Model featured:BB (Berlinetta Boxer)

Ferrari BB512

Berlinetta Boxer is the name for a series of cars produced by Ferrari in Italy between 1973 and 1984. They used a mid-mounted flat-12 engine, replacing the FR Daytona, and succeeded in the Ferrari stable by the Testarossa.

Production of the BB was a major step for Enzo Ferrari. He felt that a mid-engined road car would be too difficult for his buyers to handle, and it took many years for his engineers to convince him to adopt the layout. This attitude began to change as the marque lost its racing dominance in the late 1950s to mid-engined competitors.

The mid-engined 4-, 6-, and 8-cylinder Dino racing cars was the result, and Ferrari later allowed for the production Dino road cars to use the layout as well. The company also moved its V12 engines to the rear with its P and LM racing cars, but the Daytona was launched with its engine in front. It was not until 1971 that a mid-engined 12-cylinder road car would appear.

The 365 was updated as the 512BB in 1976, resuming the name of the earlier Ferrari 512 racer. The engine was larger at 4942 cc, but power was reduced to comply with legislation. Dry sump lubrication was used for a lower center of gravity. External differentiators included a new front spoiler, wider rear tyres, added side air vents ducting air to the brakes, and four tail lights (rather than six).