1981 Ferrari 512 BBi

The 80s were a vintage decade so far as we’re concerned here at The Coolector and as if to prove this point, we present to you this stunning 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi going under the hammer with RM Sotherby’s. It is one of a mere 1,007 examples of the 512 BBi constructed between 1981 and 1984 and it is presented in fantastic condition given it’s over four decades old. This amazing lot from RM Sotheby’s is presented in the attractive colour scheme of Rosso Corsa with cream and red leather interior for the ultimate old school cool aesthetic.

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With an odometer that reads just 25,964 kilometres, there is still plenty of life left in this majestic 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi from RM Sotherby’s. We’ve always got a soft spot for Ferraris here at The Coolector and when they look as painfully cool as this one, it’s not hard to see why. It is coming up for sale in RM Sotherby’s London auction and it has been serviced by Ferrari specialist, H.R. Owen, in February 2022, at a cost exceeding £4,000.

This magnificent lot is a rare and highly sought-after early model heralding from the first year of BBi production. It was then delivered in January 1982 via the prominent German Ferrari agent, Auto Becker of Düsseldorf, it was unsurprisingly configured in left-hand drive and finished in the classic Ferrari colour scheme of Rosso Corsa with Black leather interior. Surprisingly, however, the car was specified with body coloured induction intakes and spoilers preferred over the more commonplace satin black items. These eye-catching features are kept to this day.

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Classic car aficionados would argue that recent years have resulted in a new-found and entirely justified appreciation of BB-series Ferraris. Their race-developed technical specification, era-defining Pininfarina styling, unbeatable performance and undeniable position as the first of the mid-engined “modern era” road-going Ferraris all prove to be contributory factors. In addition, as the half-centenary approaches of the launch of the 365 GT4 BB at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, this represents both an ideal time and an exciting opportunity to enter BB-series ownership for a relatively modest outlay.

Leo Davie
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