1977 Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer

Details

Twelve cylinder engines are synonymous with Ferrari. In fact, Enzo Ferrari’s very first car, the 1947 125S was powered by a 1.5 Litre V12 engine. Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s the majority of Enzo’s masterpieces were powered by V12 engines of varying capacity. Interestingly all of these cars had the engine located in the front. Cross town rivals Lamborghini introduced their stunning Miura in 1966, which was powered by a transversely mounted V12 engine located behind the driver. This spectacular car took the motoring world by storm and sent shock waves throughout Ferrari HQ in Maranello. Ferraris answer, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, was a fabulous motor car in its own right, but there was always something about the mid-engined sports car that gave it an edge.

It took until 1971 for Ferrari to unveil its first mid-engined sports car, the 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer. The Boxer was very well received and it ultimately went into production and replaced the Daytona in 1973. Interestingly Ferrari opted for a ‘flat 12’ rather than a V12 engine configuration. The engine was mounted longitudinally rather than transversely as Lamborghini did with the Miura.

The Boxer was a great success for Ferrari and along with the Lamborghini Countach was one of the very real ‘supercars of the seventies’. The 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer (387 cars built) was replaced by the 512 Berlinetta Boxer (929 cars built) in 1976, which was then replaced by the 512 BBi (1007 cars built) in 1981. The Boxer was ultimately replaced by the Testarossa (or ‘red head’ so named to commemorate the fabulous Ferrari race cars of the 1950’s – the Testa Rossas) in 1984.

Oldtimer Australia has had the privilege of selling a number of Ferrari 365 and 512 Berlinetta Boxers over the years and we know these cars very well. We are absolutely delighted to offer for sale this 1979 Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer or 512BB as the car is often referred.

This particular car is an Australian delivered, factory RHD example. Its early history is not known, however, from 1986 until 1991 it was owned by a well-known Ferrari enthusiast in Adelaide. 

In March 1991 the car was sold, through Melbourne based classic and prestige car dealer Dutton Pty Ltd, to a local enthusiast who amassed a significant collection of cars over a very short period of time. He sparingly, and in some cases never, used his cars and they were all stored at the Chequered Flag Stables which was a car storage facility in Moorabbin, a southern suburb of Melbourne. At the time of purchase the odometer was 31,508 miles. The owner passed away some eighteen months ago and his car collection has just been sold off by his estate

This car has been in storage and not run for in excess of 25 years and will require recommissioning. We have had a respected Ferrari specialist inspect the car and he confirmed that the engine turns freely by hand.

This car is best described as ‘an incredible time capsule’. It has been incredibly well preserved and it is time for it to be awoken from its slumber!

The paint work on this car is excellent. It is vibrant with a strong depth of colour and a high gloss. You have to look hard to find any blemishes. The panel gaps are excellent and the satin black looks to be finished in the correct shade and it may well be original. The external trim, chrome, wheels and the glass are also in very good original condition. Inside the cabin is ‘just fabulous’. The leather is beautifully preserved and remains subtle. The red carpets are a perfect colour contrast, though they may not be original. The car is fitted with an aftermarket Momo steering wheel. The engine bay is very clean and mechanically the car looks to be have been very well cared for.

Accompanying the car is the briefcase style tool kit, jack kit and space saver spare wheel.

Today the odometer reads 31,557 miles.

Price: Enquire.

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