Ferrari 512BB So Much BETTER Than I Could've Imagined!

[@realitykicksin8755]

This is my dream car already for some decades. The looks are perfect. It does not age.

[@goodfest007]

For my generation, I am even older than Damian, this is the iconic Ferrari. I remember reading reviews in Car Magazine describing mesmerising drives from the Ferrari factory driving the first UK demonstrators. The reviews described slowly running the engine in and being able to add a few more revs as each 100 or so miles passed and eventually reaching speeds of 160mph plus. These made a life time impression on a young lad as I drove around in my ten year old Mini 1000cc…. I have only seen two of these cars in person, one at a local North East Classic Motor show, and one being driven near to where I live, unfortunately never been an affordable option to own.

[@paulthomson9014]

Personally I think the bb is the most perfectly proportioned mid engined ferrari ever made , just such a simple beautiful shape

[@RzogL]

My favourite Ferrari ever. Closely followed by the carburettored 308 GTB. Fioravanti's lines are perfect. I don't care if a F40 is faster, I'd take that flat 12 ever a twin turbo V8 any day. I know the Testarossa doesn't get as hot inside because they moved the radiators from the nose to the sides of the car, but this car looks so pure. Narrow, darty and wind-hewn. The perfect blend of curves and wedge lines. An arrow-like nose, a beautifully curved windscreen, Le Mans style clamshells... While a Miura definitely looks like a 60s car and a Testarossa defines the 80s, this looks like it could have rolled out of the factory yesterday. I know about the BB reputation for scary handling on the limit, due to a combination of a high CoG with the flat engine sitting atop the gearbox and tall XWX tires, but I do wonder if a more modern set of gumballs, maybe on slightly larger Testarossa wheels, and some suspension trickery can cure that.

[@Kukisan24]

Brilliant review. Your enthusiasm for the prancing horse over the whole series is infectious. Thank you for taking the time to film each one !

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@jeffallinson8089]

Awesome video, thank you. I am not and never have been a Ferrari fan but the BB when I was a kid looked so drop dead gorgeous that even now, decades later I salivate whenever I see a picture of one. Forget the silly Countach with its ridiculous outlandish styling, the BB was the coolest and best looking car of its day and remains even now one of the best looking pieces of automotive design. Its a genuine stunner!!

[@antoinechauvet6702]

I always loved the 512 BB, I would choose it over a Testarossa.

[@katmanluke7187]

Me too. I never fell for the Testarossa side slats unique as they are. In fact didn't like them. While there were many improvements, I'd have a BB all day instead.

[@kw0017]

That's a stunning example and boy does it sound incredible

[@brianiswrong]

Being born in 1965, the BB was my ' poster' supercar, my favourite design part was the wiper arm and blades design, it also wS a good card to hold in a game of 70's top trumps.👍

[@daveshongkongchinachannel]

The looks alone, inside and out, are truly amazing. I could just sit and look at it all day.

[@syragrippa8769]

Thank you! The 512 BB is one my favorites and I'm thrilled you got a chance to drive and share it with us.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@MichaelRoy-hc3lz]

I have a couple V-12 carb cars one is my 75 LP4000 Countach. With the engine right behind your head you get to hear that glorious induction "inhale" that you only get to experience in a few cars. I've only driven a BBi but l would imagine the song you're hearing is the one l'm speaking of. I used to have a mechanic come by once a month to tweak the timing and carbs on the Countach, 350 GT and 72 365 GTC4. There's also a V-8 70 Ghibli SS with only four Webers. Over time l acquired more cars (l rarely sell any) so it made sense to open a shop and hired the mechanic to run it. He taught me to use the flow meter but the fine tuning to get all the performance has to be done by ear. This is more of a skill than a procedure. It took me over two years. Before l turn this in to a tutorial here's my advice. Even if money is no object learn how to tune it. It will keep your car in the garage instead of in line for a spot at your local exotic service center. Unless you're buying it as an investment (l hate that!) don't be afraid of modern upgrades. My most common one is Vintage Air AC. Like the car featured here or worse was the Countach. On a sunny 60 degree day you'd roast, l used to ride with door up in low speed areas. With the Vintage conversion it will freeze you out. I also added an electric power steering rack (thanks to one of Harry Metcalf's videos). With the AC, power steering and a reverse camera l can now drive the Countach anywhere l want. I've rambled on long enough!

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

glad to hear the 512BB has converted you to old school Ferraris, this generation of car is the one that inspired me once upon a time. Excellent, interesting, nicely made review Damian.

[@thethirdman225]

Jesus, the sound of that thing is not like anything I’ve ever heard. It’s just epic. Probably the best sounding road car I’ve ever heard.

[@paulbianchi7877]

Great review. Having owned #27553 for a few years, I can attest to some of the points you bring up. One draw back was that the heat from the front mounted radiator would make it's way into the interior,( with the windows down a bit) add to that the expansive windshield and you had a nice hot sauna. I also had a restoration and a 440hp engine spec. I forgot to mentioned that after a drive your clothes did remind you how the exhaust permeated every thing.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thanks for the info, Paul 👍🏻

[@Ninakoklahombi]

A big thank you to Simon. It was amazing to see this beautiful example. Great review as usual Damian. Loving this series.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@andyelliott8027]

@@TheCarGuysTV At 4.58 Ferrari F1 driver Didier Pironi posing with the car shortly before he suffered career-ending leg injuries in a massive crash in 1982. He recovered (eventually) and started racing powerboats, he died when his powerboat overturned after hitting the wake created by an oil tanker off the Isle of Wight in 1987.

[@HiNRGboy]

60's & 70's sports cars are the greatest of all time, no other decades will ever compare!

[@DrPittenstein]

365BB was the most powerful and highest revving Boxer. Hope you get to drive one.

[@Ratarossa]

Love it guys, great review !! I still haven't driven any of the Boxers either ....including mine 😁 Incredible this car with the rebuild puts out over 400BHP, thats very impressive (Ferrari 360 numbers)

[@550panerai5]

Drive Every Ferrari just gets better and better Damien! It’s wonderful to be able to share in part of your journey; a journey that seems to be surprising you (and us) and one that seems to be evolving your appreciation away from the modern Ferraris to the earlier cars. It’s about time you had a pre-2000s car in your collection.....and we can all feel that it’s on its way!! Great series!

[@550panerai5]

As well as the 355 of course!!

[@grigiogt8793]

I love waking up on Sunday morning to get my weekly dose of this series. I love the detailed information, sound, editing and the cool graphics withe the technical data. Wow! Damien, you are such an engaging presenter and the clarity of your communication is brilliant. This channel still has the boyish innoncence of what being a car guy is about. Thank you.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thank you very much - most appreciated 👍🏻👍🏻

[@JasonMilner]

You have just driven one of my childhood dreams, and... it's just as good as 13 year old me ever imagined. Thank you!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@thethirdman225]

This was my dream car for decades.

[@kevinw62]

Thanks Damian, that was great. 512 BB and BBi have always up there as my favourite Ferraris.

[@michaelward2000]

Loved this car since a friends dad used to pick him up from school in the early 80’s. Remains a dream car, great to see you enjoy it too.

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

I had a 1982 512BBi for a number of years and concur with your observations. The AC could keep everything below the window line cool on the hottest days, but the glass area was a hot house. None of that was helped by the cooling system running the hot water from the engine to the radiator under the cabin. Still, one of the most awesome cars I've owned and a true cross-continent blaster.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

V interesting - thanks, Paul

[@themysterycook7320]

is it true, that, standard they are not that fast? a porsche 930 or aston vantage of the same era owns the boxer, easily, eh?

[@thethirdman225]

@@themysterycook7320 In period? No. What is true is that the original 4.4 litre Boxer had a higher top speed. But in its day, the Boxer was the fastest production car in the world and in its original form, the first road car to be capable of - allegedly - better than 300km/h.

[@themysterycook7320]

@@thethirdman225 no boxer did 300 and the daytona was officially recorded at 174

[@thethirdman225]

@@themysterycook7320 What? The original 365 GT4 had a factory-quoted max speed of 302 km/h. The 512 was not as fast. That was a point of minor controversy. See: Enzo Ferrari’s Little White Lie.

[@davidkosach3095]

This was done perfectly by a man who is very down to earth 🌍, a gentleman where you can relate his feelings by how he makes you feel happy even though he is driving and you are not. That takes talent! A joy to watch, brings back memories… As a kid I only had 4 posters of cars on my wall in the 70’s. 1) A 1955 Chevy Bel Air, with a blown 427 big block, 4 speed manual, 2) A 1976 Black Pontiac Trans Am with a 455 big block, 4 speed manual, 3) A Lamborghini Countach like in Cannon Ball Run, 4) A Ferrari 512BB, one photo in black, one in blue, one a two tone black/red. Nice to see someone so happy to drive a favorite of his, that his emotions spill onto his viewers like me 👍🏻 lol… I am happy just seeing him this happy 😊 great all around job done here. They say if you enjoy your job like this guy does, you will never work a day in your life !!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Thank you very much for those kind words, David - it means a lot 🙏

[@Thegowfer65]

It sounds so much more alive than anything modern. Plus it’s so much cooler to tool around in. Love it.

[@sarcodiauk2921]

Brilliant video...always liked this car but didn’t know too much about them. Thanks for the in depth review 👍

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You’re most welcome

[@AnderParis]

So beautiful in every ways! Thank you for this wonderful review.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@AnderParis]

@@TheCarGuysTV It is actually the car that made me love Ferrari. I was 11 years old (I am exactly as old as you are...) when, coming back from school, I discovered this car, in red, in the court yard of the mansion of a very famous French actor name Jean Paul Belmondo. He saw me admiring it from the first flour and, to my astonishment, offered me to take me for a drive! It was just amazing. I'm still exited just remembering this moment 38 years later. The smell of the leather, the incredible noise, the beauty of that wild but perfectly balanced body, and of cours that guy, a super hero for me at the time, driving me in Paris in his car. Wonderful memory!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

@@AnderParis Great story - thank you for sharing

[@petedavis4097]

Probably the best of the best “Drive every Ferrari “ you have done, Brilliant enthusiasm

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@lzweitkanal9764]

I remember the front room video, too! Yours however is the best review of that car out there. This series is developing towards the definitive video encyclopaedia of every Ferrari!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@Terraceview]

Much more beautiful than the Testarossi, incredible design. I much prefer it with satin black painted lower half of the body.

[@geoffclarke3796]

Fantastic review of a car I fell in love as a kid after seeing one in a pub car park on hot summers day in the early 80's and agree the 512BB/BBI are much prettier than the Testorossa series. Don't think you'd be having so much fun in a modern supercar with their relatively boring sounding turbocharged engines and flappy paddle gearboxes.

[@chronologicist]

What a corker! I approached this episode with much trepidation - at primary school back in the '70's, the 512BB was most definitely my Top Trumps. To this day I've always considered it to be my favourite looking sports car - period! I was slightly afraid that this episode would burst my balloon/ scupper my admiration for such a design classic. Massive relief and gratitude to Damian and Simon for presenting such a fantastic example which looks and sounds off the scales. On top of that, the part which I suspected would be its undoing - the layout of the interior, the space available and the resultant compromised driving position all seem to be top notch. We can gloss over the a/c as most days in the UK could hopefully be dealt with by opening the windows and, yep, gymn membership renewal may be a price worth paying to work that clutch! Thank you both very much for preserving my Top Trumps hierarchy!!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@petermcelvogue7521]

Just a stunning looking car it’s no wonder Eric Clapton loved his so much he owned 3 of them, and then took inspiration from it to come up with his one off special the SP12 EC based on the 458.

[@flyinghedgehog3833]

Fun fact Vitaloni wing mirrors as fitted to Niki Lauda F1..many other bits n pieces also on my '77 carb 308...Dino more valuable but the BB surely will overtake it eventually? Great review I bet you had a ton of fizz from that beauty. Kudos to Simon .oooh 512 likes so far ! Sorry had to like it..now 513

[@stevehodkinson9768]

Oh my lord! The sound the sight, this is why we love Ferrari, mate keep this up , really look forward to seeing these videos 🙏🏻

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@martinboulden4388]

Proper Ferrari, Proper KZbin Channel, Proper Content !! Damian is like a boy on Christmas Eve, I suspect these older cars are exciting him way more than the new stuff from Maranello !

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You are so right 👍🏻

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

A real beast of a motor! Loved the F1 Driver Didier Pironi photo (RIP) who, but for his accident at the German GP Practice, would have been 1982 world champ. Such a pin-up car of the 80's. Great vid as usual, Damian.👍🏻 I think when you revved it out, you suffered from what Mr Clarkson describes as 'Having a crisis'! 🤣

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@simonbishop6041]

Nearly Fell over when I saw this vid come up been frantically scouring the internet to buy one- absolutely love it- thank you Car guys- probably the best review I've seen.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad to have helped, Simon

[@simonbishop6041]

@@TheCarGuysTV I'm now the proud owner of my own 512BB - thanks for the recommendation- the thing is off the chart gorgeous!!!!

[@desertwindauh]

Thank you Damian for describing the clutch.

[@arconcritter]

This could be one to add to the Car Guys Garage. There doesn’t seem to be any other top KZbinr running one and it would provide a great contrast to all the modern Ferraris, Lambos and McClarens that everyone seems to focus on. One of my all time favourite models. Great video Damian

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@philipcupid6660]

Sat in one in a Northern Ireland dealer in Belfast about 1981 and started it up for a few seconds, I have been in love with 12 cylinder Ferrari's ever since. Damien you have to get one of them!! Silly me! I forget to say that very few writers understood in my opinion, what Ferrari were trying to introduce to the market at that moment in time. As you said racing has always been the primary goal at Ferrari, so bringing a race car to the public, which offered a very complete and involving experience, that distilled much of the F1 cars spirit of the time, into a driver's car, that could give you a taste of the performance of the race cars; assuming that you had deep enough pockets, and you disliked the taste of freshly crushed blackberries and your pride and joy being released from a hedgerow as a Porsche 911 Turbo might have cast you there, with over exuberant application of the throttle. (Am I correct, Damian?) Lovely video!!!

[@remontoirewatches]

I first saw a BB when I was 9 (1980) and finally got one when I was 40 and have loved my 365BB for the last 10 years, getting as much driving in as possible. Ive never fond the clutch that much of an issue, even doing 300 miles in one day, lack of power steering is the thing that I would change. Great review by the way. 👏👏

[@richardcarter1000]

Wonderful. I can see the collection moving to the earlier stuff. So much character and feel.

[@minatormyth]

As always I love your content, absolutely love your drive and ferrari series. You and Jason come across as really cool guys, would be good to meet you one day and say hi🤗

[@bellacrane-p6t]

"this may not be acceptable in this day and age but this is a MANS car" best line ever no question

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@KSL12]

Always thought the carb version was the best. Great car.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Fuel injected car is coming up

[@frankmealha8918]

The 512 is my favorite Ferrari. Saw one of the first one in the early 70s. I had no idea what it was, but I loved it.

[@steadfastandyx4947]

Almost mine. Only exceeded by 288 GTO. Fella down road from me had a black one. He showed off to us kids by wheel spinning it in third. Fantastic

[@Lukec4ge]

One of the first Ferrari’s I ever lusted after. Another great video Damian. When’s Jason going to join you, and vasellate over these cars next to you?

[@stevenrobertson4190]

@TheCarGuys.TV The predecessor to the 512 BB, the 4.4 litre 365 GT4 BB, was actually more powerful, higher revving, lighter and faster than the 512 BB. 387 examples were built, not 327. The 512 BB was a better all round car but the 365 GT4 BBs are the purest and most sought after of the Boxers and command the most money. Clutch is even heavier on the 365 GT4 BB though, as it's cable operated.

[@chrsl3]

I came here from your BBi test: crazy difference in sound! Oh i want THIS!!!

[@katmanluke7187]

Great job! Love that incredible intake sound & when the distinctive flat 12 growl joins the symphony what music! I wasn't aware they weren't imported here to the states(by Ferrari at least). I do remember my first time seeing one as a boy late 70's at the 24 Hrs of Daytona where an exotic car dealer had it under tent. Though not my ideal color(black on black) what an impression it left being more sleek than the cars on track! Nearly 40 yrs on to see another at Ferrari's Finali Mondiali 2016, again at Daytona. I imagine more here in the states now under that 25 yr+ rule, but I wonder how many grey mkts made it here? Had to be what that black one was then.

[@davemclean8667]

What a beauty! What a series you’re giving us.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnmull59]

My favourite Ferrari.....I remember as a kid regularly seeing one on my walk home from school ... the registration was 512 BB (or BB 512) ...happy days.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Happy days indeed

[@taylordve]

With air-conditioning vents like a Chinchilla with asthma Nothing like a carby'd V12 at start up or when 'clearing its throat' Engine is like having caged Wolverine behind you Thanks Simon ...& thanks Damian - great vid.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Now THAT is Bon de viveur! Masculine sounds, beautiful looks 👌

[@scottwaszak698]

Coolest, most badass car I've ever driven.

[@PS-tu2ds]

Love the channel. The output is simply unique. A real treat!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Much appreciated!

[@ozeskiman]

Saturday breakfast with the Car Guys. And what a fabulous review Damien gives of such a great Ferrari. I recall an acquaintance had one in the 70s. Boy was I envious. They were so low at the front. Tremendous sound.. just look at that expression on Damiens face @ 19:26. Only his wife sees that look. So loving this series and a big shout out to all the owners who share their toys with us. And too Damien for having so much fun in the process. BB definitely stands for Bridget Bardot. 🤣

[@TheCarGuysTV]

😂😂

[@danielthomas8507]

repaired a windscreen in one of these once cost 5k 20 yrs ago ....i remember meeting the owner when he picked it up , he also had a 360cs and a Enzo too........he liked the BB most

[@Richspjones]

What a beauty (the car!); great video again! Cheers, Damian and Simon

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@oldbenz3123]

I have had a UK-delivered 1977 512BB for a couple of years. Thanks for the review - they are few and far between. Before buying, I had a Daytona and a BB for the day and surprised myself by preferring the BB. I pick mine up on Wednesday after its annual service and cannot wait...

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Great to hear

[@Maurice_Moss]

Super cool, I've always slightly preferred the 365 for the 6 tail lights and exhaust pipes which looks awesome

[@_Archambaud]

Can't speak for others but I'm grateful. Wonderfull machine.

[@scottlehuray7062]

Love this series

[@SharpblueCreative]

Just watched the BBI video and tuned to this. Have to say this sounds much better and for me if I had the money and could fit in one (I’m 6’5”) the BB would be the one for me. By far the best looking ‘modern’ Ferrari since the 308.

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

Right up there with the best looking Ferraris.

[@casual9982]

I didn't know much about these cars before Ratarossa started his BBi build, I've become a big fan! By the way the flyby shots you get in these videos are always quality👏🏻👏🏻

[@conniebenny]

It's such a pretty car. A beautiful design modern cars simply cannot match. Thank you for this wonderful video reviewing one of my favourite Ferraris.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

You’re welcome

[@Selmerpilot]

The carbureted boxers remain incredibly undervalued considering the value of Dino’s, which they made some 10,000 of compared to a tenth that number for Boxers.

[@Jonoponomono]

My favorite, always lusted after one but....I have never even seen one! Loved the review.

[@SlickWilly79]

That particular 512 is perfection- the dual taillights/exhaust tips is way better looking than the three

[@tim205Mi]

Now we are getting somewhere! One of my favourite Ferrari’s….. what’s not to like…. Outstanding review….. very knowledgable, a pleasure to watch….keep em coming..👍👍

[@steffydog]

Lovely to see, thank you 🙏

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻

[@pauln0371]

Always loved the BB in all guises. Simply pure classic beautiful design. I've even started preferring the two tone cars of late but that might be as I'm in my 50s now🤫🤫

[@mikeeagletube]

Saw one the other day as part of a private collection. Mind-blowing car in every respect. Thanks for the video, enjoyed it!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@ashleywright7909]

What a lovely car, well documented in the video. I want one!

[@Kolinu2]

Been waiting for this one. Growing up it was my favourite Ferrari.

[@andrewhill9513]

Great video, i love the use of your Ferrari as a camera car

[@TheCarGuysTV]

It was hard to keep up though 😂

[@phantom5573]

Wow.... Great review. Absolute legend.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@seancockram237]

One of my all time favourite Ferrari..Love it 👍

[@mccf17]

At 19:30, your reaction is something that chicks will never understand, what a glorious sound, love your work mate haha!

[@sirremusrobinson1070]

Thats one of Ferrari's best ever designed cars.. Some are forgettable, but the inner kid in me will always love that car!

[@davidcollett1699]

V nice review Damien. Iconic car . I remember the CAR magazine 'finding out'4 car test. Aston, 911turbo ,lambo and BB.back in 84. 1st car mag I ever bought. Give me a BB over a dino anyday.

[@markhargreaves5936]

Good and informative content

[@thomastraddles1204]

Excellent video, you loved that car and it shone through. You're best vid yet

[@masonstorm1834]

Great video thanks so much I’ve not seen any content on the BB before it was always one of my favourite supwrcars when I was a kid.

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@neilpatching7443]

Well done Damian what a very special car. The noise is stupendous 👍. Love what you guys are doing really look forward to my Saturday brekkie watching your latest content. Cheers 🍻

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@wheelsandeverything]

Love this ... this channel getting better and better with every vid :-)

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Cheers, Will

[@thepalm2791]

Thank you for the nice review! I apreciate that you showed a bit those pupup headlights.

[@Vinttro]

Great video guys, stunning car. 👍🏼

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelmottlau5941]

wonderful review - well done!

[@TheCarGuysTV]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@carfan3762]

Lovely throaty sound. I agree, the 512 BB is esthetically much more balanced than the Testarossa (which I had at my disposal for a day) which replaced it. But I’m not crazy about the fussy cabin and the rake of the steering wheel is no match to that of a Porsche. Still, a great piece of machinery bearing the prancing horse.

[@alastairfaulds8184]

Stunning review :)

[@Ztandard32]

Another brilliant review. How can such a wonderful car have such low mileage! Thanks for sharing.

[@paulthorpe766]

As every year passes I think the 308/328 looks more like a comedy car especially with it's high windows and how the driver looks too big for car (the 288 looses that with lower seats and bodywork paraphernalia...the 512bb however looks amazing AMAZING...wish I'd not sold mine for £86,000 in 1998 ! GREAT REVIEW!

[@matthiasgehringer8120]

Best Video on this channel so far

[@TheCarGuysTV]

Wow, thanks!

[@ilfred6857]

Simply fantastic Ferrari. One of the Italian glories, to drive. Probably you, you have never experienced it, but I want to advise you, given the peculiar pedals, quite narrow and very perpendicular to the footwell, to drive even without shoes (I mean barefoot). In this way, you get a lot of sensitivity, both on the accelerator pedal, and on the clutch pedal.

[@chappy2121]

Always liked the look of these. Had a Top Trumps set when I was a kid with one of these in it