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. Later, Ferrari chose to display their newest Berlinetta Boxer for the first time at the 1981 Frankfurt Salon. Although largely similar to the outgoing 512 BB, the major change was the replacement of the older car’s carburetors with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, hence the “i” in 512 BBi. This system proved to be vastly more user-friendly, with easy starting, smooth running and no fussy maintenance and tuning required for the carbureted prior models. It is also credited with easier compliance for U.S. emission standards.

With its 4,942-cc, 340-hp horizontally opposed 12-cylinder engine and five-speed manual gearbox, the 512 BBi was capable of remarkable performance, with 0- to 60-mph times of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of approximately 175-mph. Whilst its iconic Pininfarina design remained largely unchanged, the 512 BBi received a handful of minor cosmetic updates: the aluminum eggcrate grille was shortened, and rectangular parking lights were mounted in a new shroud for the exhaust. Production stretched from 1981 to 1984, and during that time, just 1,007 units were produced.

The 1983 512 BBi offered here is presented in the original and desirable color combination for Berlinetta Boxers, red over black, and it comes with a matching black leather interior. To add to the allure, the paint and interior are presented in original condition, quite fitting for a machine that has been driven slightly more than 10,000 actual miles. The engine number of this car matches that of the original delivery documents.

Additional features include being Amerispec federalized, air conditioning, rack-and-pinion steering, AM/FM radio, European specification bumpers, factory alloy wheels, power windows, complete Veglia analog instrumentation, power assisted vented four-wheel disc brakes and pop-up headlights. Importantly the Ferrari 512 BBi is accompanied by all of its books and toolkit; plus it has been recognized by the Ferrari Club of America with a Gold Award.

Although, at one time, many believed that later-era Ferraris would never become highly collectible, the Berlinetta Boxer models were amongst the first to have proved this belief to be clearly false, and as the most refined of the series, the 512 BBi is achieving the attention it deserves. More importantly, these are wonderful drivers, with performance to match their aggressive styling. The Ferrari 512 BBi stands tall as one of the best Ferrari road cars.

With its stunning presence, very capable chassis and drivetrain, and positively intoxicating exhaust note, the 512 BBi offers an exceptional ownership experience. Passing of time has steadily reduced the number of superb 512 BBi’s available; the opportunity to acquire a highly original, well-preserved example such as this has become increasingly rare and desirable.