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The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer: Pininfarina’s Iconic Departure

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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Maserati Sciàdipersia Cabriolet

In the world of automotive design, fuoriserie stands as a symbol of bespoke craftsmanship, luxury, and exclusivity. The term, which translates to “out of series” in Italian, refers to vehicles that are custom-built outside the regular production lines of major car manufacturers. Rooted in the early days of the automobile industry, when wealthy clients sought unique designs tailored to their tastes, fuoriserie cars have always been an expression of individuality and artistic vision. In Italy, the tradition of coachbuilding has been upheld by renowned carrozzieri (coachbuilders), who take the chassis and mechanics of a car and transform them into something completely distinct.

Historically, coachbuilders like Pininfarina, Bertone, and Zagato became legendary for their ability to reimagine automobiles as rolling works of art. These companies turned ordinary cars into masterpieces, designing custom bodies with elegant lines, intricate details, and cutting-edge aerodynamics. While mass production has largely overtaken the car industry, these Italian firms continue to push the boundaries of creativity, producing extremely limited-edition vehicles that stand apart from anything available on the market.

In recent years, a resurgence of interest in modern fuoriserie has taken place. These custom coachbuilt cars combine the best of two worlds: the iconic craftsmanship and design principles of the past with the advanced technology and performance capabilities of the present. Crafted for collectors and enthusiasts, these vehicles are made in extremely small numbers, often fewer than 10 units, ensuring that each car is a rare gem in the world of automotive engineering.

What follows is a look at 20 modern fuoriserie cars, all created by Italian coachbuilders in limited editions. Each of these cars represents the pinnacle of custom automotive design, blending timeless aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. From Ferrari and Alfa Romeo to Aston Martin and Bentley, these extraordinary vehicles showcase the enduring legacy and innovation of Italy’s finest carrozzerie, continuing a tradition that has captivated the world for over a century.

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Alfa Romeo Disco Volante by Touring Superleggera (8 pcs)

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Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio by Zagato (7 pcs)

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Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina (6 pcs)

Ferrari Sergio by Pininfarina (6 pcs)

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Automobili Speciali Zerouno by Italdesign (5 pcs)

Automobili Speciali Zerouno by Italdesign (5 pcs)

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Ferrari Berlinetta Lusso by Touring Superleggera (5 pcs)

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Bentley Mulsanne Coupé by Ares Modena

Bentley Mulsanne Coupé by Ares Modena

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New Stratos by Manifattura Automobili Torino (25 pcs)

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Ares Panther ProgettoUno (21 pcs)

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Nissan GT-R 50 by Italdesign (20 pcs)

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Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato (19 pcs)

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Touring Aero3 by Touring Superleggera (15 pcs)

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Bertone GB110 (33 pcs)

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