The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB) series was a major step forward for the Prancing Horse back in the 1970s, becoming the first in a line of cars equipped with a mid-mounted flat-twelve engine. So, finding one abandoned in a driveway and managing to get it home would be a dream come true for any aficionado.
As it turns out, this particular Ferrari enthusiast from the Ratarossa channel on YouTube managed to fulfill such a fantasy some time ago and decided to bring back the 1983 Ferrari BB 512i to its former glory in an outstanding preservation effort.
He's going through all the trouble not only because he’s clearly passionate about Ferrari supercars, but also because this is a very rare example. According to audio commentary from “Larry aka AMMO NYC,” the detailing mastermind, this BB 512i was one of just 42 examples produced in right-hand drive configuration and the only one painted white.
It’s safe to say that Scott, the host of the Ratarossa channel, is particularly enthused about this moment, as “finally the Ferrari is going to get some TLC that it very much deserves.” Still, it’s not as easy as “first wash in 12 years” initially sounds.
After all, this car hasn’t been on the road since 2008, and in the meantime, it sat abandoned on a driveway, subject to the renowned British weather conditions. Still, at just 6,400 miles (10,300 km), it’s very much worth the effort to “save this forgotten poster car and get it cleaned up and preserved.”
Everything starts with a thorough vacuum of the front side (from the 2:20 mark), then it’s time for the boxer Ferrari to go outside for a thorough detailing of the interior (from 5:22). The latter needs a lot of work to come out sparkly clean, as it was filled with dog hair.
With round one finished at the 10:44 mark, it’s time for the seats to enjoy a little TLC, while the wheels are patiently waiting their turn for a wash before going to the specialty shop to get refurbished. Next up, it’s time to focus on the engine (13:15), though before getting to steam the 12 cylinders, Scott also had to get rid of the accumulated leaves and moss that dressed up the engine cover.
Finally, the foaming action kicks off at the 17:20 mark, and after that we’re presented with a pristine white Ferrari BB 512i... though it was just a snowstorm covering the entire car with fresh snowflakes! Right, so the final step – the actual bath – really starts from the 17:45 mark after our host first admits he’s feeling “a little bit nervous.”
No need to, because in our opinion, this was a job very well done (quick tour kicks off at the 24-minute mark), and we have to admit we were thoroughly mesmerized by the way this gem of a Ferrari slowly turned from derelict relic into a proper, dove-white Prancing Horse.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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