1982 Ferrari 512i Berlinetta Boxer

The Ferrari 512 BB was the second generation of the 365 GT4 BB to have the 12 cylinder boxer engine. Enzo Ferrari , contrary to his engineer's wishes, had delayed any mid-engine set-up, doubting the ability of his customer base to handle this configuration. The capacity was increased to nearly five litres and a dry sump fitted, then with suspension changes and various modifications Ferrari was back at number one in the supercar pecking order. The competence of the 512 BB was re-iterated by the world's motoring press as many of them proclaimed this Ferrari as the best all-round Sports GT of the day in 1976. The Bosch fuel injected BB 512i was introduced in 1981 and was the very last of the series. The fuel injected engine produced cleaner emission and offered a better balance of performance and daily drivability.

This left-hand drive car is one of only 1,007 512 BBi's produced by Ferrari and was first registered in 1982 in Italy. In 1983 it was exported to America, where it remained until 2010 when it came back to Europe as part of a large private Ferrari collection.

The current owner has covered only minimal mileage and in total the car has covered what is a believed to be a genuine 27,906 kilometres (17,340 miles) from new. Judging by the general condition of the car we are of the opinion that this is could be correct as the bodywork is in excellent condition and there are no signs of corrosion in the usual places.

The current owner has spared no expense on the fastidious maintenance and general upkeep of the car. In February of this year a major service was carried out by renowned Ferrari specialist Gary Tait, this included cambelts and metering heads. Bidders that require specific mechanical details can contact Gary for an overview or general discussion at GT Auto Specialist based in Burntwood Staffordshire.

Complete with owner's manuals, owner's service book, tool kit and Ferrari Wallet, this 512i offers a genuine investment opportunity as collectors are starting to see the value of this first series of Ferrari mid-engined 12 cylinder road cars. Certainly not to be missed, as this is the finest Ferrari 512 BB Silverstone Auctions have offered for sale.