Ferrari 512 BB 1977 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ferrari 512 BB 1977

Although Enzo Ferrari was truly never caught off guard, the Berlinetta Boxer series that was introduced to the world at the 1971 Turin Salon came in reaction to competition from just down the road in central Italy. Lamborghini’s Miura and subsequent Countach, as well as Maserati’s Bora, were on Ferrari’s radar when the mid-engined and rakish 365 GT4 BB was unveiled. The 365 GT4 BB was mid-engined like the Dino but vastly different in both concept and execution, and it brought Ferrari into a new era. At the time, it was the fastest road car that Ferrari had ever built, and contemporary reviews made sure to note its significance.

Ferrari 512 BB 1977

Ultimately, less than 400 examples were built between 1973 and 1976, when the model was succeeded by the 512 BB. Resurrecting the historical 512 racing car’s nomenclature but not following Ferrari’s previous naming convention, the 512 BB boasted an enlarged, 4.9-litre flat 12-cylinder engine with a higher compression ratio. Four triple-barrel Weber carburettors supplied power to the enlarged engine, giving it a mid-five-second 0–100 km/h sprint time and a top speed of 280 km/h.
Chassis modifications were restricted to wider rear tyres and an expanded rear track, which is a testament to how well designed the 365 GT4 BB had been. Although still clearly following that car’s Pininfarina-penned styling, the 512 BB used a new lower chin spoiler up front and a NACA duct on the side to cool its exhaust system. Simplified twin tail lamps supplanted its predecessor’s triple units.
Fewer than 1,000 examples were assembled, none of which were destined for Ferrari’s growing American market. The reasoning behind this was that Enzo Ferrari himself did not believe that the vehicle should be detuned to comply with increasingly stringent emissions standards.

Ferrari 512 BB 1977

The car shown here, chassis number 23125, was completed by the factory in December 1977 and finished in Rosso Chiaro (20-R-190) over black and with a Nero (VM 8500) interior. It was delivered to the official Ferrari dealer, Pedini Auto S.r.l in Perugia, Italy, who immediately sold the car to Switzerland, where it was registered on 18 January 1978. Well cared for throughout its life, the 512 has aged well and still presents beautifully and retains its original engine and gearbox. Most recently, chassis 23125 was serviced in the last year at the famed Parisian Ferrari dealer Charles Pozzi, which included fitment of new cam belts. Additionally, the car received new foam inserts in the seats whilst retaining the original leather.