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Events16 December 2021 by Andreas 361 Viewed

Automobiles with Ghia-Design wanted

Even those, who can pronounce the name Ghia (Gi:ha) correctly, usually only know the VW Karmann-Ghia, which was first launched in 1955. Connoisseurs know, that Carrozzeria Ghia is 100 years old this year and was bought by Ford in 1970.

But Ghia is behind far more vehicles than most expect: DeTomaso Mangusta and Pantera, Maserati Ghibli, but also Renault Floride or even Innocenti 950 and the many variants of the FIAT 500 and 600 as “Jolly” beach cars. In addition, there are more than 60 extravagant prototypes that have been created for Ghia by renowned designers since 1950 – and many of them still exist!

The international Concours d’Elegance ASC-Classic-Gala Schwetzingen from 3 to 5 September 2021 is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of this creative Italian coachbuilding company and invites owners of rare Ghia automobiles to enter the Concours d’Elegance 2021, for which a separate trophy “Centennario Ghia 2021” has been created. Entries have already been received, promising a special Ghia show.

Interested parties can find direct access for participants via
www.classic-gala.de.

the author

Andreas

Italian classic car enthusiast with German roots. Renowned as a respected figure in the classic car community, he serves as a jury member at various international concours d'elegance, including the Classic Gala Schwetzingen and Mantova. As a content creator, Andreas passionately shares his profound knowledge and appreciation for vintage automobiles. His heart beats for cars designed by Giovanni Michelotti, showcasing his discerning taste and dedication to preserving the timeless elegance of automotive history.

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Carlo Pinin
Carlo Pinin
3 years ago

Evento interessantissimo e location stupenda!

0
Stefano
Stefano
3 years ago

until what year are Ghia cars admitted?

0
Andreas
Author
Andreas
3 years ago

Please contact the event organizers directly on their website!

0
PP90
PP90
3 years ago

I am the greatest Ghia fan out there! I cannot miss this event ?

0
Wilhelm_52
Wilhelm_52
3 years ago

Wasn’t Ghia founded in 1919? So this should be the 102nd anniversary

0
PP90
PP90
3 years ago
Reply to  Wilhelm_52

yes but it was called Ghia & Gariglio
https://www.carrozzieri-italiani.com/ghia-part-1/

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LowRider
LowRider
3 years ago

I have a Fiesta Ghia, can i partecipate? Just kidding 🙂
Cool event tho

0
Andreas
Author
Andreas
3 years ago

We will be present!

0
Photo courtesy of Auto Storica

The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB), produced from 1973 to 1984, stands as one of Ferrari’s most radical shifts in design and engineering, thanks to the collaborative work with Pininfarina. The BB was Ferrari’s first mid-engine road car, marking a significant departure from Enzo Ferrari’s long-standing preference for front-engine designs. Its introduction signified a new chapter for Ferrari, aligning more closely with the trends set by other supercar manufacturers at the time.

Origins and Design Inspiration

Designed under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti, the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (the first iteration of the BB series) debuted at the 1971 Turin Auto Show, and production began in 1973. One fascinating anecdote about the car is that its “BB” initials reportedly stood for Brigitte Bardot, the famous French actress, which was a codename used during development and remained with the model​.

The BB’s design was sleek and revolutionary. It featured a wedge-shaped, low-profile body, which became a staple of 1970s supercar aesthetics. One of its unique design elements was the bicolored bodywork, with a black lower section that visually slimmed the car while emphasizing its elongated shape. Its pop-up headlights and minimalist, flowing lines were indicative of Pininfarina’s ability to combine functionality with elegance, helping the car stand out from its competitors​.

Mid-Engine Innovation

Before the BB series, Ferrari had always adhered to front-engine layouts for its road cars, famously stating, “Never put the cart before the horse.” However, the mid-engine layout, which Ferrari had already used in its Dino models, became necessary as rivals like Lamborghini began popularizing the mid-engine format in supercars.

The 512 BB (introduced in 1976) featured a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, mounted in the middle of the car, right behind the driver, delivering 360 horsepower. While this engine was commonly referred to as a “Boxer,” it was technically a 180-degree V12, not a true Boxer engine. In a true Boxer engine, opposing pistons move in opposite directions, but in the 512 BB, they moved simultaneously in the same direction​ This flat configuration allowed for a lower center of gravity, which significantly improved the car’s handling.

Performance and Engineering Marvels

The 512 BB was more than just a stylish car—it was a high-performance machine capable of a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The car’s engineering wasn’t just limited to its engine. It featured independent suspension on all four wheels and a sophisticated five-speed manual transmission mounted below the engine, showcasing Ferrari’s commitment to performance.

Over the years, the BB saw several iterations. The BB 512i, introduced in the early 1980s, swapped the carburetors for Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, which lowered emissions and improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much power. Although the power dropped slightly to 340 hp, it remained one of the fastest road cars of its era​.

Legacy and Influence

The BB series laid the groundwork for Ferrari’s later mid-engine supercars, such as the Ferrari Testarossa, which succeeded the BB 512i in 1984. It also marked a significant shift for Ferrari, transitioning from the era of front-engine grand tourers to mid-engine supercars.

Today, the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer remains a prized collector’s item. Its combination of cutting-edge design by Pininfarina, revolutionary mid-engine layout, and Ferrari’s racing heritage makes it one of the most iconic cars in the brand’s history. With only 387 units produced of the original 365 GT4 BB, and slightly more of the later 512 BB and BB 512i models, its rarity further solidifies its place in the pantheon of classic supercars.

The Ferrari BB, both for its groundbreaking design and engineering, represents one of Ferrari’s most influential models. Its innovations in the mid-engine supercar market, coupled with Pininfarina’s masterful styling, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors to this day.

Which Ferrari model is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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