Estimate: $120,000-$140,000 US

Sold: $93,500

340bhp, 4,942 cc double overhead-cam horizontally opposed mid-mounted twelve-cylinder engine, Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, five-speed manual gearbox in rear-mounted transaxle, independent front suspension with unequal-length A-arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar, independent rear suspension with unequal-length A-arms, twin coil springs and anti-roll bar, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4"

Ferrari introduced a stunning new mid-engine car at the 1971 Turin Motor Show to compete head-on with the Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Bora supercars. All new from the ground up, the new model featured a low, wide and sensuous Pininfarina design and hand-built body by Scaglietti. Reminiscent of Ferrari’s Formula 1 racers, it was powered by a mid-mounted “boxer” twelve-cylinder engine, displacing 4.4-liters. The new model, named 365 GT4 BB, was finally released as a production car in 1973 and marketed as the fastest road car ever offered by Ferrari.

In keeping with tradition, the car was relentlessly refined and an improved version was released in 1976 as the 512 BB with an enlarged engine and significantly more torque. In 1981, Ferrari introduced the 512 BBi at the Paris Salon, with the “i” reflecting the installation of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, allowing easier compliance with U.S. emissions standards, while maintaining performance. As expected, the 512 BBi was capable of remarkable performance numbers: zero-to-sixty times of 5.4 seconds, a top speed of at least 175 miles per hour and a quarter-mile time of 14.3 seconds, at 103 miles per hour.

The 1984 Ferrari 512 BBi offered here is a very fine and attractive example, one of an estimated 1,000 examples manufactured between 1981 and 1984. At present the car shows approximately 18,900 miles and remains very well preserved and maintained. The dramatic exterior features an excellent black finish and an original set of Cromodora five-spoke alloy wheels with wide Michelin performance radial tires.

Inside, the purposeful cockpit is trimmed with tan leather upholstery with brown carpeting and reveals few signs of wear. Passenger amenities include air conditioning as well as a Pioneer AM/FM cassette stereo system, graphic equalizer/booster and speakers. The rear bonnet tilts up to reveal the impressive fuel-injected V12 boxer engine and the entire engine bay remains very presentable, original and well maintained in its appearance.

With its stunning presence, very capable chassis and drivetrain, and positively intoxicating exhaust note, the 512 BBi offers an exceptional ownership experience. While time and lack of maintenance have steadily reduced the number of excellent 512 Berlinetta Boxers available, the opportunity to acquire a well-maintained example such as this has become both increasingly rare and correspondingly more desirable.