Description

The Ferrari 512 BB LM was the most extreme development of the Berlinetta Boxer series, created for endurance racing and especially the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was first introduced in 1978 when Ferrari, seeing the limitations of privateer-prepared 512 BBs, decided to produce a dedicated racing model. Although it was never campaigned as a full works effort, Ferrari built and supplied the cars to trusted private teams such as NART, Charles Pozzi, and Ecurie Francorchamps.

The car was radically altered from the road-going version. Its 5.0-litre flat-12 engine was tuned for competition, producing between 480 and 530 horsepower depending on specification, and reinforced with upgraded cooling and lubrication systems to withstand the demands of 24-hour racing. The bodywork, designed by Pininfarina and built by Ferrari’s racing department, bore only a loose resemblance to the road car. A longer nose, wide arches, deep air intakes, and an enormous rear wing gave the LM a much more purposeful silhouette, while lightweight materials reduced weight and reworked suspension and brakes sharpened performance.

On track, the 512 BB LM showed flashes of brilliance but often struggled with the sheer dominance of Porsche, particularly the 935 and later 956. Despite this, the car achieved several respectable class results at Le Mans between 1978 and 1984, and its outright speed was never in doubt. Ferrari built the LM in two distinct series, with the later cars even more extreme in aerodynamics and refinement than the earlier versions.

Though it never achieved the overall victories that Ferrari enthusiasts had hoped for, the 512 BB LM is remembered today as one of the most striking and uncompromising GT racers of its era. Its rarity, its direct connection to Ferrari’s endurance racing efforts, and the sheer drama of its design and flat-12 soundtrack make it one of the most collectible racing Ferraris from the late 20th century.