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  Ferrari 512 BB LM      

  Article Image gallery (371) Chassis (11) Specifications Video (1)  
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Country of origin:Italy
Produced from:1979 - 1982
Numbers built:25
Designed by:Pininfarina
Predecessor:Ferrari 512 BB Competizione
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:May 11, 2016
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Click here to download printer friendly versionFerrari completely withdrew from sportscar and GT racing after the 312 P (B) project to focus completely on Formula 1. However, Ferraris kept on being competed by privateers, resulting in three GT class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972, 1973 and 1974. These victories were scored by privately entered 365 GTB/4 Daytonas. These were not born as racers, but modified after completion to 'Competizione' spec under the supervision of the factory.

When the 365 GTB/4 Daytona road cars were replaced by the mid-engined 365 GT4 BB, the new car was the obvious choice for further GT-racing. The factory was completely focussed on the F1 effort and was not able and/or willing to help out privateers who wanted a competition version of the BB. So for the first time since Ferrari started building cars, no Ferrari took part at Le Mans in 1976. The rules for 1977 were changed to allow IMSA cars to run, which made the NART modified 365 GT4 BB eligible to campaign. Eventually three 365 GT4 BBs were modified by private teams, with NART's 16th (scratch) / 5th (in class) place finish at Le Mans in 1977 as their best result.

Meanwhile Ferrari had launched the 512 BB at the 1976 Paris Motorshow as a replacement for the 365 GT4 BB. It was similar in design to the 365, but the engine was increased in size from 4.4 to 5 litres. For the 1978 Le Mans three of Ferrari's best known privateers, Pozzi in France, Garage Franchorchamps in Belgium and of course Luigi Chinetti's NART in the USA, modified four 512s. Non of them survived the race and the only Ferrari to finish was NART's old 365.

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  Article Image gallery (371) Chassis (11) Specifications Video (1)