One to Buy: ex-Jeremy Agace 1979 Ferrari 512 BB (SOLD)
The 512 BB was Ferrari’s second iteration of their mid Flat 12-engined Berlinetta Boxer. The first, the 4.4-litre 365 GT4 BB, had been produced from 1973 to 1976 having starred at the ‘71 Turin Motor Show in prototype form.
Ferrari unveiled the 512 BB at the Paris Motor Show in October 1976. It featured a range of updates over its predecessor, perhaps the most notable of which were a torquier five-litre engine now with dry-sump lubrication and a chin spoiler to reduce front-end lift.
There were also subtly flared rear arches to cover wider back wheels, extra vents on the engine cover, a louvred satin black tail fascia panel, NACA cooling ducts down each flank and new exterior mirrors. Inside, just some minor switchgear and instrumentation changes were made.
512 BB production ran from 1976 until 1981. 929 were completed, 101 of which were right-hand drive.
This particular example from 1979 was supplied new to well known collector, Jeremy Agace, whose family purchased what became the Mann & Co. chain of estate agents in 1938. By the early 1980s, Mann & Co. had around 80 offices and the company went public in 1985 with a successful listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Agace configured his 512 BB in Argento Met. with contrasting Boxer trim below the swage line and a Nero interior. The handsome colour scheme (arguably the most pleasing for a BB) was specified at a time when most Ferraris were painted ubiquitous Rosso Corsa.
Mr Agace retained the BB until 1986.
In recent years, this beautifully specified 512 BB has been treated to substantial mechanical and cosmetic work by the likes of Hall & Hall, Foskers Engineering and Joe Macari.
Today, the car is on offer at Joe Macari’s showroom in Wandsworth, London, having covered 45,200 miles from new.
Reprinted below is Joe Macari’s description for this tastefully presented example of Ferrari’s iconic Berlinetta Boxer:
The Ferrari 365 GT4 BB was introduced in 1971 at the Turin Salon; a major move forward from the outgoing Daytona, most notably due to the mid-mounted flat-12 engine. This change in engine location was Ferrari's attempt to move away from a GT car and more into a supercar; a direct rival for the Lamborghini Miura and subsequently Countach.
There were only 400 365 GT4 BBs produced from 1973-1976 before Ferrari moved on to the 512 BB, the updated successor. Not only was the 512 an improvement in terms of usability, but also raw performance, mainly due to the larger 4.9-litre engine with dry-sump lubrication. Further improvements included a higher compression ratio, wider track and tyres to accommodate the 360bhp, capable of reaching 60mph in the mid 5 seconds.
Stylistically, the 512 BB remains similar to its beautiful predecessor; twin rear lights and tailpipes being the most notable change, but even moving into the 80s, the Boxer was still one of the most stunning cars available. Less than 1,000 512 BBs were produced in total.
This stunning RHD example was supplied new via Maranello Concessionaires in the United Kingdom. It was specified in Argento Metallic over a Pelle Nera interior, the same colours it wears today. The car was delivered new to a Jeremy Michael Agace of Esher, Surrey in May, 1979. Mr Agace kept the car for just over 7 years when it was sold to Johnston’s Limited of Chichester who treated the car to a mechanical overhaul and rebuild of various components including head gaskets, alternator belt, air conditioning, and brake pads.
The car would pass through 2 more owners from 1988 to 2014 where it was enjoyed thoroughly, covering just over 16,000 miles and attending various automotive events including the Ferrari Owners Club meet at Brockett Hall in 1990 where it came 6th in Class F: 365 & 512 Boxers.
In 2014 it was purchased by its fifth keeper, Hall & Hall who carried out a bare-metal repaint to the car in its original Argento Met 106-E-1. After this the car was sent to Foskers Engineering, Kent for a major mechanical overhaul. During the works the car received a full service including cambelt renewal, the chassis and exhaust system were stripped and repainted, and the engine was refinished to include specialist plating.
All four corners of the suspension were also refinished with specialist plating, worn bushes were renewed, and the springs and shock absorbers were refurbished. Finally, the dashboard was retrimmed in the correct Pelle Nera leather and the exterior satin black surfaces were refinished. In 2015 it was awarded red book Classiche Certification, confirming its original colours as well as matching numbers engine and gearbox.
Joe Macari Classics have looked after the car for the past three years, carrying out two services on the car and ironing out any small issues. In the most recent major service, the car received an air con re-gas, new alternator belt, and new cambelts.
The car maintains an original tool roll as well as an extensive history file detailing servicing invoices and MOT records dating back to the 1980s. The original servicing booklet and user manuals are also retained. This car represents the opportunity to purchase a sublime example of the 512BB that has been extremely well cared for by its small handful of owners and maintains a wonderful amount of early history and provenance. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.
