Ferrari charted an entirely new course with its Berlinetta Boxer. The 512 BB, introduced at the 1976 Paris Auto Salon, replaced the curvaceous front-engine designs that preceded it. New-age styling featured angular lines and a sharp nose. The roofline was brief, sloping rearward to a truncated tail. The Boxer—a reference to its flat-12 engine—was a lean, high-tech, mid-engine sportscar, an ethos that Ferrari would carry through the next two decades with its 288 GTO, Testarossa, F40, and beyond.

The 512 BBi debuted at the 1981 Frankfurt International Motor Show as the replacement for the 512 BB. It had only minor cosmetic differences; the “i” in its name implied the key change from carburetion to Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Production for the 512 BBi ran from 1981 to 1984 with a total of 1007 examples with chassis numbers ranging from 38121 through 52935, according to Ferrari's website.

Ferrari is believed to have only produced approximately 144 cars for the final production year, making this example particularly sought after. Chassis 49473 is finished, just as it left the factory, in traditional Rosso Corsa over Pelle Beige leather and was originally shipped from Maranello in January of 1984.

According to the accompanying Classiche certification, Garage Francorchamps S.A. in Belgium handled delivery, but the car was swiftly imported into the United States for use by its first owner, William Lyon of Mobile, Alabama. Lyon would remain its sole caretaker for the first six years, until it was sold privately to Edward Wettach of Jackson, Mississippi. By 2000, it had accumulated a mere 1,179 pampered miles and completed a major service at Ferrari of Atlanta.

In 2006, the 512 sold to avid Ferrari collector and concours judge David Eichenbaum. During this period, it would be shown extensively, with a first-in-class win at the prestigious Cavallino Classic, as well as multiple platinum awards from the Celebration Exotic Car Festival in Celebration, Florida. Eichenbaum kept meticulous records, which most notably included a major belt service in 2011.

Purchased by the current owner in 2015, an application was promptly submitted for Ferrari’s prestigious Classiche Certification program. To be accepted, the example in question must be 20 years or older and have extensive documentation, along with a visual inspection to confirm matching-numbers specifications. With all original chassis and engine stamps, 49473 passed with flying colors and has continued to live a pampered life in climate-controlled storage.

Most recently, a major engine-out service, including timing belt replacement, was completed in July in preparation for the sale. Now showing just 8,112 kilometers (~5,041 miles) at the time of cataloguing, this 512 BBi would be a stunning collection piece for any collector, ideal for entry into the finest concours, tours, and exhibitions.