Ferrari built its first horizontally-opposed engine in 1964 – a 12-cylinder, 1.5-liter Formula One unit with 11:1 compression, Lucas fuel injection, and 210-hp. Called “boxers,” the term originated in reference to early Volkswagen and Porsche engines. It was coined to refer to the pistons which moved both toward and away from each other, much like sparring fighters.

Ferrari introduced the 365 GT4 BB in 1974. The name translated to 365-cc per cylinder, grand touring, four-cam, Berlinetta Boxer. The 4.4-liter flat-twelve was mid-mounted and would become the first Ferrari to use a toothed belt to drive the overhead camshafts. Like its predecessors, it used steel for the main structure and aluminum for the hood, doors and engine access cover. New were fiberglass lower panels painted flat black regardless of the body color. Suspension was all-independent along with a multi-tube chassis using square and rectangular sections that were much easier for the factory to fabricate.

Ferrari built upon the success of the 365 GT4 BB beginning in late-1976 with the introduction of the 512 BB. The name reverted to Ferrari’s more typical liters/cylinders numbering. Oddly, it was being built two months before it was introduced at the Paris show in October; another first for Ferrari. The new 512 featured a small chin spoiler in front, NACA ducts on the lower body sides ahead of the rear wheels, four taillights (in lieu of six), and a tail 1.5 inches longer. The flat-twelve was upsized to 4,942-cc and horsepower increased to 360. In 1978 Road & Track reported a 0-60-mph sprint in 5.5 seconds, a ¼-mile run of 14.2 seconds at 103.5mph, and an estimated top speed of 188-mph – staggering performance at the time. Summing it up, R&T said, “The Boxer wins a more important award as the best all-around sports and GT car we’ve tested.”

In total, Ferrari built 365 GT4 BB’s between 1974-1976 and approximately 400 512BB’s and BBi’s from 1976-1985. This carbureted version was purchased by the consigner in 1980. Currently wearing red exterior paint, it is thought to have originally been delivered in silver. The low mileage of 19,530 miles is thought to be from new. Inside this right-hand drive example, you’ll find black leather Daytona seats, black carpets, power windows, and a Blaupunkt stereo. It is fitted with Michelin XWX tires on 7.5x15 front and 9x15 rear wheels. A spare set of wheels is also included with the purchase.