[RossBritten]

This is my first post and I'm looking to join the club and for some friendly advice.
I have found a 1979 512BB #28439, it's been standing still for 12 years and has no service history.
What I really want to know is should I steer well clear of this car or book a flight to check it out?
He wants £115k for it.

 

[Italian Lover]

RB, welcome to FL.

When it comes to choosing cars, I suppose it is personal. Few questions I have, your exposures to F cars, how steadfast and why a BB, and so on.

Nevertheless, a car that sat still for that long, assuming unmaintained, is not good unless you are willing to spend the time, money and energy to bring the car back to its glory. Some enjoy the process while others have no patience for all that.

Honestly, I do not know the market trend for BB nowadays, but that asking price seems a bit steep for myself.

Seems like I have more questions than useful comments.

Good luck with your search.:thumbsup:

w/ smiles
Jimmy

 

[RossBritten]

Hi Jimmy,


Thanks for the reply


No real exposure as I've never owned one. Been looking for an early 308GTB for a while when this came along by chance.
Flights been booked for Saturday to Italy to have a look at it and I've roped a guy who knows what he's talking about to come along.
Ive had a look at what theyre asking for for these cars here in the UK but Ive got no idea what they actually sell for.
Theres another one with an asking price of £160k, that on paper looks pretty sorted.


Best


RB

 

[Italian Lover]

RB, forgot to mention that you might want to take into considerations the differences among the three BBs (365, BB, BBi). They are all BBs but they have different characters. Your driving styles and expectations should play a role in your decision making IMHO. Good luck!

w/ smiles
Jimmy

 

[RossBritten]

Jimmy, I get where you are coming from. Looking for carburation so BBi is not an option.
Ive had a look at the 365 and here prices seem to start at £200k+ which realistically, for me isn't an option.
Had a look at the 512BB at the weekend and loved it. 2 owners, 42,000km, completely original including paint and it just looks a very honest car.
If we can strike a deal I will hopefully collect the car next week.
Thanks,
RB

 

[Italian Lover]

Understood, and hoping for the best for you. Good Luck ! :thumbsup:

w/ smiles
Jimmy

 

[tazandjan]

Ross- Good luck and we look forward to photos. The 512 has some useful and attractive upgrades over the BB, like the 9" rear wheels and front bumper/spoiler, not to mention more torque.

 

[David @ FluentInFerrari]

As I long time 365bb owner, I'm a bit biased. In the fun and collectability factor, the 365bb is the clear winner. But as with most cars, as they evolve, improvements are made along the way; 30 ft-lbs of torque, a bit more weight, an advertised dry sump yet the rear CG is still way too high...but still no cup holders (LOL!)

All three are very different cars. With extensive seat time and service experience with all of them spanning 30 years, the differences are truly remarkable. There's really nothing quite like a Boxer other than perhaps a Daytona.

I wish you much happiness! You will be amazed....

 

[tazandjan]

David- I was going to say the BB 512 had more hp until I looked it up. Ferrari actually claimed 340 for the 512 and 344 for the 4.4 liter, probably because of the higher rpms for max power of the BB, 7200 rpm, compared to the 512's 6200 rpm. Much freer revving engine.

 

[David @ FluentInFerrari]

Two very different driving cars, as well....Although the 512 does appear to have modestly better lower end torque and is more "streetable" , the 365 feels significantly snappier and raw. However, the 365 aerodynamics suck and despite the claimed top speed of 300 kph, at a indicated 275 kph (Watkins Glen), there little keeping the 365's nose on the ground. On the 512bb, the nose spoiler certainly was a useful addition in keeping the nose planted on the road.

 

[ferrari400]

This is my first post and I'm looking to join the club and for some friendly advice.
I have found a 1979 512BB #28439, it's been standing still for 12 years and has no service history.
What I really want to know is should I steer well clear of this car or book a flight to check it out?
He wants £115k for it.

The 3 BB's are little different from eachother. The most raw is the 365BB, the most comfortable is the BBi. I personally likes the 512BB most, Carburators, more driveable and more development.

A car that hasn't run for 12 years needs big service, I mean really big. If the body/interieur are perfect, you can check it out.

 

[EcurieArgyll]

I have never driven a 365 or a BBi, but my 512BB was (still is) my first Ferrari and I love it. No regrets, despite some recent big bills (easily offset by appreciating value).
A beautiful, rare,12 cylinder Ferrari with the classic dog-leg box, elegant toggle switches, a comfortable ride and epic torque. How can you go wrong!?!
It is also comparatively rugged.
I would echo the suggestion that a significant recommissioning service is required after a 12 year lay-up and warn that you will need a good, clever, inventive, problem solving specialist.

Good luck.

 

[JazzyO]

The 3 BB's are little different from eachother.

Don't know if that is what you meant to say - it means "they are almost the same". Actually, same as David, I find them very different to drive. They all have their own character and the differences really stand out. For excitement and engine noise, go for a 365. For refinement and GT qualities, go for the BBi. The 512BB is in the middle between the two: carb noises, longer 1st gear than the 365BB, better clutch, more torque. The 365 is a bit more fragile but if you know the car it never causes issues.

Personally I also find them very different style-wise, I can spot whether it is a 365 or a 512 from 100 yards away. But you need to be a bit of an anorak, I suppose.


Onno