To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' London event, 24 October
2019.
Estimate:
£200,000 - £220,000
- The 33rd of only 37 UK-supplied RHD Ferrari 512 BBis
- Retains its original engine
- Just 34,000 miles from new
Introduced in 1981 as an upgrade of Ferrari's carburetted 512 BB,
the 512 BBi was Ferrari's last variant of the famed Berlinetta
Boxer, which started in 1973 with the 365 GT4 BB. Powered by the
Tipo F110A 4,943 cc flat-12 engine, the BBi was mechanically
identical to its predecessor with the exception of Bosch K-Jetronic
mechanical fuel injection replacing the Weber 40IF3C
carburettors.
Power output was rated at 335 hp, and the car differed from its
predecessor for a new design of the rear air vents and a slightly
larger overall width, which was increased from 1,508 mm to 1,572
mm. Also, new wool Zegna central seat inserts were made available
as an option. In total, between 1981 and 1984, 1,007 512 BBis were
produced before being replaced by the iconic Testarossa. Of those
cars, just 42 were destined for the UK.
According to information supplied by Tony Willis and the Maranello
Concessionaires Archive, chassis no. 50357 was completed by Ferrari
in March of 1984, finished in a stunning colour combination of
Azzuro metallic (505/C) over a Crema (VM 3997) interior with a blue
(VM 3282) dashboard, piping, and carpets. It was originally ordered
by Maranello Sales but subsequently sold by Stratton Wilmslow. Only
37 RHD 512 BBis were delivered new to the UK, and chassis no. 50357
is the 33rd.
Stunningly presented in grey paintwork with the desirable
black-painted boxer lower trim, the interior is trimmed in two-tone
red-and-grey leather, beautifully complementing the car's exterior.
Importantly, it retains its original toolkit, manuals including
service book, a history file documenting service work, MOTs, and
previous ownership throughout its life, which confirms the car's
34,000 miles currently showing as original.
Considered by many to be one of the most iconic Ferraris of the
late 1970s and early 1980s, the 512 BBi can still keep up with
modern performance cars of today, and this example would leave its
next owner wanting for nothing.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.