1981 Ferrari 512 BB Coupé
Registration no. HHW 79V
Chassis no. 31453
Engine no. 623

Having reasserted itself at the top of the supercar hierarchy with the first 'Boxer' - the 365GTB/4 BB - Ferrari went one better with its successor, the 512BB. The increase in engine size to 5.0 litres (from the original's 4.4 litres) was made not so much with increased power in mind but to enable the 512BB to meet increasingly stringent emissions targets without loss of performance. Changes to Pininfarina's inspired coachwork were, not surprisingly, few: an air-dam spoiler beneath the nose, brake-cooling NACA ducts ahead of the rear wheel arches, four rear lights instead of six and revised air intake boxes, while slightly fatter rear tyres meant that the width of the 512's derriere grew by just over 1". The running gear likewise came in for only minor revision, while inside, the 512 remained virtually the same as before but for the welcome adoption of multi-way adjustable seats in place of the fixed originals. Road & Track magazine had achieved a speed of 280km/h (175mph) in the preceding 365GT/4 BB, and although lack of road space prevented the discovery of their test 512's capability, Ferrari's claimed maximum of 300km/h (188mph) was felt entirely realistic.

One of only 929 512BBs produced, chassis number '31453' was built in March 1980 and delivered to Dutch dealer Kroymanns in January 1981. The original colour scheme was Argento with Nero hide and matching carpets. The Boxer was subsequently exported to the USA and 'federalised' in 1984 by Mr Steven Wilkinson of California, owner of 'Panteras by Wilkinson', the official De Tomaso importer. During his ownership, Mr Wilkinson tastefully restored the interior, which was re-trimmed in black leather with grey inserts. The original carpets, like the rest of the car, remain in excellent condition.

Mr Wilkinson owned the Boxer for 29 years until it was sold via The Sports Car Company, La Jolla, California to its current owner in July 2013. Shortly before this sale the car underwent a full 'engine out' service by Claudio Zampolli at Cizeta Automobili in California. The car was imported and registered in the UK immediately upon the sale to its current owner and all import duties and taxes have been paid. Since importing the Ferrari, the owner has commissioned a comprehensive review to correct all highlighted faults and return the car to its original (non-federalised) specification. This was carried out by the owner's team of highly skilled technicians who care for his extensive classic car collection. The Ferrari is now in excellent condition, with all gauges working properly, including the clock. The engine compartment and front luggage compartment are both extremely clean and very well detailed, as is the car's underside. The original jack, jack bag, and tool suitcase with tools are all still present. Suspension components have been refinished and much hardware replaced. On the whole, this is a very sound example of this important yet undervalued model. At around half the price of a Daytona, the Boxer represents excellent value for money. Accompanying documentation consists of a current MoT certificate, a V5C registration document and invoices relating to the car's restoration in 2014.