1982 Ferrari 512BBi Coupé
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Registration no. TBA
Chassis no. ZFFJA09B000043263
Engine no. F110A 278

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. For the new Boxer, Ferrari abandoned its long-standing practice of denoting a model by the capacity of an individual cylinder and adopted the Dino-type nomenclature where '512' indicates 5 litres/12 cylinders.

Displacement was increased by enlarging both bore and stroke, while in addition the compression ratio was raised and dry-sump lubrication adopted. The result of all these changes was a useful increase in torque which, coupled with revised gear ratios, made the 512 more tractable.

Changes to Pininfarina's inspired coachwork were, not surprisingly, few. The running gear likewise came in for only minor revision while the already excellent all-round ventilated disc brakes remained unchanged. 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 175mph (280km/h) 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 188mph (302km/h) was felt entirely realistic.

In 1981 the model was updated with Bosch fuel injection, becoming the 512BBi. Once again, maximum power remained unchanged but there was more available at lower revs and torque increased still further. Possessing an engine directly related to Ferrari's contemporary Formula 1 unit, as well as being both lighter and faster than the legendary Daytona, the 512BB was one of the most capable and exciting supercars of its era and is still capable of providing all the thrills that an enthusiastic owner-driver could wish for.

This left-hand drive example is one of only 1,007 512BBi models produced by Ferrari and was delivered new in 1982 to the Belgian importer, Garage Francorchamps. The car retains its original colour scheme of Rosso Corsa paintwork, Crema leather upholstery and Rosso carpets. It is complete with its original Pioneer stereo system and now very rare graphic equaliser, and comes with all tools and the owner's handbook.

Since 1985 this car has been resident in Florida, USA in the hands of one careful owner, and though the mileage of 7,000 is claimed to be valid it cannot be substantiated. Prior to leaving Europe it was sent to the leading Ferrari performance specialist, Koenig of Germany, whose proprietor Willy Koenig started his racing career with the 512's predecessor, the 365GT4 BB. Koenig's development programme for the 512BBi covered both the engine and bodywork, though with this car modifications were confined to the latter. Designed for Koenig by Vittorio Strosek, the bodywork features flared rear wheelarches, wheels by Gotti, and an integrated rear spoiler and wing that is also detachable.

In August 2014 the car passed the MoT test and had a full engine-out service with new cam belts, since when it has covered fewer than 100 miles. Offered for sale by a long-term collector of Ferraris and Aston Martins, it is described by him as a delight to drive with immense presence that is admired everywhere.

This 512BBi has a fascinating history and is offered with MoT to August 2015, original factory sales brochure and a letter from the Maranello Archive (Ferrari's official archivist for the UK) confirming its origin and specification. It has been customs cleared by HMRC and is expected to possess a V5C registration document by time of sale.

With the value of V12 Ferraris from the 1960s and 1970s having increased dramatically, users and investors alike have recognised the potential of the Berlinetta Boxer series, and particularly that of more practical fuel-injected models.