Fantasy Junction

Description

1983 Ferrari 512 BBi Berlinetta Boxer
s/n ZFFJA09B000044811, engine no. 110A 00406
Red with Black Boxer Trim and Black Interior with Grey Cloth Inserts

The Boxer line represented a remarkable departure for Ferrari. It was the successor to the comparatively conventional Daytona, and Ferrari's first mid-engined flagship. Those who had witnessed Lamborghini’s stunning Miura had been anxiously awaiting Ferrari’s response, and the Boxer did not disappoint. Featuring a horizontally opposed twelve-cylinder motor longitudinally mounted in line with the transmission, it had a low center of gravity placed near the center of mass. Clothed in suitably rakish bodywork by Pininfarina, the Boxer was a stunner. The 512 BBi represents the ultimate development of the Boxer line and was distinguished from the 512 BB and 365 models that preceded it by the introduction of fuel injection, making emissions testing where required much less of a headache than with carburetors. Today, the Boxer remains a dramatic and exciting car that is masculine without being too demanding to drive.

This particular example has been in California almost its entire life and has its BAR sticker. It was registered 2BKE985, a number dating back to approximately 1986. Its most recent owner lives in San Francisco and purchased the car from another owner in San Francisco in 2003 or 2004. The car completed an engine-out service in April of 2014 at a cost of $12,600, which included radiator expansion tank, clutch master and slave cylinders, intake boots, new pattery, spark plugs, flushing and balancing the fuel injection system. The car also had a major service with Brian Crall, a process which began in 2008 and was not completed until 2014. This included a major belt service, new wheel bearings, miscellaneous new gaskets, new fuel pumps and filters, new fuel line seals, repacked CVs and new boots, air filters, refinished exhaust manifolds, and new clutch. The wheels were also redone, new shocks fitted, and rebuilt ignition boxes were also fitted about ten years ago. Copies of its DOT and EPA paperwork are included, along with service records back to 2003. The DOT release is dated August of 1983 and was done by Mike Sheehan’s European Auto Restoration, so the car has been in the United States its entire life.

Cosmetically, the car is a nice driver level example. The paintwork was done to high standards and is glossy, although there are numerous chips around the car, some of which have been touched up. The body is straight and solid throughout, and the car appears to be structurally excellent and undisturbed. The wheels are in very nice condition as are the lights and glass aside from a chip in the windscreen at the lower right corner. The front bumper shows a fair amount of road rash but is in good physical condition and the underside has been protected by a discreet metal plate attached to the underside of the front spoiler.

The interior is largely original although the dashboard has been retrimmed and is excellent. The fabric insert on the driver’s seat shows wear and the leather is original and intact, but somewhat dry. The instruments and controls are excellent, as is the headliner. The original Pioneer equalizer is still in place. The carpets are in very good condition, with one area of wear where the driver’s left foot rests.

The engine compartment is very clean and nicely detailed, reflecting the recent engine-out service. It is clear that the plating on most of the metal components has been renewed, and the painted items such as the intake runners and air boxes are in very nice condition as well. The front compartment is also very tidy. The windscreen washer reservoir appears to be new, and the spare tire well liner is still in place. The underside of the deck lid is in good shape and the tool roll with pouch is also in place, as are the jack and bag.

The undercarriage shows a fundamentally undisturbed car that is structurally excellent and has been used but not abused. The engine is dry and the suspension arms in good shape. There is ample evidence of the recent engine-out service, and the stainless steel Tubi exhaust is also visible and in excellent shape.

The car runs and drives well. The engine starts immediately and runs smoothly, making a unique and pleasurable flat-12 sound which is actually quite quiet, despite the Tubi muffler. It pulls cleanly and makes great power. The transmission shifts well, including second gear, although the clutch is not very progressive, a feature of most modern Boxer clutch replacements in our experience. The chassis is tight but compliant, and the brakes are effective.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a BAR certified (and therefore California legal) Boxer that has spent almost all of its life in California. A cosmetically attractive example that has just had a very thorough service, this car is an ideal example to use because it is mechanically sorted and not so nice as to discourage its new owner from using it. It is complete with tool roll, tools, jack bag, jack, and service records dating back approximately 15 years to support the thorough maintenance regime the car has enjoyed. These cars are enjoying tremendous appreciation right now and this is a great example to drive and enjoy as enthusiasts around the world become increasingly aware of the pleasures of Boxer ownership.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608