n 1978, Ferrari began designs for a purpose-built racer based on the BB 512. The flat-12 engine was the core of the BB road cars and remained so for the competition version. However, the output of the 5-litre engine was significantly increased—from 400 to 470 brake horsepower—in part thanks to the adoption of Lucas mechanical fuel injection instead of carburettors. The 512 BB/LM was campaigned in many famous races but its crowning glory was arguably achieving 5th overall at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1981.

A mere 25 of these beautiful sportscars were built. With the final example, chassis 44023 was supplied new with the engine numbered “F102LM 032”. This BB/LM was sold to Jacques Swaters’ Garage Francorchamps dealership in 1983. In 2018, the engine was tested on a dynamometer and recorded 446 horsepower. With such parts unavailable for purchase commercially, this rare opportunity is not to be passed up.