Ferrari 512 BB

It’s difficult to write about the 512 BB without first mentioning the 365 BB.

Originally announced in 1971 at the Turin Motor show as a replacement to the now much loved Daytona, the 365 was produced for 5 years before being superseded following a few alterations, by the similar 512 BB.

Despite being the successor, the 512 was actually less powerful, not as quick and slightly heavier. This was due mainly to new government legislation and the usual safety regulations of the time.

In spite of its lineage, both the design and engine layout of the 365 and 512 were massively different, and were a huge departure from its famous predecessor.
Like the Dino this was mid-engined and the flat V12 was mounted longitudinally as opposed to transversely. This set up making the cross over from Ferrari’s 312b 1970 Formula One car of the time. It’s also worth mentioning that Lamborghini’s futuristic Muira (definitely the subject of a future piece) had a similar lay out some seven years earlier.

In 1981 having produced only 387 BB365’s and 929 BB512’s the model was again up graded, to the 512 BBi. Ferraris almost ever present Weber carbs were replaced by a Bosch K- Jetronic fuel injection system, which made the car far easier to service and the engine slightly less rigid. Very few aesthetic alterations were made, the most noticeable being small white running lights above the front spoiler.

Come the next economic boom (circa 2025) and subsequent scramble for classic Fezza’s , this one is sure to be near the head of the list. Should anyone wish to pre-empt this, DK engineering have a beautiful concours 512 BB, fully restored by Nick Cartwright.