1980 Ferrari 512 BB

• UK/right-hand drive 512 BB indicating 54,472 miles, manufactured in 1979 and delivered new in 1980
• Beautifully presented in its original paint colour of Rosso Chiaro without the Nero lower panels
• Remarkably detailed history file including the original Ferrari book-pack and service book
• One of 101 right-hand drive BBs. Well maintained over the years and offered with an MOT valid to July 2021

Having reasserted itself at the top of the supercar hierarchy with the first 'Boxer'-the 365GT/4 BB-Ferrari went one better with its successor, the 512BB introduced in October 1976 at the Paris Auto Show. For the new car, 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. The increase in engine size from the original Boxer'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 a loss of performance. Displacement was increased by enlarging both bore and stroke, whilst in addition, the compression ratio was raised and lubrication changed from wet to dry sump. Quoted power remained the same (but may have been more truthful) at 360bhp, and torque was improved to 332 lb/ft at 5000rpm which, coupled with revised gear ratios, made the 512 much more tractable. Styling changes were subtle, with a small chin spoiler added to the nose, NACA ducts added in front of the rear wheels, larger rear arches to accommodate wider rear wheels, and finally, four tail-lights replaced the six on the 365.

Supplied new to its first owner by Ritchies of Glasgow on 7th January 1980, this 512 BB had been specified with Rosso Chiaro paintwork without the black lower panels. Pleasingly, today chassis 27271 presents beautifully in its original paint colour with tan leather seats and is accompanied by a wonderful history file. The file is thick with invoices and related paperwork from over the years including the original purchase order, a wealth of invoices for maintenance by mostly main agents or notable specialists and MOT Certificates dating back to 1984 supporting the indicated mileage. Along with the history file is the original Ferrari owners booklet with handbooks and original service book.

Only 929 512 BB models were manufactured between 1976 and 1981, of which just 101 were in right-hand drive. Chassis number 27271 represents a superb opportunity to invest in a highly collectable Ferrari in fine condition with an impeccable history.