First appearing at the 1981 Frankfurt Salon, Ferrari’s newest Berlinetta Boxer model appeared outwardly very similar to the outgoing model from a distance, but the car’s most significant change was to be found under the rear clamshell and in the car’s new nomenclature. The 512 BBi replaced the 512 BB’s four Weber carburetors with a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel-injection system, hence the “i” in 512 BBi. This upgrade helped to make the Berlinetta Boxer much more tractable and user friendly, as well as easier to maintain.

Aside from its new fuel injection, the 512 BBi remained largely unchanged to its carbureted sibling, with the exception of a few small details. Exposed driving lights were installed and the front and rectangular parking lights were installed at the rear, the aluminum egg-crate grille was shortened, and a new shroud was made for the exhaust at the rear. Just 1,007 examples were produced from 1981 to 1984 before production transitioned to the Testarossa.

One of the few Ferraris in the Riverside Automotive Museum Collection, this car’s attraction and reason for inclusion in the museum is instantly apparent the moment you lay eyes on it. Presented in outstandingly original condition, the car retains its matching-numbers engine and gearbox and is finished in its original red over black color combination. All four wheels sport what are likely to be their original Michelin TRX tires, and the interior presents in outstanding, well-preserved, and original condition. The only deviation of note from original is the modern Alpine CD player installed in the dashboard. Furthermore, the odometer reading of 3,699 miles is believed to be original, especially when considering the car’s exceptional condition.

Wonderful drivers’ cars offering plenty of performance, reliability, and refinement, the 512 BBi is truly a wonderful driver’s car in every regard. Many consider it to be one of the best Ferrari road cars of the 1980s, and it is a highly compelling alternative to the Lamborghini Countach. Presented in highly original condition, this particular example presents exceptionally well and would make an outstanding addition to any Ferrari collection.