Ferrari 512 BB LM

Photo: Simon Davison from Los Gatos, United States cropped by uploader Mr.choppers · CC BY 2.0

Debut1979

EngineFlat-12 (180°)

The 512 BB LM is the racing version of the BB 512; Ferrari began building it in 1978. The first series comprised three cars featuring wider wheel arches, a roof-mounted wing, and a rear wing derived from the front wing of the 312 T2. Two of them received a lengthened nose with a small oval air intake. The flat-12 now produced around 400 to 440 bhp, and weight dropped to approximately 1200 kg. When campaigned at Le Mans, none of the cars reached the finish line due to mechanical issues; a second development program began thereafter.

Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.

Good to know

There were two series: three factory cars in the first, and a total of 25 in the second (through 1982), which featured fixed rather than pop-up headlights.
For the Le Mans outing of the first series, importer Charles Pozzi entered two cars and NART entered one; a 512 BB converted independently by Ecurie Francorchamps weighed about 100 kg more. None finished.
The best result was a fifth-place overall finish and victory in the GTX class at Le Mans in 1981.
The 512 BB LM was never raced by Scuderia Ferrari, but by independent teams with varying levels of factory support.

Learn moreThe second series · Further development and competition

The second series

Following the failure of the first series, Ferrari worked on a second development program in late 1978. The flat-12's carburetors gave way to a Lucas mechanical injection system, output rose to around 470 to 480 bhp, and the transmission and cooling were reinforced. Pininfarina penned a new body that was 16 inches (41 cm) longer and 6 inches (15 cm) wider, increasing weight by 30 kg compared to the first series. The wheels measured 10 inches wide at the front and 13 inches at the rear.

Further development and competition

In 1980, the second series was improved further, receiving vertical side skirts for ground effect, a larger air scoop ahead of the rear wheels, and a lighter chassis with fiberglass components that shaved off 100 kg. Some sources refer to these cars as Series 3. They were campaigned in the World Sportscar Championship, in IMSA events, and at smaller races until 1985 by teams including NART, Pozzi, Ecurie Francorchamps, and Bellancauto. Reliability issues and a lack of factory backing limited their success.

Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.

Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 512 BB LM

When was the Ferrari 512 BB LM raced?

The Ferrari 512 BB LM made its racing debut in 1979.

How much power does the Ferrari 512 BB LM have?

Power of the Ferrari 512 BB LM: ca. 400-440 bhp.

What engine does the Ferrari 512 BB LM have?

Engine of the Ferrari 512 BB LM: Flat-12. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.

How many Ferrari 512 BB LM were built?

Units built of the Ferrari 512 BB LM: 3 (first series).

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From the same model family

1973