Looking to compete directly with Lamborghini’s revolutionary new Miura, Ferrari introduced the all-new 365 GT4 BB at the 1971 Turin Salon. “BB” stood for Berlinetta Boxer, in reference to not only the new car’s body style, but also its all-new flat 12-cylinder engine, mounted directly behind the cabin. Vastly different and providing much more performance than the six-cylinder, mid-engined Dino models, the 365 GT4/BB helped bring Ferrari into a glorious mid-engined era. After four years of production, Ferrari sought to up the ante and shoehorned a larger engine into the gorgeous Berlinetta Boxer platform and unveiled the 512 BB.

Fitted with a 4.9-litre flat 12-cylinder engine with four Weber carburettors, the 512 BB’s engine produced 360 brake horsepower and was capable of sprinting from 0–100 km/h in the mid-five-second range onwards to a top speed of 280 km/h. Chassis modifications were restricted to wider rear tyres and an expanded rear track. Cosmetically, the 512 BB looked quite similar to its older brother but boasted a new lower chin spoiler at the nose and a NACA duct on the side to help cool its exhaust. Furthermore, twin tail lamps replaced the triple tail lamp setup of the 365 GT4 BB.

Chassis number 37589, a late example built in the final year of carburetted production, is presented here in traditional Ferrari red over a tan interior with black Daytona-style seat inserts. Currently showing just under 48,500 kilometres on its odometer, which could very well be original, the interior presents well with a lovely patina that is reflective of the mileage on the odometer. Offered with a jack and toolkit, this particular Berlinetta Boxer presents well and would surely be a wonderful driver.