Description
Here you see a rare, original 512BB. One of only 929 carburettor Berlinetta Boxers with only 44, 000 kilometres on the clock, still wearing three-quarters of its original first paint and sourced from a very well-known collection: does it get any more interesting in the realm of 512s?
In the early ’70s, Ferrari became known for twelve-cylinders and engines directly behind the driver. But a combination of these two factors? It became available only in 1973 when Ferrari presented the 365 GT4 BB, with a substantial twelve-cylinder behind its two seats. In 1976, the 365 GT4 BB was succeeded by the 512 BB, which is still highly cherished today and stands as the last twelve-cylinder with carburettors in the records.
Under the enormous hood, essentially a completely open hinging rear, with the arrival of the 512, an even larger boxer engine (BB stands for Berlinetta Boxer) was installed, measuring 4, 943 cc. For Ferrari, just large enough to use the name 512 (5 litres, 12 cylinders). The power-plant is not technically a boxer, as the two opposing pistons in the engine move in the same direction. The designer of the engine, Mauro Forghieri, once said: “Don’t call it a boxer. It is correct to say that it is a ‘flat-12,’ or a V12 at a 180° angle.” Anyway, the engine is an absolute powerhouse and incredibly powerful with 360 hp. The 512 BB reached a top speed of over 280 km/ h, which was quite remarkable at that time.
Meanwhile, the 512BB is also a car that imparts a tremendous sense of wealth. Nowadays, luxury and opulence may primarily translate into large screens, assistance systems, and interior lighting adjustable in eighty colours. Back then, luxury consisted of beautiful materials, experience, and build quality. Behind the wheel of a 512BB, you immediately realise what the absolute pinnacle in the automotive world must have looked like: like this! Also, in terms of driving, there was really nothing better; Road&Track magazine wrote after the initial tests that the 512BB was the best all-round sports car of the moment.
The 512BB we offer here is in a beautifully unrestored condition. The first owner was an American, and the car remained there for a long time. The most recent owner had the car for almost thirty years and has taken very good care of it. The bodywork of the 512 is very nice, neatly panel fitting and beautiful paintwork. About 75% of that paintwork is still the original first paint. The gaps are consistent everywhere and in line with the delivery in 1981. Also, the lighting elements, such as the large indicator lenses at the front, and other details such as rubber mouldings, mirrors, and windows are in perfect condition.
This favourable impression continues unabated on the interior. Restoring and renewing is, of course, possible, but nothing compares to an original leather interior with patina, in this case, Daytona-style cognac-coloured leather. The carpeting and door cards are in excellent condition, as is the “sinistere” dashboard. Light brown dominates, with nostalgic black gauges with orange numbers and needles. Everything functions fully, we are happy to report for completeness. Almost forgot to mention the added treat of the 512 having been factory-fitted with air conditioning.
Driving the Ferrari is simply fantastic. With perfect technology, the 512BB is a pleasure to drive, a sensation, in fact. Everything about the car is in excellent condition, including the braking system and the suspension, providing a confident feeling when driving at higher speeds. Quite nice because the Ferrari is effortlessly capable of great feats. That’s actually what the 512 loves to do. Strolling is possible, but the 512 almost begs you to drive a little faster, a bit like the average man pulling his wife by the hand in a shopping mall to keep up the pace.
However, sit down and ‘astonishing’ is the only thing that comes to mind. As if you’re strapped to the front of a rocket. The 512BB takes off with ridiculous acceleration. Numbers don’t matter so much then; the sensation and experience of the power combined with the howling twelve-cylinder right behind the occupants are simply magnificent. The intake sound of the six Weber carburettors is phenomenal and is complemented by a fantastic exhaust sound. Meanwhile, the steering responds to every minimal steering movement you make, and the car instils incredible confidence. Unprecedented what Ferrari managed to develop almost fifty years ago.
