Estimate:
£200,000 - £220,000

• The 33rd of only 37 UK-supplied RHD Ferrari 512 BBis
• Retains its original engine
• Just 34,000 miles from new

Introduced in 1981 as an upgrade of Ferrari’s carburetted 512 BB, the 512 BBi was Ferrari’s last variant of the famed Berlinetta Boxer, which started in 1973 with the 365 GT4 BB. Powered by the Tipo F110A 4,943 cc flat-12 engine, the BBi was mechanically identical to its predecessor with the exception of Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection replacing the Weber 40IF3C carburettors.

Power output was rated at 335 hp, and the car differed from its predecessor for a new design of the rear air vents and a slightly larger overall width, which was increased from 1,508 mm to 1,572 mm. Also, new wool Zegna central seat inserts were made available as an option. In total, between 1981 and 1984, 1,007 512 BBis were produced before being replaced by the iconic Testarossa. Of those cars, just 42 were destined for the UK.

According to information supplied by Tony Willis and the Maranello Concessionaires Archive, chassis no. 50357 was completed by Ferrari in March of 1984, finished in a stunning colour combination of Azzuro metallic (505/C) over a Crema (VM 3997) interior with a blue (VM 3282) dashboard, piping, and carpets. It was originally ordered by Maranello Sales but subsequently sold by Stratton Wilmslow. Only 37 RHD 512 BBis were delivered new to the UK, and chassis no. 50357 is the 33rd.

Stunningly presented in grey paintwork with the desirable black-painted boxer lower trim, the interior is trimmed in two-tone red-and-grey leather, beautifully complementing the car’s exterior. Importantly, it retains its original toolkit, manuals including service book, a history file documenting service work, MOTs, and previous ownership throughout its life, which confirms the car’s 34,000 miles currently showing as original.

Considered by many to be one of the most iconic Ferraris of the late 1970s and early 1980s, the 512 BBi can still keep up with modern performance cars of today, and this example would leave its next owner wanting for nothing.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.