RM Sotheby’s is set to auction off a 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione race car, remarkably preserved in its original state.
The car, part of the Monterey Car Week sale scheduled for August 17-19, is a rare gem among twenty vintage Ferraris, recently discovered after spending decades in storage. This car stands out as one of three factory race cars built for the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Volkswagen Atlas overview
The 512 BB Competizione, launched at the 1976 Paris auto show, is one of the most iconic cars in the collection. As the flagship supercar of Ferrari during the latter part of the 1970s, it was built on the platform of the 365 GT4 BB. “BB” stands for “Berlinetta Boxer”, a nod to its 5.0-liter boxer-12 engine which delivered 360 hp in its regular, road-worthy form.
1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione (photo via RM Sotheby’s)
Ferrari, in 1978, used the 512 BB launch as a stepping stone back into the realm of sports car racing after a brief pause. The company manufactured three racing variants, slashing the weight down to 2,425 pounds and enhancing the output to 460 hp. This, while maintaining the standard 5-speed manual transmission.
Two of these racing versions, made as per IMSA GTX-class regulations, were enlisted for Le Mans by Charles Pozzi, a French Ferrari distributor. The third, featured here, was entered by Luigi Chinetti, a well-known U.S. Ferrari distributor, along with his North American Racing Team (NART). The vehicle had a promising run, achieving second place in its class at one point. However, the standard transmission turned out to be a weak link, causing the NART car to withdraw in the race’s 19th hour.
1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione (photo via RM Sotheby’s)
Chinetti held onto the 512 BB until 1980 when he sold it to Glenn Kalil, a carpet dealer and Ferrari aficionado. A year later, it was purchased by Walter Medlin, who stored it in his private collection. Since then, the car has remained undisturbed, accumulating dust but also preserving its 1978 Le Mans livery and original race-tuned engine.
Among other remarkable vehicles in RM Sotheby’s “Lost & Found Collection,” the 512 BB Competizione shares space with a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C that raced in the 1966 Targa Florio and one of the four 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciales adorned with Pininfarina Superamerica-style coachwork. The level of preservation varies among the cars, but the 1978 Le Mans-veteran 512 BB remains in an exceptionally complete condition.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione Auction
When and where is the 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione going to be auctioned?
The 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione is scheduled to be auctioned off during RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week sale, which is set for August 17-19, 2023.
What makes the 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione unique?
The 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione is unique because it’s one of only three factory race cars built for the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans. Additionally, it’s been remarkably preserved in its original state, including its 1978 Le Mans livery and original race-tuned engine.
What is the history of this particular 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione?
This car was one of the three race versions produced by Ferrari in 1978. Entered by U.S. Ferrari distributor Luigi Chinetti and his North American Racing Team (NART) for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car managed to reach second place in its class before retiring due to transmission issues. It was sold to a Ferrari collector, Glenn Kalil, in 1980, and then to Walter Medlin in 1981, who stored it in his private collection where it remained undisturbed for decades.
What is the “Lost & Found Collection” referred to in the text?
The “Lost & Found Collection” is a term used by RM Sotheby’s to refer to a recently discovered collection of 20 vintage Ferraris, including the 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione, that were stored away for decades before being unearthed. The collection was initially stored in a Florida barn and later moved to an Indiana warehouse.
What other cars are part of the “Lost & Found Collection”?
The “Lost & Found Collection” also includes a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C that raced in the 1966 Targa Florio and one of the four 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciales with Pininfarina Superamerica-style coachwork, among others.
More about 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione Auction
- RM Sotheby’s
- Monterey Car Week
- Ferrari 512 BB Competizione History
- 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Ferrari Collector Glenn Kalil
- North American Racing Team (NART)
5 comments
wow! a 512 BB Competizione frm 78? Cant believe its in such good condition still, can’t wait to see how much it sells for at the auction!
Luigi Chinetti was a true legend. Entered this car in Le Mans back in the day, even though it didn’t win, it’s still a fantastic car.
oh man, wish I had the cash to bid on this beauty! It’s a piece of history! Whoever gets this is one lucky duck.
I’m more interested in the other cars in the “Lost & Found Collection”. They’ve got a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C! That’s a rare piece.
I remember when the 512 BB Competizione was released in 76. Incredible car, one of the best of its era, pure class from ferrari.