360 bhp, five-liter, DOHC fuel-injected horizontally-opposed 12-cylinder alloy engine, five-speed all-synchromesh gear transmission, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4"

• Most developed and desirable of the 365/512 series

• 0 – 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and 175 mph top speed

• 17,700 kms (just over 10,000 miles) from new

Ferrari introduced a stunning new mid-engine car at the 1971 Turin Motor Show to compete head-on with the Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Bora supercars. Developed from the ground up, the new model featured a low, wide, 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 liters. The new model, named 365 GTB BB, was finally released as a production car in 1973 and was marketed as the fastest road car ever offered by Ferrari.

The car was relentlessly refined, and an improved version was released in 1976 as the 512 BB, with an enlarged engine and significantly more torque. In 1981, Ferrari introduced the 512 BBi at the Paris Auto Salon, with the “i” reflecting the installation of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, allowing easier compliance with U.S. emission standards. The 512 BBi was capable of remarkable performance, with 0 – 60 mph times of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of at least 175 mph.

Both the 365 and the 512 Boxer variants were raced by privateers but with limited success, mainly because the racing efforts were short-lived and did not allow for proper development. Dean Batchelor wrote in his Ferrari Buyers Guide:

Boxers are fantastic cars to drive, with little raison d’être other than the sheer pleasure of piloting the ultimate in a sporting GT car. Both passenger and luggage accommodations, however, are minimal, so don’t plan a trip greater than a few hundred miles especially if you have invited an attractive travelling companion and her toothbrush. And that someone ought to be a person who enjoys the BBi as much as you do!

This spectacular, low mileage Rosso Corsa example with tan interior was formerly part of the Robert Iannucci Collection and, as it is offered without a reserve, warrants close scrutiny from a fan of the 365/512 series of Ferrari Grand Touring automobiles.