1984 Ferrari 512 BBi Right Hand Drive

Matching numbers and one of only forty-two UK, right-hand drive cars

Just 21,000 miles supported by a detailed history file from new including all book packs

Formed part of an extensive Ferrari collection since 1994 - recent bills from Ferrari main dealer

Original 'Pelle Sabia' leather interior with dials and switches in exceptionally good condition

Rare (21/1,007) Ermenegildo Zegna-designed wool inserts to the seats and door panels

The streamlined, low and shapely lines of the 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer, and its successor, the carburetted and subsequently injected 512, were to dictate the styling approach at Maranello for years to come. Launched to compete with the Lamborghini Muira and upgraded to compete with its successor, the Countach, the 'BB' was the first production Ferrari to be fitted with the boxer-type 12-cylinder engine derived from the Formula 1 unit of the period. The architecture was not that of the classic front-engined and rather upright, V12 Ferraris of old and it could be argued that the BB was the first 'proper' mid-engined Ferrari, as the entry level 246 'Dino' never wore the Ferrari badge and had six fewer cylinders.

The Boxer's moniker was derived from the fact that the cylinder banks form an angle of 180°, resulting in an engine with a flat, rectangular shape which enabled the car's centre of gravity to be lowered. The horizontally opposed pistons were said to resemble a pair of boxers alternating punches and the 'Boxer' nickname was to stick for this engine layout, even when used by other manufacturers. This low centre of gravity enabled the designers to pen the assertive stance that was to be typical of all future Ferraris.

The third version of the BB was launched at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1981. The styling was left largely unaltered, but the car now featured an advanced, and far more reliable, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system offering turn key performance, and was named the 512 BBi, the 'i' of course donating injection. Maranello's investment in mid-engine engineering ensured the BB's stylistic DNA was to be around until production of the Ferrari 328 ended in 1989, some 18 years since the launch of the original Boxer, the 365 BB.

This, best of breed, 512 BBi was supplied new through the official Ferrari suppliers to the United Kingdom, Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, on the 1st January 1984 finished in Rosso (Fer 300) and Pelle Sabbia (VM 3234), the factory specification the car wears today. It is interesting to note that the 'sand' leather interior was to be matched with cloth inserts designed by notable Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna. These hard-wearing cloth panels, inserted into the seats and doors were a very rare option and it is believed only 21 cars out of a total production of 1,007 512 BBi featured these inserts. The interior is beautifully patinated, with the cloth inserts displaying some light wear and, although the mileage of some 21,000 miles is substantiated by the history file, the interior of this thirty-four old car seems to be original and both age and mileage appropriate, maturing well. The switchgear shows minimal wear and is entirely consistent with the car's light use since 1994.

Mechanically the car offers turn-key performance and on a brief test drive the car performed well, snicking into gear and braking with ease. The Ferrari Classiche archives confirm the engine and transmission match. The extensive history file contains a myriad of invoices for servicing and improvements from new. The service book is stamped by the supplying agents Maranello Concessionaires Ltd up to the 3rd March 1986 and thereafter the Ferrari specialist Rardley Motors Ltd. carried out a service on the 10th October 1986 at 15,562 miles and a further service on the 16th June 1988. Receipts from Lorenzini Autosports detail work on the 28th July 1994 at 20,436 miles and servicing at 20,687 on the 11th May 1995. The file also includes numerous MOT certificates and SORN notices, with a number of copy V5C detailing previous owners prior to 1994.

The history file features period communications from William Laughran Ltd., with copy receipts and invoices from, amongst others, Stratton Motors Ltd., Nigel Mansell Sportscars Ltd. and the aforementioned Rardley Motors Ltd. Included in the history file is correspondence detailing an invitation to the Ferrari factory at Maranello in 1997 for the marque's 50th Anniversary, an invitation only extended to the most discerning of Ferrari collectors. The most recent bills and copy invoices are from Dick Lovett Ferrari of Swindon, starting in 2013 for cambelt servicing and numerous sundry items totalling a, not insubstantial, £11,352.

The last private keeper purchased the car on 5th April 1994 where it joined his substantial collection of Ferrari and other best of breed supercars, until being transferred from his company name to his own name in 2017. Presented to auction in exceptional condition with careful paint maintenance and mechanical care under previous custodianship, this fabulous 512 BBi has travelled less than 1,000 miles in the last twenty-four years and is offered with a fresh MOT and cambelt service by Dick Lovett Ferrari Swindon. To conclude therefore it is rare to offer a car that ticks so many boxes in terms of originality, low production numbers, condition and history file and this car is worthy of joining the best Ferrari collections or inhabiting the garage of a first time Ferrari owner.