, he used the first name of his deceased son to create the first berlinette of the brand, which was initially shunned by enthusiasts because it was considered as the "small Ferrari". But the lineage of the rear mid-engine sedan was born and marked an important mechanical and aesthetic transition for Ferrari. Several prototypes of an imposing mid-engine GT were presented at various car shows in the mid-1960s when V12 front coupes were still commonplace for the prancing horse brand. The design of the future BB was proposed to Pininfarina who had already been collaborating with the brand for several years. The coachbuilder drew this new car based on the Daytona; the influence of the 1970s with its sharp curves and taut lines is very present in this model. Despite the position of the engine, the cabin is quite far back on the rear axle and the plunging hood gives the effect of a feline ready to pounce on its prey. First proposed with front lights placed under plexiglass, the final project had more modern retractable lights that do not break the line of the car when lowered. If its design is at the service of beauty, it is no less at the service of technology with an important work done on the aerodynamics of the whole as well as on the cooling of the mechanics which gives it this rear with double hump so particular and very appreciated by the critic at the time. If the car will make the tour of the shows (often presented by Sergio Pininfarina himself) in 1971 and 1972, it then disappeared from the radar screens for 2 years without being forgotten. Mechanically, the first BB (365 GT4/BB) takes its mechanics from the F1 of the time with an increased displacement compared to the 3 liters of the competition and the replacement of the Lucas injection by 4 Weber triple-body carburetors. Aesthetic and mechanical evolution of the 365, the 512 model sees its Boxer engine go from 4.4L to 5L for 345 horsepower, 20 less than its prototype. This decision to lower its power was taken by the engineering team of De Angelis for a better return on the flexibility and the recovery of this new Ferrari. The 512 was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1976 but had already entered production to respond to the violent attack of Lamborghini and Porsche with their (respectively) Countach and 930. Easier to handle than its big sister 365, the 512 was also more powerful, more imposing and more comfortable; it was enormously appreciated at its release and many considered it as a transvestite F1. Like its predecessor, the 1982 model was equipped with Weber carburetors, but the 1982 model saw the appearance of a small letter next to the two B's on the rear hood; in fact, the "i" for "injection" was used to justify the change in the gasoline supply of the imposing engine. The aesthetic signs differ very little and there is very little change in the technical specifications; the Bosch K-Jetronic injection does not change the 340 horsepower of the BB of the early 1980s. More obvious, the interior will be slightly reworked and Ferrari collaborated with a renowned Italian designer for these seats now in bi-material of the most beautiful effect. The BB adventure stops in 1984 after a little more than 1000 models produced for its last variation in injection. This two-letter name will remain for many fans an important turning point in the history of the brand that will continue the rear-engine sedans until today. The car we present to you was delivered new in Monaco in March 1982 as its maintenance booklet attests. Displaying a beautiful patina, the red paint of the car shows only a few small defects related to its age and the sustained use that the owner will make of the car; after less than 10,000 km done by the Monegasque, traces of maintenance at Pozzi in Lyon are recorded on the booklet stamped up to the page "20,000 km" in November 1995. The odometer indicates today that the car has been driven more than 47 000 km and this seems to correspond to the general condition of this BBi. In the interior, we find a specific upholstery in grey and black fabrics and leather which answers elegantly to the red and black body of the coupe. The car will be sold with its original jack and tools and will need a mechanical revision in order to take the road serenely and enjoy the vocalizations of the V12.