Ferrari 512 Classic Cars for Sale

History of the Ferrari 512 Series

The '512' designation traces its roots to a purposeful lineage of mid-engined, 5-litre flat-12 Ferraris starting in the early 1970s. Initially developed to confront Porsche at Le Mans, the project spawned the ferocious 512 S sports prototype for 1969, then quickly evolved into a series of road-going Berlinetta Boxers—beginning with the 512 BB in 1976. The BB replaced the front-engined 365 series, radically shifting Ferrari’s design philosophy towards modernity. Major evolutionary steps included the carburettor-fed 512 BB (1976–1981), the Bosch-injected 512 BBi (1981–1984), and racing adaptations like the lightweight BB LM. The era culminated with the angular Testarossa and its 512 TR and F512 M successors, each refining the performance and usability while maintaining essential Ferrari DNA. Through all iterations, the 512 series reflected a relentless pursuit of better engineering and exceptional speed.

Model History and Evolution

The Berlinetta Boxer 512 BB, debuting in 1976, succeeded the 365 GT4 BB with innovative flat-12 engine placement behind the driver. 929 carburettor BBs were built before the 1981 upgrade to the BBi, featuring Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection for improved reliability and emissions, with 1,007 units produced. Racing ambitions yielded the rare BB LM, a Pininfarina-bodied, lightweight machine tailored for endurance events. In 1984, the elegant yet aggressive Testarossa took the reins, addressing previous cooling concerns and pushing the design even further. The 512 TR (1991–94) retained the 4.9-litre capacity but introduced modern Bosch Motronic fuel management, while the final F512 M (1994–96) offered 440 PS and sharper handling with fixed headlights and a total run of just 501 examples. Each variant represents a blend of advancing mechanical sophistication and design flair, evolving the Ferrari supercar template generation by generation.

Highlights and Unique Features of the Ferrari 512

All 512s share a mid-mounted, 4.9-litre flat-12 engine with dry-sump lubrication and a five-speed manual transmission, producing outputs ranging from 340 to over 550 PS depending on model and configuration. The aerodynamic wedge styling by Pininfarina, dramatic side air intakes (on Testarossa-based models), pop-up or fixed headlights, and wide track make these cars instantly recognisable. Notably, Ferrari produced only 929 BBs, 1,007 BBis, around 29 BB LMs, 2,261 examples of the 512 TR, and 501 F512 Ms, making the series among the rarest V12 Ferraris. The BB LM and 512S/M race cars further raised performance with reduced weight, special aerodynamics, and outputs up to 550 PS. Accessories like the Ermenegildo Zegna wool-trimmed interiors on BBis add collectability. The Ferrari 512 listings account for 100% of the classic Ferraris available in this code range, and attract equivalent demand: 100% of viewed Ferrari listings within this category are for the 512 series, confirming its ongoing appeal among enthusiasts.

Technical Data – Ferrari 512 Range

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Among the 512 lineage, several variants hold special status. Only 29 BB LM units were built specifically for endurance racing, each featuring lightweight bodywork by Pininfarina and power outputs upwards of 480 PS. The F512 M, the last flat-12 Ferrari road car, saw just 501 examples produced and introduced titanium connecting rods, revised headlights, and additional technical refinements. The Ermenegildo Zegna interior trim package on BBis is a rare, desirable option made in very low numbers. Racing concept cars like the 512S Modulo further underscore the innovative spirit of the range.

Maintenance, Weak Spots and Common Issues

Like all classic V12 Ferraris, the 512 series requires diligent, specialist maintenance. Engine timing belts, flat-12 lubrication systems, carburetor synchronization (BB) or Bosch K-Jetronic (BBi, TR, F512 M) can pose challenges in poorly maintained cars. The cooling systems on BB models require careful upkeep to avoid overheating, a weakness later mitigated by Testarossa’s side-mounted radiator redesign. Clutch operation, gear linkage bushings, and electrical systems may also demand attention. Wide rear tyres and unique suspension geometry increase wear and running costs. Spare parts for very rare editions (BB LM, F512 M) are limited, with restoration often necessitating specialist input.

Performance, Engine, Transmission and Handling

Each 512 upholds Ferrari’s focus on performance, with the flat-12 configuration delivering unmatched throttle response and an unmistakable mechanical soundtrack. The BB and BBi (360–340 PS) reach over 280 km/h and sprint from 0–100 km/h in under 6 seconds, while the 512 TR (422–434 PS) and F512 M (440 PS) achieve sub-5 second metrics and exceed 310 km/h. The 512 TR introduced more direct steering, improved clutch and gearbox feel, and a revised lower engine/transmission mounting for superior weight distribution. Le Mans and BB LM racing versions push beyond 480 PS with stripped weight and reinforced transmissions, built for endurance at the highest levels. All cars deliver a raw, analog drive, with well-tuned chassis and substantial mechanical grip—for experienced drivers, a deeply immersive and physical experience. - 512 BB (1976–1981): 4,943 cm³, V12, 360 PS, 0–100 km/h in 5.7 s.

• 512 BBi (1981–1984): Same displacement, Bosch K-Jetronic, 340 PS, 0–100 km/h 5.4–5.7 s.
• 512 TR (1991–1994): 4,943 cm³ V12, 422–434 PS, 0–100 km/h 4.8–4.9 s.
• F512 M (1994–1996): 440 PS, 0–100 km/h in 4.7 s, fixed headlamps, titanium rods, 501 made.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Pininfarina, with contributions from designers like Leonardo Fioravanti and Emanuele Nicosia, sculpted the 512 series’ distinctively wide, low silhouettes and wedge-shaped profiles. BB and BBi feature a minimalist, classic interior with leather and driver-focus, while unique options include Ermenegildo Zegna wool seat inserts and air conditioning. The Testarossa introduced prominent side strakes and a broader rear stance, retaining pop-up headlights (until the fixed units of the F512 M), and large side-mounted radiators for improved cooling. 512 TR and F512 M interiors were refined with updated controls, more supportive seats, and improved ergonomics; TRs came with 18-inch wheels and revised bumpers, while the F512 M introduced clear-lens rear lights. Design elements such as flat-12 engine covers, prominent rear haunches, and purposeful cockpit layouts reflect the mechanical honesty and extravagant character of these Ferraris.

Additional Noteworthy Information

The 512 range includes some of Ferrari’s most storied race cars, with victories and fierce rivalry against Porsche written into sports car history. The film 'Le Mans' and pop culture appearances in Miami Vice and Sega’s Out Run further cement the Testarossa and its derivatives in the public imagination. Advanced technical features like dry-sump lubrication, Bosch electronic fuel and ignition management, and single-plate clutches showcase the marque’s ongoing innovations through the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Summary – Ferrari 512 Classic Car Range

Ferrari’s 512 series embodies a transition from raw analog flat-12 sports prototypes to refined, sophisticated road cars. Each evolution—BB, BBi, BB LM, 512 TR, and F512 M—displays advances in powertrain, chassis, and design while preserving a raw driving experience, rare production numbers, and unmistakable presence. For collectors and drivers seeking the thrill of a transversely-mounted flat-12 and pure Italian engineering, the Ferrari 512 series remains unique, technically advanced, and peerlessly evocative.