19th November 2015 5:00pm EST
The Definitive Berlinetta Boxer By Ferrari
The Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer was launched at the 1976 Paris Salon and was the replacement to the legendary 365 GT4. A total of 929 Examples were produced from 1976 through 1981. The flat-twelve-cylinder engine is the same configuration as the 365 GTB4 although increased in size, power and torque, up from 4.4 to 5 liters. The Weber carburetor system on this model was the last to be fitted to a production Ferrari as the next iteration of the Boxer changed in 1982 to a fuel injection system. This particular low-mileage Boxer has just had its “engine-out” service completed by the highly-respected Ferrari specialist at Black Horse Garage in Connecticut.
“The fastest road car we’ve ever tested.”
Chassis No. 24445 was originally delivered in Germany in 1978. During the 1980’s, the car’s interior was redone at considerable cost by Zender, a prominent European restoration firm. It then came to the United States where it has been maintained by a handful of known West Coast enthusiasts.
According to the consignor, the Boxer is in excellent condition and has been well cared for by its previous owners. It benefits from a fresh 25,000km, engine-out service along with a new clutch from marque experts, Black Horse Garage in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The consignor adds that the paint, as well as the interior installed by Zender, are in excellent condition and that the undercarriage is clean. The owner’s manual and service records are included with the sale.
Ferrari built its first horizontally-opposed engine in 1964 – a 12-cylinder, 1.5-litre, Formula One unit with 11:1 compression, Lucas fuel injection, and 210hp at 11,000rpm. Called “boxers,” the term originated in reference to early Volkswagen and Porsche engines. It was coined to refer to the pistons which moved both toward and away from each other, much like sparring fighters.
Ferrari introduced the 365 GT4 BB in 1974. The name translated to 365cc per cylinder, grand touring, four-cam, Berlinetta Boxer. The 4.4-litre flat-twelve was mid-mounted, and it was the first Ferrari to use a toothed belt to drive the overhead camshafts, and the first mid-engined, 12 cylinder, road-going Ferrari. Like its predecessors, it used steel for the main structure and aluminum for the hood, doors, and engine access cover. New, were fiberglass lower panels painted flat black, regardless of the body color. Suspension was all-independent along with a multi-tube chassis using square and rectangular sections that were much easier for the factory to fabricate.
“The Boxer wins a more important award as the best all-around sports and GT car we’ve tested.”
Ferrari built upon the success of the 365 GT4 BB beginning in late-1976 with the introduction of the 512 BB. The name reverted to Ferrari’s more typical litres/cylinder-numbering. Oddly, it was being built two months before it was introduced at the Paris show in October; another first for Ferrari. The new 512 featured a small chin spoiler in front, NACA ducts on the lower body sides ahead of the rear wheels, four taillights (in lieu of six), and a tail 1.5 inches longer. The flat-twelve was enlarged to 4,942 cc and horsepower was increased to 360. In 1978 Road & Track reported a 0-60mph sprint in 5.5 seconds, a ¼-mile run of 14.2 seconds at 103.5mph, and an estimated top speed of 188mph – staggering performance at the time. In total, Ferrari built 929 512BB’s from 1976-1981. A racing version, the 512 BBLM presented a special Pininfarina designed aerodynamic body. The BBLM competed at a number of international competitions with good success.
- One of just 929 produced during the model run
- Fresh 25,000km, engine-out service by marque experts
- New clutch by marque experts
- Owner’s manual and service records included.
- Many collectors prefer the carbureted engine of the BB, unfettered by fuel injection., while the injected BBi is still very desirable.
The Ferrari 512BB presents all the performance glory and stunning aesthetic glamour of its 12-cylinder stablemates and continues to demonstrate a good value along with a spectacular ride.
“The Boxer has it all: the speed, the handling, the lovely shape, the well-done cockpit, and most important of all, a reputation for reliability.”
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