Introduced to the public at the 1981 Frankfurt Salon, Ferrari’s new 512 BBi offered the advanced and reliable Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system for the first time in a 12-cylinder Ferrari, hence the “i” in its nomenclature. A handful of cosmetic upgrades accompanied the new model. Exposed driving lights were added at the front, and rectangular parking lights were fitted adjacent to the exhausts at the rear. For the Ferrari faithful, the addition of the fuel injection was a welcome change, and the 512 BBi is generally considered to be the most livable of Ferrari’s Berlinetta Boxer models.

The change from carburetors to fuel injection brought about an increase of 20 foot-pounds of torque, helping the engine to feel much more tractable overall. Performance remained extraordinary, and the 512 BBi could reach 60 mph from a dead start in just 5.4 seconds, leading to an estimable top speed of 174 mph. By the time production came to an end and the 512 BBi was replaced with the Testarossa, Ferrari had built just 1,007 examples.

Originally finished in its current color combination of Nero (Black) over a matching Nero leather interior, chassis number 45405 was imported into the USA shortly after it was built, and it was sold to its first owner, Tom Marron of Bellmore, New York, through Steven Kessler Motor Cars of New York City. As of early 1990, the car had been sold from Marron back to Steven Kessler Motor Cars.

By 1993, chassis number 45405 was sold to Bruce Perrone of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 3,400 kilometers on its odometer. Perrone retained the car for only two years, offering it for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter in September of 1995, stating that it now had 4,300 kilometers in the advertisement. It is believed that the car remained in the Pittsburgh area until at least 2003. Sometime thereafter, it was acquired by a New York–based collector. Currently, the car is showing 12,000 original kilometers and is presented in very well-preserved condition, and it has recently received a major, engine-out service.

As Ferrari’s Berlinetta Boxers continue to gain interest from both Ferrari drivers and collectors, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find unmolested, known-history examples. This particular low-mileage car, finished in its original and seldom-seen color combination, represents a rare opportunity and is certainly among the most desirable examples of a line of great Ferraris.