1977 Ferrari

This matching-numbers Ferrari 512 BB was ordered by the Sales Director of Maranello Concessionaires on 4 July 1977, specified in Nero with Sabbia hide and Corda carpets. Completed and invoiced by the factory on 3 October 1977, it was the 26th of 101 examples officially imported into the UK, of which only 71 are believed to remain taxed or SORN. First registered on 4 November 1977, it passed through several established Ferrari owners and was maintained by respected specialists, including GTC Engineering, Modena Engineering and Maranello Concessionaires.

In 1988, Maranello purchased the car and undertook a comprehensive restoration. The engine and transmission were serviced, the steering, suspension and brakes overhauled, and the body stripped to bare metal and restored. It was then refinished in Rosso Corsa, retrimmed where required, aligned, road-tested and tuned. Completed in October 1989 at 37,700 miles, the work cost £27,056.51 plus VAT. Maranello Sales sold the car in May 1990, and JCT 600 replaced the speedometer at a documented 38,828 miles.

Further documented maintenance includes a gearbox rebuild by Maranello Concessionaires, replacement clutches, brake and exhaust work, routine servicing and, in 2008–09, a cylinder-head rebuild by former Maranello mechanic Vince Mezullo. The original sodium-filled exhaust valves were replaced with solid stainless-steel items, while the differential, clutch and cam belts were also renewed.

Sold by Ian Barkaway in 2016 at an indicated 17,600 miles—equivalent to approximately 56,500 miles in total—the car was subsequently acquired by its most recent owner to join a collection that included a 512 BBi and two Testarossa's. Carefully stored in a Air Chamber, it has recently been serviced and had its cam belts replaced, followed by an independent MOT test for additional reassurance.

The car is accompanied by its factory-original service book, handbooks and Ferrari cloth wallet, together with an extensive history file containing invoices, MOT certificates and photographs of previous work. Its original Ferrari-branded Pioneer radio-cassette remains in place, while a stainless-steel sports exhaust provides a suitably evocative soundtrack.

The paintwork would now benefit from some cosmetic attention, presenting the next owner with the opportunity to retain the Rosso Corsa finish, return the car to its original Nero or personalise it in a colour combination of their choice.

For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact Mike Wheeler.