To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Paris event, 6 February
2019.
Estimate:
€395.000 - €455.000
- Upgraded by the first owner with the factory-specified 'Le Mans
Kit'
- Delivered as new to founding member of Ferrari Club Deutschland
Markus Kiesgen
- Competed at the CER in Port di Mao, Spa Classic and the 2016
and 2018 Le Mans Classic
- Accompanied by a current FIA Rennpass
Nineteen seventy-six was a dark year for Ferrari in terms of GT
racing. Distracted by Niki Lauda's success in Formula 1, Ferrari
had left its clients with no factory assistance, and for the first
time in Ferrari's fabled history, no Ferraris would compete at that
year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Just up the road, however, Ferrari had
just unveiled the successor to the 365 GT4 BB - the Ferrari 512
BB.
A larger 5.0-litre V-12 engine, clothed within a beautifully styled
body proved a success - the 512 BB was Ferrari's top supercar until
the Testarossa. With petitioning from serious customers, Ferrari's
Customer Assistance department started development on a racing
version of the 512 in 1978. The result, a gentle monster packed in
one of the sexiest GT bodies around, can be seen here.
Chassis no. 31159 was fitted with the factory 'Le Mans Kit' by
original owner Markus Kiesgen, a founding member of the Ferrari
Club Deutschland, immediately after taking delivery. This upgrade
saw power output increased to 460 bhp, with the overall weight of
the car decreased to 1,230 kg. The bodywork of chassis 31159 was
also modified - this included 9- and 12-in. rims, the removal of
the pop-up headlights, front and rear spoilers to aid in
aerodynamics, and fender flares to cover the racing tyres. The car
also received larger brakes to keep its additional performance in
check.
Raced by Kiesgen between 1980 and 1985 in Germany, the vehicle was
entirely revised by Bratke Motorsport in 2006. The engine and
gearbox were overhauled, the bodywork restored, a FT 3 tank
installed, and a contemporary FIA-approved roll cage mounted. After
a 2012 race at the Red Bull Ring where the oil supply caused engine
seizure, a yearlong engine restoration was undertaken with the goal
to bring the 512 BB LM up to 2014 safety standard. Most recently,
chassis 31159 competed at the Le Mans Classic in 2016 and 2018.
Prior to Le Mans in 2018, an engine rebuild was undertaken and
inspection, confirming it adheres to current safety standards.
Accompanied by a current FIA Rennpass and engine rebuild invoices
confirming it produces 475 bhp, this would continue to be an
excellent entry to historic racing events around Europe.
Please note this car is offered with a German Fahrzeugbrief
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/pa19.
