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Have you ever driven a 288GTO? It's on my bucket list. My 328 GTB does me. Love it. I know the Testarossa is its spiritual successor, but I have always seen the 365 GT4 BB (even though it has 3 rear lights each side) and 512BB, the 308 and the 288GTO as all having such a similar body shape and design, even if the engines are different.
I was born in 1968, so it was the Countach for me. Would love to pick up an old set of cards. If you were being boring, you could generally play some fat American V8 with a winning engine displacement.
I'm 1965 too and I thought the Daytona was exotic until I saw this (naturally in Top Trumps sets). Where the Countach was unbelievable, the BB was just perfection.
Earlier this year I saw a 512BBi at the Motorist. I immediately headed over for a look while most people swooned over a skyline near by. It's as though nobody else knew what this Ferrari was and that left me feeling a little sad. I had never seen one of these in the metal before, only books and in video. Mid engined super cars from the late 60's and 70's are a bit like early Jet aircraft in that it was all still a bit experimental, as thought the manufacturers were still evolving the formula. That's what makes these old exotics so exciting even today. Another great review James.
@Raggerty-j4c Correct. The lp400 is the most expensive generation because it has the purest lines. If you drove one, it would be a once in a lifetime event for car nuts to see it. In contrast, they would point at the 512 and say, look it's tom sellecks car. I've seen 512s in LA and they don't turn heads. The countach does, even with the ugly wheel flares.
@@johnsmith1474 , Jayemm asked to list our favorites, so I did. You just go into comment sections to leave snarky comments. Your mom must be very proud of you. Oh, and my favorite animal is the johnsmith1474, which I was tols is skunk adjacent.
@@studlydudly Exactly 👍🏼 Today’s Ferraris, although still somewhat pretty, I guess 🙄, are simply built by wind tunnel testing results, never mind beauty and classic looks.
Arguably Jay is one of the most eloquent and erudite car journalists out there. Why Top Gear have not snapped him up to front there channel I don't know. Thank you for your content.
They’ll ruin him though because the production crew hasn’t got a clue what they’re doing. The same way they had no clue what to do with Chris Harris and wasted him for the most part doing stupid challenges.
Well done James. Another memory stirred from my time as a Ferrari salesman in Sydney 2000. We had a 365 BB that had been in stock due to a cancelled order when the stock market crashed in Oct 87. Yep 13 years in stock. It was repainted from white to red. Had all its rubber seals replaced and written down each month. I got lucky and sold it the month I arrived. A$145,000. The price of a decently specced Boxster. The clutch was murderously heavy. When moving it around the showroom my left leg would start to wobble. Delivery was delayed slightly as we couldn't find the funds transfer. Turned out the gentleman's secretary had inadvertently transferred A$445,000 and nobody noticed until I called her.
Theee Most Beautiful Ferrari EVER. The fastest, coolest and fastest was the Countach but nothing had the looks of the 512 BB, certainly not the Testarossa. The best video of the year James. I salute you.
Agreed. The 512 was my favorite care when I was a kid. When the Testarossa came out I was disappointed. I really thought the 512 was a better looking car and I really didn't like the cheese graters on the sides of the Testarossa.
That felt really good buddy, I finally got time to watch and enjoy this episode. Having not yet driven (or even fired up) my BBi this put a BIG smile on my face watching you enjoy it and hearing that beautiful Boxer .... sorry flat 12 engine !! Seriously can't wait to finish mine now.
The 512BB was Ferrari's challenge to the Countach. The poster was either Countach or 512BB, depending on what camp you were in. The Testarossa was for the Miami Vice crowd, and later Lamborghini Countach. An iconic Ferrari, that I have been surprised doesn't get more love and attention.
I got to drive a 1983 512 BBI twin turbo by Koenig when I was 18 yrs old. Got a ticket doing 173 at 1am in the morning on the Florida Turnpike and luckily wasn't placed UNDER the jail. Quickest car I've ever driven but not the fastest. That would be my 2005 M3 @178 on the way to Pahrump, NV. The Ferrari was so much cooler though. EDIT: LOL the getting out part .Totally forgot about that part, but reminded me that the night/morning I got pulled over they asked me to get out and I couldn't find the handle and that they had to open the door for me. Was actually a scary experiance, which was a good thing for future me.
My uncle owns an earlier mid engined Berlinetta zBoxer, the 364 Ferrari BB. Built in smaller numbers and had risen up to be the preferred BB with many classis Ferarri collectors. It's really amazing when I see the car in the flesh on how the BB aged so well. It has that 70's high tech and very sophisticated look that is not overdone like a lot of cars were at that time to try and exude a very modern look. The BBs were also one of the most beautiful cars ever, when they were prepared for racing, like the BBLMs.
I think I read it somewhere that even though the designers (Scaglietti, Bellei and Fioravanti) called it 'BB' for 'Brigitte Bardot' (and I can see why, should be an honour for a supercar this beautiful to be compared with proper sex bomb of the 60s), engineer Forghieri in his interview with Davide Cironi told him that BB actually stood for Berlinetta Bialbero, aka. Berlinetta with dual camshaft, owing to the fact that, as we all know, this is not a true boxer engine. If I'm being honest, even though _BERLINETTA BIALBERO_ sounds more exotic, I'd keep it as Brigitte Bardot instead, thank you very much. Also, when I was a kid I never knew this thing existed. I only know Testarossa and Countach. Later on in life, I saw a 365GT4 BB during Ferrari's 70th anniversary event. It was stunning. I also saw the only 512 BBi Koenig Specials in Indonesia a few months ago, sitting pretty in a workshop. I wish it was on the road, would be a shock for literally everyone around.
From what I understood, workers on the project started calling it Brigitte Bardot, so another official name had to be found, that being Berlinetta Bialbero, although it wasn't the first twincam production Ferrari. But journalists mistook every B associated to a Ferrari flat 12 for "boxer": 312B was a B version but it was misinterpreted as Boxer, the same with the 312PB
when i turned 16, i got a ride in my dad friends 512bb (it was originally black, but repainted just like this one, for the same reason, lol), and i remember it so vividly. the car made all these different noises, the timing chain, carbs, exhaust, and some other things, and at low speed they were all separate, but rev it up a bit and they all blend so nicely. its also about knee high, if James pulled up next to any other car, he'd have been looking UP at the door handles. such a great car.
This is another superbly objective, thoughtful and eloquent review, of course. Thank you James. My 2 meagre cents is that my bedroom wall no. 1 was this. Slinky compared to the Countach, modern compared to the Miura, unobtanium compared to the Porsche. Knowing now that BB stands for Bridget’s Bottom has just elevated it to a heavenly dream car. After all these years….
I am not a Ferrari fan, or even much into sports cars, but this IS special. The shape, the way the engine cover opens, how low and seemingly long it is, concept car vibes. Wonderful.
I remember sending a letter (remember those?) to a ferrari dealership in London in the early 80s asking for a catalogue of the 512BBi as a young teenager, and getting one back a month later, it was a very nice one with a silver over black BBi in it. I think the price was 72000 pounds back then. My dream car at the time.
I remember back in the late 70's my gran driving us from Cornwall to Scotland to visit relatives and on the way up passing a Ferrari dealership. I begged her to stop so I could have a look around. I distinctly remember seeing a 400 and a 512 (beautiful) and the salesman being so polite and kindly giving me a brochure even though I was obviously not about to buy!
James, that was a really enjoyable video. As a Ferrari nut (and owner) I really enjoyed the tech specs and comparisons with the other cars mentioned. Thanks to you and your friend who lent you the car.
My absolute DREAM car when I was a nipper..... even though the Countach [Blimey!!] was MUCH more space-age and aggressive looking, I ALWAYS wanted a Berlinetta Boxer [yeah, I KNOW that's incorrect nomenclature, but that's what I grew up knowing it as!] The original, with the 6 pipes was just SOOOO COOOOL!! More exhaust pipes to me as a kid simply meant more "PHWAAAR"!! Thanks again James, for the AWESOME vids!! Ahhhhh sweet, sweet memories!! Actually, for me it's also "the one that got away" as it's one of very few period Ferraris I've NEVER even BEEN in, let alone driven!! Maybe one fine day......
You have to be the hardest working car reviewer on YT! When others don't put anything out for days....or more you almost always here with another treat.
The 512BB is my ultimate (Ferrari) dream car. It was my first scale 1:24 car. Later I got to work on several 512BBLM cars and engines. That’s as close as I will ever get to them I guess. 😢
@@chrisa8514 The cards we had were a different, earlier iteration/brand, I guess. It had all different categories of cars, so you could win a Maserati Ghibli with a Ford Cortina based on seating capacity, for example.
I was definite Countach devotee - posters, books, mags. The BB had that engine over gearbox limitation. BUT…. Now as a real world fifty year old, the BB is a beauty, they have aged brilliantly, and as JayEmm says - more driveable more of the time. Great feature.
As a child it was the BB for me, then the Countach as a teen - both obliterated at the age of 18, after having the opportunity of sitting in an Aston Vantage! Of course in Durban, South Africa, I'd never seen either the Ferrari or Lambo before either, so there's that... Great channel, mate, look forward to each new upload!✌🏼
Nice video Jay👍🏽. The side view of this 512 makes me think of the new 296..especially the B pillar section. Anyhow, even though it’s a beautify car, I’d still take the Countach though!
One of my personal favorites but seriously had NO idea it existed until years after it had gone off sale! (I grew up in the 70-80’s and LOVED cars- still do of course!) I became aware of it when my mom got me a model of it but I still wasn’t in “love” with it until the 00’s when the internet helped me to really get more info and enjoy the oddities like the triple rear lights and pipes etc. I even saw one of these in person in Miami once as a kid! Yeah, they’re tiny! Anyways, thanx again fur another great video!!! I like Camissa too, it’s fun when you’ve got a budget to make videos- am I right?!?!?!
Another great video James. I was born in 1970 and this was my favourite supercar when I got interesting in the early 80's around the age of 10 or 11. There were several cars I thought were cool such as the dramatic looking Countach, the 911 (930 Turbo), Aston Vantage & Esprit Turbo but the 365/512 BB range was my number one thanks to its styling which still looks fantastic today.
In 1981, I was 16 and I saw one up close. I remember thinking how thin the A-pillar was compared to regular cars. Also, the car was smaller than it appeared in magazines. I've only seen two in my life. A few years later I bought what I could afford: Fiat X 1/9.
Oh Lordy, I’ve been looking at these for sometime now. After having the Testarossa, I always wanted a more older classic Ferrari. This is the one! Cheers again James for the great media. Simon
This is a very special car to me. I think, as a 7yr old, this was the beginning when I realised that I liked cars. I discovered other supercars after this one. So for about 48yrs then, I still can't decide if I prefer this or a Countach and I'm just fine about that...
Anyone under the age of thirty cannot comprehend what a rocket ship this was in the seventies. This was an amazing car. I often used to see a 512BB circa 1980 as someone near my school had one. Reg number PEA 3. I don't know what happened to it. Great film. Thanks.
What a beautiful car! The 512 BB and the models that visually look quite similar (365 BB, 308, 328, 288 GTO) have always been my favorite Ferraris. For me this IS the ultimate Ferrari body shape. I think it's because the first Ferrari I've ever seen in real life when I was maybe 7-8 years old was the Ferrari 308. It made a big impression on me and I instantly fell in love with its looks!
Jay mention the 512BB was around the same size as a modern Porsche Boxter. I've seen a side-by-side picture of a Countach along side an earlier Boxter, and again, not looking any bigger. I've walked by Porsche 928s. All these cars back in the day were described as large cars. But today? Not at all! In fact they look rather compact compared to Everything today! I own a 1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 and it also looks so small to everything else on the road today. The perspective is interesting.
It’s a car that’s long been on the Radar, but always wondered what they drive like! As you say, flat 12, but in truth, the gear box is under the engine and not behind, like a traditional Mid engine lay out. Fabulous car, with as much drama as anything, and relatively, very good value. Fabulous review Jay
Countach? No way, gotta be the BB! Better looking, better to drive. My poster car of the 70s. My biggest regret? Got offered a 1983 BBi in 1996 for £40K and kept my 328 GTB. 20-20 hindsight...Never mind, got my F355 in 2011 for £35K and flogged it in 2021 for £80K. Now slumming it in a 1986 BMW 635CSi and a 1996 Porsche 993 Carrera. Cheers James from a really crappy, rainy, Otford, Kent, UK.
@@christopherdean1326 'Humblebragging'? That's a new one on me. Every day's a school-day though. Definitely not my aim to brag at all, apologies if it came across like that.
Great vid as always Jay, the Countach has and always will be my true love, however as I have got older I have found an appreciation for the 512 and I have to say I think it is such an elegant and beautiful car, I really do love it!
Such a gorgeous .. that last drive-by shot was epic. Can't you just see yourself arriving at the Monte Carlo casino in one after a hard drive on the Route Napoleon.
Oooo one of my favorites, it's just so raw and unrefined, what a sick car. It really was the competitor to the Countach, the Testarossa came later when the Countach had already been kicking around for a while, meanwhile the 512 BB was made in response to the Miura, and came out around the same time as the Countach.
I am not ashamed to say I had days like these from the italian job going on in the background while watching this, and it works rather well, as its just a nice ferrari, nothing junky or fake, its just pure
The 512 was my very first favourite car. Used to fact check it in my Observers Book of Automobiles. Posters? I remember a yellow Dino and a red 288 GTO. 😂
The Ferrari is the ultimate fantasy car for me. I got to drive one identical looking to the one you're enjoying many years ago while working as a detailer at an upscale auto body shop in NY. Myself and one of the painters took it out under the auspices of fueling it up. I never got out of first gear, but I think we got up around 55 through town. It was awesome just the same
One your best James....My first airfix kit as a boy exactly this colour. Very under rated car. Yes they do still boogie. Nicely set up like you say. Thanks
Thanks for a great video. As a kiddo the Countach edged it for me, because it looked so alien, but I knew even then that this was probably the better, more liveable car, and it just looks beautiful. Looking forward to Ratarossa completing his 512BBi resto, though I gather a lot of people prefer the carburetted cars.
One of the most beautiful cars in the world, to my eyes. Only the 275GTB beats it as far as Ferrari is concerned. Yes, the Countach is more dramatic, but the BB is more beautiful.
Who needs Top Gear? Jayemm, Nr 27, Harrys Garage and Tyrrels Classic Workshop surpasses them by far these days. Add some Hagerty and a dash of Barn find hunters and welcome to the bright Future of Car Journalism 🤩 without the increasingly meaningless destructive strain of more recent Top Gear. Btw; the eloquence and perfectly weighted way of speaking, and pausing, puts you Sir Jayemm up there with Sir Harry Metcalfe And Sir Henry Catchpole. Way to go 🏆🏁
Great video, and you summed it up at the end, In house Countach, Movie Testarossa , to Dtive BB, however the start of Cannonball run with black Countach is best start to a car movie well on of. I was more Countach than BB and Testarossa came out when I was like 6 or7
Defo the 512bb. I’d just started training as a junior draftsman and one used to drive past our training school. Same colours as the one you’re sitting in…I fell in love ❤with
Fab to finally see a review of the BB, I have listed after this and the Countach since the mid 80's when I was given a copy of the book "Ultimate Automobiles" what struck me most was the contrast in the high profile tyres of the Ferrari and the low profile P7's on the Lambo. Surely one of the defining characteristics in the very different characters of the two rivals.
Growing up the 512 BB was always the best card to pull in a pack of Top Trumps. I actually saw one parked at the golf club as a kid and even then I was amazed how small and low slung it was. Definitely a late 70's supercar icon.
Great video. Completely agree with your point vs the Dino, difficult to see how this can be half the price of a Dino. However the elephant in the room is affordability. Two hundred thousand pounds plus in a weak economy, gloomy attitude, higher taxes and higher interest rates do not support car prices that are driven a few thousand miles a year. Furthermore, the cheap five year deals done in 2020 and 2021 are about to expire, so there will inevitably be more supply of cars over the next 18 months. This may well then be the best time to revisit the great reviews you are doing and pick-up what you like.
Interesting car no doubt about it, probably easer to drive compared to the Countach. I feel the V12 engines have a more intoxicating sound than the flat 12’s. Nice review, really enjoyed the sound track and commentary.
Good work there James 🎉🥳 This was MY poster car…….. I admired the Countach, but it was too Pantomime……. In the early eighties I worked for the son of a friend of my father’s……. the SUN young businessman of 1980 something…….. white Countach outside the families ex council house on the edge of East London…….. he had Countach’s, Ferrari’s, a 911 turbo and a Bentley Turbo R All great, but eclipsed by the 512BB. When I was 16, I pumped petrol at a rural Ultramar petrol station, my Fizzy parked by the pump office…….. a local “businessman” in a Long Good Friday styleeeee, used to be driven in to fill his Bentley (I recall it was an S2 ?)……… I always remember his companions were big men in long coats and dark glasses……… called things like Razors 😮the men, not the glasses…… Occasionally he would howl past the garage then return to fill up his 512BB…….. he once let me sit in and rev it up 😊 - home for an early shower after that ! My two all time poster cars were the 512BB and the Detomaso Pantera……. and I would still donate a limb to own either 🙂 Your mission now, should you choose to accept it…….. a Pantera, specifically a “Hall” Pantera…….. a tuned and fettled beast of a car, with the mellifluous song from its cross plane Ford V8. 😊
The 512BBi graced my bedroom wall in the early 80s, it looked just so gorgeously proportioned. I was never a fan of flashy braggard boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, but when he splashed out on a Ferrari 512BBi he earned my respect back in the day, and my envy as well 😂
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Top Gear is no more could be a reason
Do people have trouble with carborater system why do people convert them to injection
15:52 why don't you just use a gps to measure your real speed ?
Have you ever driven a 288GTO? It's on my bucket list. My 328 GTB does me. Love it.
I know the Testarossa is its spiritual successor, but I have always seen the 365 GT4 BB (even though it has 3 rear lights each side) and 512BB, the 308 and the 288GTO as all having such a similar body shape and design, even if the engines are different.
Being born in 1965 means the ferrari BB was THE top trump card and my poster ferrari.
Massive congratulations to the owner for having such good taste.
And the ace card of Ace cards.
I was born in 1968, so it was the Countach for me. Would love to pick up an old set of cards. If you were being boring, you could generally play some fat American V8 with a winning engine displacement.
I was born in 1967, and it was my favourite top Trump card. Now I own a 1980 512BB, and I couldn't be happier-they are amazing!
@@davidthomas1424 Yes, it's not about the cards you're dealt but the way you play your hand.
I'm 1965 too and I thought the Daytona was exotic until I saw this (naturally in Top Trumps sets). Where the Countach was unbelievable, the BB was just perfection.
Not sure why, but…. My favourite Ferrari. Absolutely glorious
512 BB, 308 GTB and 288 GTO are defenitely among the best looking Ferraris ever made
@@jamesstanley7263 because it is stunningly gorgeous, of course!!!
Earlier this year I saw a 512BBi at the Motorist.
I immediately headed over for a look while most people swooned over a skyline near by.
It's as though nobody else knew what this Ferrari was and that left me feeling a little sad.
I had never seen one of these in the metal before, only books and in video.
Mid engined super cars from the late 60's and 70's are a bit like early Jet aircraft in that it was all still a bit experimental, as thought the manufacturers were still evolving the formula. That's what makes these old exotics so exciting even today.
Another great review James.
I never got the hype surrounding the Countach, but this... It's always been a true beauty 👌👌
The Countach always looked like they were trying to annoy the people with taste, and assault the air, rather than work with it
drive a downdraft, and the legend will deliver
The countach is a very striking car but I'd never call it beautiful. The 512 has much more of a classical beauty
@Raggerty-j4c Correct. The lp400 is the most expensive generation because it has the purest lines. If you drove one, it would be a once in a lifetime event for car nuts to see it. In contrast, they would point at the 512 and say, look it's tom sellecks car. I've seen 512s in LA and they don't turn heads. The countach does, even with the ugly wheel flares.
This and the 288 GTO are my two favorite Ferrari's.
Very important to know that. List your favorite colors and animals.
@@johnsmith1474 , Jayemm asked to list our favorites, so I did. You just go into comment sections to leave snarky comments. Your mom must be very proud of you. Oh, and my favorite animal is the johnsmith1474, which I was tols is skunk adjacent.
I wish Ferrari made cars of this Elegance and Beauty today.
@@studlydudly Exactly 👍🏼 Today’s Ferraris, although still somewhat pretty, I guess 🙄, are simply built by wind tunnel testing results, never mind beauty and classic looks.
@@wallyr.7854 And AI hasn't taken over yet, so it still can go "down down, deeper and down" to quote a British "philosopher"....
It does make you wonder if the modern cars will be judged with the same reverence in 50 years from now?
@@RetroscoopWould they be great philosophers, Rossi and Parfitt? 😅
Arguably Jay is one of the most eloquent and erudite car journalists out there. Why Top Gear have not snapped him up to front there channel I don't know. Thank you for your content.
One could argue he's better off doing what he does here, always great content 👌
Does Top Gear actually have any genuine relevance these days?
He should stop trying to sound like a top gear host though.
They’ll ruin him though because the production crew hasn’t got a clue what they’re doing. The same way they had no clue what to do with Chris Harris and wasted him for the most part doing stupid challenges.
@@adrianonast3599I know he’s inspired by old school Clarkson and I’m all here for it
Well done James. Another memory stirred from my time as a Ferrari salesman in Sydney 2000. We had a 365 BB that had been in stock due to a cancelled order when the stock market crashed in Oct 87. Yep 13 years in stock. It was repainted from white to red. Had all its rubber seals replaced and written down each month. I got lucky and sold it the month I arrived. A$145,000. The price of a decently specced Boxster.
The clutch was murderously heavy. When moving it around the showroom my left leg would start to wobble. Delivery was delayed slightly as we couldn't find the funds transfer. Turned out the gentleman's secretary had inadvertently transferred A$445,000 and nobody noticed until I called her.
How lucky we were then and did not know it!
@@davidporeilly1 the older Ferraris and Lamborghinis were well known for insane styling but also hugely murderous clutches.
Theee Most Beautiful Ferrari EVER.
The fastest, coolest and fastest was the Countach but nothing had the looks of the 512 BB, certainly not the Testarossa.
The best video of the year James. I salute you.
Testarossa more iconic than the BB512? No Way! Any Ferrari other than the 512BB would be a second choice for me.
Agreed. The 512 was my favorite care when I was a kid. When the Testarossa came out I was disappointed. I really thought the 512 was a better looking car and I really didn't like the cheese graters on the sides of the Testarossa.
That felt really good buddy, I finally got time to watch and enjoy this episode. Having not yet driven (or even fired up) my BBi this put a BIG smile on my face watching you enjoy it and hearing that beautiful Boxer .... sorry flat 12 engine !! Seriously can't wait to finish mine now.
The 512BB was Ferrari's challenge to the Countach. The poster was either Countach or 512BB, depending on what camp you were in. The Testarossa was for the Miami Vice crowd, and later Lamborghini Countach.
An iconic Ferrari, that I have been surprised doesn't get more love and attention.
The testarossa was shitpanned when new. Too slow too wide and ugggglyyyyy.
Nothing has changed.
I LOVE the 512 BB! I´ve always thought it looked much better than the Testarossa
I used to walk past one one my way to school back in the 70s. Reg no 512 BB.
One of the most beautiful cars ever made imo.
I got to drive a 1983 512 BBI twin turbo by Koenig when I was 18 yrs old. Got a ticket doing 173 at 1am in the morning on the Florida Turnpike and luckily wasn't placed UNDER the jail. Quickest car I've ever driven but not the fastest. That would be my 2005 M3 @178 on the way to Pahrump, NV. The Ferrari was so much cooler though. EDIT: LOL the getting out part .Totally forgot about that part, but reminded me that the night/morning I got pulled over they asked me to get out and I couldn't find the handle and that they had to open the door for me. Was actually a scary experiance, which was a good thing for future me.
I was never a fan of the Countach but fell in love with the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB from the moment I saw it.
My uncle owns an earlier mid engined Berlinetta zBoxer, the 364 Ferrari BB. Built in smaller numbers and had risen up to be the preferred BB with many classis Ferarri collectors. It's really amazing when I see the car in the flesh on how the BB aged so well. It has that 70's high tech and very sophisticated look that is not overdone like a lot of cars were at that time to try and exude a very modern look. The BBs were also one of the most beautiful cars ever, when they were prepared for racing, like the BBLMs.
I think I read it somewhere that even though the designers (Scaglietti, Bellei and Fioravanti) called it 'BB' for 'Brigitte Bardot' (and I can see why, should be an honour for a supercar this beautiful to be compared with proper sex bomb of the 60s), engineer Forghieri in his interview with Davide Cironi told him that BB actually stood for Berlinetta Bialbero, aka. Berlinetta with dual camshaft, owing to the fact that, as we all know, this is not a true boxer engine. If I'm being honest, even though _BERLINETTA BIALBERO_ sounds more exotic, I'd keep it as Brigitte Bardot instead, thank you very much.
Also, when I was a kid I never knew this thing existed. I only know Testarossa and Countach. Later on in life, I saw a 365GT4 BB during Ferrari's 70th anniversary event. It was stunning. I also saw the only 512 BBi Koenig Specials in Indonesia a few months ago, sitting pretty in a workshop. I wish it was on the road, would be a shock for literally everyone around.
From what I understood, workers on the project started calling it Brigitte Bardot, so another official name had to be found, that being Berlinetta Bialbero, although it wasn't the first twincam production Ferrari. But journalists mistook every B associated to a Ferrari flat 12 for "boxer": 312B was a B version but it was misinterpreted as Boxer, the same with the 312PB
Forghiehi also asked that the car not be referred to as a boxer, as he had designed the engine.
It’s not a berlinetta either, as the engine is in the back.
@rhysgriffiths9269 It just means "tiny sedan"
@rhysgriffiths9269 means coupe
when i turned 16, i got a ride in my dad friends 512bb (it was originally black, but repainted just like this one, for the same reason, lol), and i remember it so vividly. the car made all these different noises, the timing chain, carbs, exhaust, and some other things, and at low speed they were all separate, but rev it up a bit and they all blend so nicely. its also about knee high, if James pulled up next to any other car, he'd have been looking UP at the door handles. such a great car.
This is another superbly objective, thoughtful and eloquent review, of course. Thank you James. My 2 meagre cents is that my bedroom wall no. 1 was this. Slinky compared to the Countach, modern compared to the Miura, unobtanium compared to the Porsche. Knowing now that BB stands for Bridget’s Bottom has just elevated it to a heavenly dream car. After all these years….
It has aged better than Brigitte!
In 1981 I drove a BB512 from LA to Aspen as part of my duties working for a local garage in Aspen. A most memorable drive.
I am not a Ferrari fan, or even much into sports cars, but this IS special. The shape, the way the engine cover opens, how low and seemingly long it is, concept car vibes. Wonderful.
I remember sending a letter (remember those?) to a ferrari dealership in London in the early 80s asking for a catalogue of the 512BBi as a young teenager, and getting one back a month later, it was a very nice one with a silver over black BBi in it. I think the price was 72000 pounds back then. My dream car at the time.
I remember back in the late 70's my gran driving us from Cornwall to Scotland to visit relatives and on the way up passing a Ferrari dealership. I begged her to stop so I could have a look around. I distinctly remember seeing a 400 and a 512 (beautiful) and the salesman being so polite and kindly giving me a brochure even though I was obviously not about to buy!
I did exactly the same thing, still have it. I have an older brochure with a red and black carb car
James, that was a really enjoyable video. As a Ferrari nut (and owner) I really enjoyed the tech specs and comparisons with the other cars mentioned. Thanks to you and your friend who lent you the car.
Great car! I had a 512BB and later a 512BBi, both were outstanding. Keep up the good work Jay!
My absolute DREAM car when I was a nipper..... even though the Countach [Blimey!!] was MUCH more space-age and aggressive looking, I ALWAYS wanted a Berlinetta Boxer [yeah, I KNOW that's incorrect nomenclature, but that's what I grew up knowing it as!] The original, with the 6 pipes was just SOOOO COOOOL!! More exhaust pipes to me as a kid simply meant more "PHWAAAR"!!
Thanks again James, for the AWESOME vids!! Ahhhhh sweet, sweet memories!! Actually, for me it's also "the one that got away" as it's one of very few period Ferraris I've NEVER even BEEN in, let alone driven!! Maybe one fine day......
You have to be the hardest working car reviewer on YT! When others don't put anything out for days....or more you almost always here with another treat.
The 512BB is my ultimate (Ferrari) dream car. It was my first scale 1:24 car. Later I got to work on several 512BBLM cars and engines. That’s as close as I will ever get to them I guess. 😢
One of my Top Trumps Suoercars favourites from the late 70’s. First time I’ve ever seen anyone driving one. What a stunner! Thanks James!
This was my favourite card in top trumps - thank you James, I love your content
What? Not the Opel Kadett??
@ I don’t remember that in the Supercars set…. However I don’t remember much of anything these days!
@@chrisa8514 The cards we had were a different, earlier iteration/brand, I guess. It had all different categories of cars, so you could win a Maserati Ghibli with a Ford Cortina based on seating capacity, for example.
Jay, wonderful review of one of my all-time dream classic cars. Well done my friend, well done 👏🏼 👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks
I was definite Countach devotee - posters, books, mags. The BB had that engine over gearbox limitation. BUT…. Now as a real world fifty year old, the BB is a beauty, they have aged brilliantly, and as JayEmm says - more driveable more of the time. Great feature.
The Koenig 512 BB with twin turbos was a car I fell in love with through Road and Track way back in 1984.
As a child it was the BB for me, then the Countach as a teen - both obliterated at the age of 18, after having the opportunity of sitting in an Aston Vantage! Of course in Durban, South Africa, I'd never seen either the Ferrari or Lambo before either, so there's that... Great channel, mate, look forward to each new upload!✌🏼
Nice video Jay👍🏽. The side view of this 512 makes me think of the new 296..especially the B pillar section. Anyhow, even though it’s a beautify car, I’d still take the Countach though!
Just an all round beautiful car. Great review and fantastic to see this being driven on the road.
One of the greatest cars ever made, once again, your video hits the nail on the head. Thanks!
I think that was the best sounding Ferrari I have heard on a video in a long time. Thanks.
Truly, one of the great Ferraris
Iconic review and videography for the channel, truly. Great job & a million thanks, James! 🥂
awsome car and brilliant review. been watching your videos for some years and there's no doubt you are now the top UK car guy :)
The big orange blocks at the front fascinated me as a child, couldn’t quite work out what they were for.
Had the Countach 40th Anniversary on my bedroom wall growing up, but I’d much rather have a 512 BB. Stunning car.
The Anniversary is hideous! Looks like something Mansory would sell.
They are simply the best! Most beautiful Ferrari.....severely undervalued and values can only skyrocket
One of my personal favorites but seriously had NO idea it existed until years after it had gone off sale! (I grew up in the 70-80’s and LOVED cars- still do of course!) I became aware of it when my mom got me a model of it but I still wasn’t in “love” with it until the 00’s when the internet helped me to really get more info and enjoy the oddities like the triple rear lights and pipes etc. I even saw one of these in person in Miami once as a kid! Yeah, they’re tiny! Anyways, thanx again fur another great video!!! I like Camissa too, it’s fun when you’ve got a budget to make videos- am I right?!?!?!
Another great video James. I was born in 1970 and this was my favourite supercar when I got interesting in the early 80's around the age of 10 or 11. There were several cars I thought were cool such as the dramatic looking Countach, the 911 (930 Turbo), Aston Vantage & Esprit Turbo but the 365/512 BB range was my number one thanks to its styling which still looks fantastic today.
In 1981, I was 16 and I saw one up close. I remember thinking how thin the A-pillar was compared to regular cars. Also, the car was smaller than it appeared in magazines. I've only seen two in my life. A few years later I bought what I could afford: Fiat X 1/9.
Great review James ❤ 512BB you always give a personal touch for each car you review, cheers from OZ 🇦🇺
Oh Lordy, I’ve been looking at these for sometime now. After having the Testarossa, I always wanted a more older classic Ferrari. This is the one! Cheers again James for the great media. Simon
This is a very special car to me. I think, as a 7yr old, this was the beginning when I realised that I liked cars. I discovered other supercars after this one. So for about 48yrs then, I still can't decide if I prefer this or a Countach and I'm just fine about that...
I’ve been looking at these again recently, having grown up admiring them. Great timing for your video, just keep quiet about how great they are! 😉
Anyone under the age of thirty cannot comprehend what a rocket ship this was in the seventies. This was an amazing car. I often used to see a 512BB circa 1980 as someone near my school had one. Reg number PEA 3. I don't know what happened to it. Great film. Thanks.
What a beautiful car! The 512 BB and the models that visually look quite similar (365 BB, 308, 328, 288 GTO) have always been my favorite Ferraris. For me this IS the ultimate Ferrari body shape. I think it's because the first Ferrari I've ever seen in real life when I was maybe 7-8 years old was the Ferrari 308. It made a big impression on me and I instantly fell in love with its looks!
Always great content but sometimes it's above that, it's sublime. This is one of those videos. Nice job
Bring it back in its original colour and it’s worth considerably more (and even more beautiful). Great review Jay!
Jay mention the 512BB was around the same size as a modern Porsche Boxter. I've seen a side-by-side picture of a Countach along side an earlier Boxter, and again, not looking any bigger. I've walked by Porsche 928s. All these cars back in the day were described as large cars. But today? Not at all! In fact they look rather compact compared to Everything today!
I own a 1982 Alfa Romeo GTV6 and it also looks so small to everything else on the road today. The perspective is interesting.
Wonderful opening scene! In fact, everything about this episode is wonderful.
It’s a car that’s long been on the Radar, but always wondered what they drive like! As you say, flat 12, but in truth, the gear box is under the engine and not behind, like a traditional Mid engine lay out. Fabulous car, with as much drama as anything, and relatively, very good value. Fabulous review Jay
Countach? No way, gotta be the BB! Better looking, better to drive. My poster car of the 70s. My biggest regret? Got offered a 1983 BBi in 1996 for £40K and kept my 328 GTB. 20-20 hindsight...Never mind, got my F355 in 2011 for £35K and flogged it in 2021 for £80K. Now slumming it in a 1986 BMW 635CSi and a 1996 Porsche 993 Carrera. Cheers James from a really crappy, rainy, Otford, Kent, UK.
Humblebragging is very unattractive.
How can a 635 and 993 be slumming. Two of my dream cars.
@@interestingvideos8127 Tongue firmly in cheek! Not really slumming it at all, love 'em both.
@@christopherdean1326 'Humblebragging'? That's a new one on me. Every day's a school-day though. Definitely not my aim to brag at all, apologies if it came across like that.
@@neilhurt1992 When you say that you are "slumming it" in cars that many people dream of owning, that's "humblebragging".
Great vid as always Jay, the Countach has and always will be my true love, however as I have got older I have found an appreciation for the 512 and I have to say I think it is such an elegant and beautiful car, I really do love it!
James, you're coming up on 400k subs! Well done!
My first dream car, when I was about six. Obviously sold to the Testarossa a couple years later. Loved the driving bit of the upload
24:54 "And I'll see you for the next one...BB!"
Such a gorgeous .. that last drive-by shot was epic. Can't you just see yourself arriving at the Monte Carlo casino in one after a hard drive on the Route Napoleon.
Magnificent car, magnificent sound.
Oooo one of my favorites, it's just so raw and unrefined, what a sick car. It really was the competitor to the Countach, the Testarossa came later when the Countach had already been kicking around for a while, meanwhile the 512 BB was made in response to the Miura, and came out around the same time as the Countach.
I am not ashamed to say I had days like these from the italian job going on in the background while watching this, and it works rather well, as its just a nice ferrari, nothing junky or fake, its just pure
I get so tired of Porsche & Ferrari reviews, but not if they’ve classic car reviews. Thanks!
Great video, James. BB stands for Berlinetta Bialbero. Bialbero is italian and means Twin Cams.
Up
Makes so much more sense. I can't imagine the proud Italians would name a car after a French actress.
When I was in Italy in the early 80’s, the Italians said BB meant Berlinetta Boxer.
false
@@RoverWaters nope
The 512 was my very first favourite car. Used to fact check it in my Observers Book of Automobiles.
Posters? I remember a yellow Dino and a red 288 GTO. 😂
Lovely car. Had one as a 1:18 scale model when young! Great review, love these old timer videos 😊
Oh I love it. 512BB would be a dream car for me if i had money.
Beautiful machine 😍
I'm building my dream V12 supercar with the OG zonda engine 😎
Poggers. Jay, you actually went ahead and drove a BB! Gorgeous red wedge! 😍
This was on my wall....full-on childhood desire....great to see this on the channel
Such a fantastic car from Ferrari! A real masterpiece. And very well presented by James. Watching this feels like driving this beautiful car myself! 😊
Brilliant review James. Fabulous car.
The Ferrari is the ultimate fantasy car for me. I got to drive one identical looking to the one you're enjoying many years ago while working as a detailer at an upscale auto body shop in NY. Myself and one of the painters took it out under the auspices of fueling it up. I never got out of first gear, but I think we got up around 55 through town. It was awesome just the same
Beautiful looking car always loved the looks of this car
Beautifully shot! Great content as ever James!
Good one Jay Emm!
My favourite all time Ferrari
One your best James....My first airfix kit as a boy exactly this colour. Very under rated car. Yes they do still boogie. Nicely set up like you say. Thanks
Thanks for a great video. As a kiddo the Countach edged it for me, because it looked so alien, but I knew even then that this was probably the better, more liveable car, and it just looks beautiful. Looking forward to Ratarossa completing his 512BBi resto, though I gather a lot of people prefer the carburetted cars.
One of the most beautiful cars in the world, to my eyes. Only the 275GTB beats it as far as Ferrari is concerned. Yes, the Countach is more dramatic, but the BB is more beautiful.
Who needs Top Gear? Jayemm, Nr 27, Harrys Garage and Tyrrels Classic Workshop surpasses them by far these days. Add some Hagerty and a dash of Barn find hunters and welcome to the bright Future of Car Journalism 🤩 without the increasingly meaningless destructive strain of more recent Top Gear. Btw; the eloquence and perfectly weighted way of speaking, and pausing, puts you Sir Jayemm up there with Sir Harry Metcalfe And Sir Henry Catchpole. Way to go 🏆🏁
Good one! I love this car. It is just so beautiful.
Great video, and you summed it up at the end, In house Countach, Movie Testarossa , to Dtive BB, however the start of Cannonball run with black Countach is best start to a car movie well on of.
I was more Countach than BB and Testarossa came out when I was like 6 or7
Thx 4 the vid! 🤗
Defo the 512bb. I’d just started training as a junior draftsman and one used to drive past our training school. Same colours as the one you’re sitting in…I fell in love ❤with
Fab to finally see a review of the BB, I have listed after this and the Countach since the mid 80's when I was given a copy of the book "Ultimate Automobiles" what struck me most was the contrast in the high profile tyres of the Ferrari and the low profile P7's on the Lambo. Surely one of the defining characteristics in the very different characters of the two rivals.
Growing up the 512 BB was always the best card to pull in a pack of Top Trumps. I actually saw one parked at the golf club as a kid and even then I was amazed how small and low slung it was. Definitely a late 70's supercar icon.
Great video. Completely agree with your point vs the Dino, difficult to see how this can be half the price of a Dino. However the elephant in the room is affordability. Two hundred thousand pounds plus in a weak economy, gloomy attitude, higher taxes and higher interest rates do not support car prices that are driven a few thousand miles a year. Furthermore, the cheap five year deals done in 2020 and 2021 are about to expire, so there will inevitably be more supply of cars over the next 18 months. This may well then be the best time to revisit the great reviews you are doing and pick-up what you like.
Lovely film that mate, a pleasure to watch
Interesting car no doubt about it, probably easer to drive compared to the Countach. I feel the V12 engines have a more intoxicating sound than the flat 12’s. Nice review, really enjoyed the sound track and commentary.
Nice 😍
I'm building my own V12 supercar 😎
I think you're totally right this car is beautiful ❤️.wish I would've known about these back in the day .
Good work there James 🎉🥳
This was MY poster car…….. I admired the Countach, but it was too Pantomime…….
In the early eighties I worked for the son of a friend of my father’s……. the SUN young businessman of 1980 something…….. white Countach outside the families ex council house on the edge of East London…….. he had Countach’s, Ferrari’s, a 911 turbo and a Bentley Turbo R
All great, but eclipsed by the 512BB. When I was 16, I pumped petrol at a rural Ultramar petrol station, my Fizzy parked by the pump office…….. a local “businessman” in a Long Good Friday styleeeee, used to be driven in to fill his Bentley (I recall it was an S2 ?)……… I always remember his companions were big men in long coats and dark glasses……… called things like Razors 😮the men, not the glasses……
Occasionally he would howl past the garage then return to fill up his 512BB…….. he once let me sit in and rev it up 😊 - home for an early shower after that !
My two all time poster cars were the 512BB and the Detomaso Pantera……. and I would still donate a limb to own either 🙂
Your mission now, should you choose to accept it…….. a Pantera, specifically a “Hall” Pantera…….. a tuned and fettled beast of a car, with the mellifluous song from its cross plane Ford V8. 😊
Who needs a radio in a car that sound like Bach? Thank you for letting us go on the road with you!👌
The 512BBi graced my bedroom wall in the early 80s, it looked just so gorgeously proportioned. I was never a fan of flashy braggard boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, but when he splashed out on a Ferrari 512BBi he earned my respect back in the day, and my envy as well 😂