The Berlinetta Boxer dynasty was Ferrari’s flagship twelve-cylinder car, following the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and preceding the legendary Testarossa family (1984-1996). While mid-engined layouts in Ferrari date as far back as the early 1960’s (246P, Dino SP), they took some time to perspire into the brand’s passenger cars, like the 256 GT and the 308 GTB. The first Boxer appeared as a prototype at the Turin Auto Show in 1971, and gave way to the 365 GT4 BB (1973-6), penned by maestro Fioravanti. This first-generation (387 units) sported a 4.4L flat V12, six tail lamps, and six exhaust pipes —a bold and iconic design to compete against the mighty Countach.

Later, in 1976, Ferrari followed up with the 512 BB (1976-1981) and the 512 BBi (1981-1984), with the same flat 12 layout and wedge styling, but larger (4.9L) capacity engine, and aerodynamic improvements. The BBi not only came with Bosch fuel injection, but also offered a myriad of luxury amenities as standard, including radio, air conditioning, and power windows —and an optional Zegna wool interior. Only 929 BB’s left the factory, followed by 1,007 BBi’s —most of them, in traditional Ferrari fashion, painted red.

This particular example was completed on June 21st, 1983, and registered the following month. Finished in a remarkably rare Blu Sera over Crema leather, this car left for the United States in the 1980’s, appearing in New York at some point in 1987. The car returned to Europe, and was later re-exported from Germany to the USA. We purchased this car in Florida in 2021 and relocated it to our facilities in Dubai, where we took it to bare metal and repainted it from black to its original Blu Sera, along with a mechanical recommissioning including a timing belt service, gaskets, tyres, and distributor/WuR rebuilds from GTO Engineering (UK). As one of our favourite Italian cars of the eighties, this irresistible blue BBi is not to be missed by those who appreciate rare colours in flagship Ferraris.