HISTORY // THE FERRARI 512 BB LM

Shortly after production of the Ferrari Daytona ceased, Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari's U.S. distributor set his sights on the Italian automakers mid-engine 365 GT4/BB as a potential endurance racer. With little to no factory support, a 365 GT4/BB was prepared for his North American Racing Team and entered into a number of endurance racing competitions.

In 1976, the 356 GT4/BB became the 512 BB, and its 4.4-liter flat-twelve was enlarged to 5.0-liters. The following year, again with little factory support, four 512 BB's lined up on the starting grid at Le Mans. Featuring an abundance of aerodynamic improvements, a wider track and gobs of power, the 512 BB was able to finish 16th overall and was the first and only boxer powered car to race at Le Mans... [read more]

In 1979 a pair of factory-developed 512's, with new bodies shaped in the Pininfarina wind tunnel, were unveiled. Dubbed the 512 BB LM, the race ready Ferraris were almost 18 inches longer than the road going 512 Boxer, and weighed some 1,235 pounds less. Powered by a 480hp 5.0-liter flat-twelve, the 512 BB LM first raced at Daytona, with three cars entered by Ferrari's French importer, Charles Pozzi, and one for NART. None of the cars were able to finish. That same year, four 512 BB LMs were entered into the 24 Hours of Le Mans with similar results; one finished 12th overall, the other three retired.

The following year, six Ferrari 512 BB LMs raced at Le Mans. One finished 23rd overall, with the Pozzi entry (seen above) placing 10th, the best finish for a 512 BB LM in any 24-hour race.

For additional information on the Ferrari 512 BB and 512 BB LM, click here

Editorial: Justin W. Coffey