THE FERRARI 512 BB At its debut at the Paris Show in 1976, the 512 BB was equipped with a 5-litre version of the 12-cylinder boxer. The new engine proved a great success, giving the same power at lower revs, better torque and a smoother delivery than the earlier version in the 365 GT4 BB. The Pininfarina coachwork differed only slightly from the previous model in certain details which not only made it look even more elegant but also helped improve engine cooling. The body was mounted on a 2500mm wheelbase chassis, that had factory reference number F 102 BB 100, and all were numbered in the odd chassis number road car sequence. The construction followed the same principles as that of the 365 GT4/BB of a tubular steel chassis frame with a monocoque central cell. Again as with the 365 GT4/BB, the 512 models were available in right or left hand drive form, but no USA market versions were ever made. The standard road wheels were alloy five spoke “star” pattern, with a knock off spinner on a Rudge hub, although legislative requirements in some markets dictated the fitment of a large octagonal hub nut. The wheels covered large ventilated disc brakes with twin hydraulic circuits, and servo assistance. Independent suspension was provided all round, via wishbones, coil springs, and hydraulic shock absorbers, with twin rear units, together with front and rear anti roll bars. The flat twelve cylinder engine was of the same configuration as that fitted in the 365 GT4/BB, but with a cubic capacity of 4943cc, and 82mm x 78mm bore and stroke, with factory type reference F 102 B 000. It featured belt driven twin overhead camshafts per bank, with the basic construction, operating principles and layout of the engine and transmission, apart from the adoption of dry sump lubrication and a hydraulically operated clutch, the same as the 365 GT4/BB. The 512 BB was fitted with four triple choke Weber 40 IF 3C carburettors, with a single distributor, driven off the left rear inlet camshaft and electronic ignition system, to produce a claimed 340 bhp. Although the earlier 365 GT4/BB produced more power than its later relative, the larger engine offered greater torque and improved driveability. THIS MOTORCAR The Ferrari 512 BBi we are offering here is chassis 38719 and was supplied new for the Italian market on January 1982. The car was later on sold to Switzerland during the 90s where it remained for two decades. During those years the car was constantly maintained by authorized Ferrari dealer and comes with a large number of invoices as well as a Ferrari ‘Ferrari dealer log book’ in which all maintenance stages are recorded. Lately 38719 was acquired by French collector and only sparingly used. In 2020, the car received a major service including cam belts and new tires, exceeding EUR 15,000 of records. Showing just over 50,000 km on the clock and offered ‘on the button’, 38719 is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. European registered.