Introduced at the 1976 Paris Auto Show, the Ferrari 512 BB replaced the 365 GT4 and was a significant advancement over its predecessor. The 512 BB presented a stunning and elegant aerodynamic profile with a low nose and sculpted sides designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, with coachwork by Scaglietti. Its twin-cam engine was boosted from the 365’s 4.4 liters to a hearty 5 liters. The enhanced engine displacement was done to counter progressively stringent emissions requirements that threatened to compromise performance. The car managed the adjustment quite well and was celebrated for the speed its longitudinally mounted, horizontally opposed engine produced, as well as the signature Ferrari screams the engine and exhaust system poured out during acceleration.

At the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1981, Enzo Ferrari unveiled the third version of his Boxer—the 512 BBi, with the “i” marking a major development: the implementation of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. The use of fuel injection did not diminish the 512’s power, but it did make it more available at lower rpms, along with increased torque. Rated at 340 brake horsepower, the BBi’s power was channeled through a five-speed manual rear transaxle; performance was managed by front and rear independent suspension with dual coil springs and anti-roll bars. The car sat solidly on a tubular semi-monocoque frame enveloped by a steel body. In terms of appearance, an intelligent leave-a-great-thing-alone approach caused minimal change in the 512 BBi from its predecessor. There were new rear fog lamps, new running lights in the grille, and a shift to metric-sized Cromodora alloy wheels and tires. The car’s interior was generously appointed. And while the car was built for performance, passenger well-being was still a high priority. Air conditioning and power windows were standard, as were three-point inertia-operated seat belts. Leather seating and thick carpeting provided the cabin with a luxurious feel.

The Ferrari 512 BBi offered here was imported to the US in 1984, its last production year. It was sold new to its first owner in California through North American Imports in Torrance. The 512 traded hands at least once while on the West Coast before travelling east in the late-1980s. It later returned to California, where it was acquired by its current owner in 1999. The Ferrari was subsequently stored in a private temperature-controlled facility for several years. In 2000, with approximately 22,000 miles on the odometer, it was turned over to the experts at Kurt Hugelshofer’s Rosso Corsa Ferrari Service in Jupiter, Florida, for a comprehensive restoration.

Mr. Hugelshofer and his team took apart the car and rebuilt it from the ground up. Engine, mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic components were replaced, restored, or serviced, as required, to bring the car to a reported authentic “like new” standard. The body is in admirable condition, and the car has been refinished in gleaming Nero paint. The cabin features matching Nero black leather and grey cloth seating, the only interior option offered in 1984. Furthermore, the black-on-black scheme is the car’s original color combination. The Pioneer radio, with equalizer, and dashboard instrumentation—all factory-installed—have been refurbished. A book of documents accompanies the car and attests to the work done, along with a proper set of owner’s manuals and tool kit.

In all, this 512 BBi has been brought to concours-level condition and, in fact, has been shown at several exhibitions, including the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic and national Ferrari events. It has been driven only three times since its restoration and is surely ready for many more miles of motoring. This particular Ferrari 512 BBi is a remarkable example of a car waiting to be driven or displayed and is an outstanding opportunity for any collector eager to acquire a definitive performance car.