Ferrari charted an entirely new course with its Berlinetta Boxer. Gone was the curvaceous front-engined design that had been Ferrari’s signature for decades. The model’s new-age design was angular, with a sharp nose that almost appeared to be a single line running from the front of the bumper to the top of the windshield.

The driver-focused cabin is perhaps the perfect distillation of supercar design; high-visibility Veglia Borletti instrumentation—each pod slightly canted towards the driver—give notice of all important metrics with their neon orange simplicity. A small-diameter Momo steering wheel gives ample sense of surety and road feel, while Ferrari’s classic gated manual transmission provides all the pleasant, mechanical sensation of executing perfect gear changes as the mighty flat-12 screams toward redline, just inches behind the cabin.

Rarity, of course, translates into collectability, and the 512 BBis from 1984 are particularly sought after, as Ferrari only produced approximately 144 examples.

MARANELLO—PARIS—FAYETTE

This stunning 1984 512 BBi offered here is finished in the highly attractive all–Rosso Corsa over beige leather. It was originally delivered from Maranello to the Nanterre offices of legendary French Ferrari distributor Charles Pozzi SA, and sold new on 17 July 1984 to James “Jimmy” Dodson, a successful petroleum wholesaler from Fayette, Alabama. Dodson retained this BBi for at least 15 years; thankfully, it is still accompanied by a valuable cache of importation and federalization paperwork from 1984.

When acquired by a previous owner in 2015, this BBi was reported to be in highly original condition, if slightly patinated. He immediately submitted it to a complete and professional restoration back to original specifications, which was executed by the Ferrari specialists at Newman Automotive R & D in Minesing, Ontario. An accompanying restoration binder complete with invoices and photographs show that the car was completely stripped and dismantled for a full refinishing in Rossa Corsa. The car’s interior was similarly outfitted with a masterfully appointed beige leather interior.

Meanwhile, its 4.9-liter flat-12 engine was entirely rebuilt, and the chassis underpinnings were entirely freshened with OEM suspension components from front-to-back. This restoration is exhaustively documented by the aforementioned binder, but it would be appropriate to state here that no component, assembly, or system escaped redress. Invoices from Newman show a cumulative sum which totals nearly $276,000.

As presented today, this 512 BBi retains many of its factory-correct finishes throughout, including its Rosso Corsa paintwork, tan Daytona-pattern upholstery, Pioneer audio system with equalizer, French-market Cibie foglamps, Vitaloni mirrors, and rear aileron spoiler. The car’s correct center-mount wheels and Michelin TRX tires are yet another authentic complement to its low stated mileage, which currently rests at fewer than 11,600 kilometers (~7,208 miles).

This completely restored 512 BBi would be an ideal entrant for any of the finest concours, tours, and exhibitions open to Italian cars of splendid provenance and eminent presentation.