FOR AUCTION: 1977 Ferrari 512 BB 'Wide Body'

The 1977 Ferrari 512 BB ‘Wide Body’ is a one-of-a-kind commission with an extraordinary history, set to be auctioned in the UK. With under 6,000 miles from new, this uniquely modified Berlinetta Boxer was originally delivered through Maranello Concessionaires to its first and only owner, Alan Morello. Inspired by the 512 BB Competizione cars that raced at Le Mans in 1978, Morello commissioned a series of bespoke enhancements, making this example truly stand apart from the 101 right-hand-drive UK-delivered cars.

Key modifications include wider 9J front and 11J rear wheels, reworked front and rear aluminium clamshells, reshaped B-to-C post sections, and enlarged NACA cooling ducts. The sidelights were repositioned, triple vents were added to the rear wings (foreshadowing the later 288 GTO), and the engine lid was de-badged and fitted with a Competizione-style wing. Beneath the engine cover, the quad Weber carburetors were modified with trumpet intakes, re-jetted to match a special twin-pipe sports exhaust, ensuring an unforgettable flat-12 soundtrack.

Mechanically, the 512 BB retains its 4.9L flat-12 engine, which produced 340bhp and 331lb-ft of torque when new. While the odometer has been replaced during its lifetime, the car retains matching numbers across its chassis, engine, and transaxle, as verified by Ferrari historian Tony Willis. Notably, it has been maintained exclusively by Vince Mezzullo, a former Maranello Concessionaires technician, who has cared for the car both during and after his tenure with the dealership.

Delivered new in Rosso Chiaro with Nero leather upholstery and red carpets, this car was originally registered as TPB 639S before later bearing the plates PAM 303, AM 51, and finally DGF 719S. The Morello family has cherished the car for over four decades, and now, following the passing of its original owner, it is being offered for sale by his wife.

Despite its low mileage and impeccable provenance, the 512 BB is in need of a cambelt service and has not been started recently while in the care of the auction house. Nevertheless, its rarity, uniqueness, and connection to Ferrari’s Le Mans racing heritage make it a highly collectible and potentially appreciating investment. The car is expected to fetch between £150,000 and £170,000 when it crosses the block at H&H Classics’ Cambridgeshire auction at the Imperial War Museum on April 9.

Included in the sale is the original ‘suitcase’ tool case and a comprehensive history file, adding further appeal to this exceptional Ferrari. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this one-off, ultra-low mileage 512 BB Wide Body represents a rare opportunity to acquire a bespoke piece of Ferrari history.

View auction listing: https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-1977-ferrari-512-bb-wide-body/?lot=61111&so=0&st=&sto=0&au=548&ef=&et=&ic=False&sd=0&pp=48&pn=1&g=1#