340 bhp (DIN), 4,942 cc mid-mounted, horizontally opposed, all-alloy DOHC 12-cylinder engine, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual gearbox in rear transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms, twin coil springs and front and rear anti-roll bars, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,450 mm

• Bosch fuel-injected flat 12 with sensuous Pininfarina design

• Offered from long-term ownership

Ferrari introduced a stunning new mid-engine design at the 1971 Turin Motor Show to compete head-on with the Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Bora, featuring a low, wide and sensuous Pininfarina design and a hand-built body by Scaglietti. Reminiscent of Ferrari’s Formula 1 racers, it was powered by a mid-mounted “boxer” 12-cylinder engine displacing 4.4 litres. Initially named 365 GT4 BB (short for “Berlinetta Boxer”), it was finally released as a production car in 1973 and marketed as the fastest Ferrari road car ever offered.

Relentless improvement yielded the 512 BB in 1976 with its enlarged five-litre engine offering significantly more torque. In 1981, Ferrari introduced the 512 BBi at the Paris Salon, with the “i” reflecting the installation of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, allowing easier compliance with U.S. emissions standards. The 512 BBi was capable of remarkable performance, with zero-to-60 times of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of at least 175 mph.

Finished in rosso (red), this 512 BBi from 1982 is complemented by a tan cloth and leather interior and remains very original with no known accident history. Purchased by the current owner about 15 years ago with approximately 20,000 original kms from new, it formed part of a small Ferrari collection that also includes an F40 and an alloy-bodied 275 GTB. Since acquisition, the BBi has covered another 40,000 trouble-free kilometres, and it clearly became one of the owner’s favourite cars. It has been driven to Bucharest, Romania twice, and the owner states that the car is truly in its element on long-distance runs. Currently French-registered, it has been stored and maintained at Motor Service Modena, the official Ferrari dealer in the area. With its stunning presence, very capable chassis and drivetrain and positively intoxicating exhaust note, this 512 BBi offers an exceptional ownership experience.