340 bhp (DIN), 4,942 cc horizontally opposed, DOHC mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual gearbox in rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel independent suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs and anti-roll bars, twin coil springs rear, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,500 mm (98.4")

• About 20,800 miles; well preserved and maintained

• Major service recently completed, including timing belts and clutch

• Desirable final-year example

At the 1971 Turin Auto Show, Ferrari introduced a stunning new mid-engine road car to compete head-on with the Lamborghini Miura and the Maserati Bora. Named the 365 GT4 BB, short for “Berlinetta Boxer”, indicating its body style and ‘flat-12’ engine layout, it was finally released for production in 1973, with the improved 512 BB appearing in 1976 with an enlarged five-litre engine.

The ultimate 512 BBi débuted in Paris in 1981, with the “i” reflecting the new Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system. Performance of all Berlinetta Boxers, particularly the final 512 BBi, remains exceptional, with a top speed of 174 mph and a quarter-mile acceleration of just 13.85 seconds at 103.5 mph.

Originally delivered to America, the 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi offered here is a very fine example from the model’s final production year and one of only 1,007 examples built between 1981 and 1984, prior to the arrival of the Testarossa. Originally delivered in white, the Boxer has an all-leather interior with red upholstery and contrasting white inserts. Nicely presented, the Boxer retains its original radio and is fitted with correct Michelin XWX tyres. Showing only about 20,800 miles, the car has recently received an all-important timing belt and clutch service by Garage Heuri in its current Swiss ownership, and it is confirmed as a good overall example that drives well. Honestly presented, this highly desirable, final-year 512 BBi combines iconic Pininfarina styling, a highly capable mid-engine chassis and a positively intoxicating exhaust note, all in the finest Ferrari tradition.