Ferrari built upon the success of its first mid-engine production car, the 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer, with the introduction of the 512 BB in 1976. Reverting to Ferrari’s more typical nomenclature, the new 512 featured a small chin spoiler, exposed driving lights, rectangular rear parking lights, NACA ducts ahead of the rear wheels, four taillights in lieu of six, and a tail 1½-in. longer. In 1981, Ferrari offered the advanced and reliable Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system for the first time in a 12-cylinder Ferrari, hence the “i” in BBi.

For the Ferrari faithful, the addition of the fuel injection was a welcome change, and the BBi is considered the most civilized of the Berlinetta Boxers. The fuel injection brought about an increase of 20 foot-pounds of torque, helping the car feel much more tractable overall. With a potent 335 hp, performance remained extraordinary, and the 512 BBi could reach 60 mph from a dead start in just 5.4 seconds, leading to a healthy top speed of 174 mph. By the time production came to an end in 1984, replaced with the Testarossa, Ferrari had built just 1,007 fuel-injected BBs. The model was also the last Ferrari to be hand-built under the guidance of famed coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti.

Offered here is one such 512 BBi, presented in its original and unusual color combination of white over a cream leather interior with rare red wool inserts from designer Ermenegildo Zegna. The car is believed to originally have been owned by the same family since new before being acquired by John Anton of Minnesota in 1996. Anton continued to care for the BBi for a further two decades, when it was acquired by the current consignor in 2016. The restoration of this exquisite 512 was recently completed with a show-quality repaint in its original color. The original Cromodora wheels were fully restored with correct markings, including re-chromed center hubs, and fitted with new correct-type metric Michelin tires. All the glass is correct and flawless throughout. The original interior was restored to its original specifications with the correct red Zegna wool imported from Switzerland and the cream leather imported from Italy. The beautiful designer interior is accented with deep red carpets. The original Pioneer stereo and power equalizer continues to play well, and all gauges and lights function as intended. Furthermore, the factory air conditioning still blows cold.

Most recently, the Ferrari received a comprehensive $12,000 engine-out service, including timing belts, at Foreign Car Italia. Mechanically, the 512 BBi starts easily with the turn of the key, even when cold, and idles well and pulls strongly across the rev range. The clutch engages firmly and the transmission shifts smoothly through all five gears. Offered fresh from a recent service, this Ferrari 512 BBi is as on the button as one could wish for.

Included with the car are the original owner’s manual, radio manual, dealer service booklet, and documentation for the recent engine-out belt service and other Ferrari-certified service work, as well as its original tool set. Considered to be the most civilized of Ferrari’s iconic Berlinetta Boxer models, owning a 512 BBi is a must for any collector. As the first mid-engined production Ferrari, this example would certainly be a thrill to drive and enjoy on the open road, and with a very fashionable interior, no less.