Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
The Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (Berlinetta Boxer) marked a revolutionary turning point for Ferrari. Introduced at the 1971 Turin Motor Show and entering production in 1973, it was the first mid-engined, flat-12-powered production Ferrari — a radical departure from the front-engined V12 grand tourers that had defined the marque for 25 years.
The 'Boxer' name referred to the engine layout, though technically the 365 GT4 BB's engine was a 180-degree V12 rather than a true flat (horizontally opposed) twelve — the connecting rods shared crankpins rather than opposing each other. Designed by Mauro Forghieri, the engine displaced 4,390 cc and produced 380 horsepower (DIN) at 7,700 rpm. Fed by four triple-choke Weber 40 IF3C carburetors, it was one of the most powerful production engines of its day.
The body was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and remains one of the most striking supercar designs of the 1970s. The low, wedge-shaped profile stood just 1,120mm tall — dramatically lower than the Daytona it replaced. The lower body was finished in matte black, creating a visual effect of the car floating above the road surface. Pop-up headlights, a full-width rear light bar, and NACA ducts on the flanks completed the aggressive aesthetic.
The chassis was a tubular steel space frame with the engine and five-speed transaxle mounted behind the cockpit. Fully independent suspension at all four corners used double wishbones and coil springs with anti-roll bars front and rear. Ventilated disc brakes provided stopping power. The mid-engine layout and wide track gave the 365 GT4 BB exceptional stability at high speed.
Performance was extraordinary. Ferrari claimed a top speed of 302 km/h (188 mph), which would have made it the fastest production car in the world. In practice, independent tests recorded speeds closer to 280 km/h, but the car was undeniably quick — 0-60 mph in about 5.4 seconds was supercar territory in the early 1970s. The flat-12 engine note was unique and intoxicating, a high-pitched wail quite different from the traditional Ferrari V12 sound.
The interior was functional rather than luxurious, reflecting the car's performance focus. The driving position was reclined and low, with excellent forward visibility but limited rearward vision. The cabin was trimmed in leather with a driver-focused instrument cluster. Air conditioning was optional and not entirely effective given the engine's proximity to the cabin.
Approximately 387 examples of the 365 GT4 BB were produced between 1973 and 1976 before it was succeeded by the 512 BB. The car was never officially sold in the United States due to emissions and safety regulations, though many were imported privately. European-specification cars were the standard.
The 365 GT4 BB established the mid-engined, flat-12 formula that would define Ferrari's flagship for the next two decades, through the 512 BB and into the Testarossa family. It was a bold statement of intent: Ferrari could build a modern supercar to rival anything from Lamborghini while maintaining its own distinctive character.
The 365 GT4 BB is the first and rarest of the Boxer family. Matching numbers are essential — check engine, gearbox, and chassis number consistency. The flat-12 engine is complex and expensive to rebuild; expect $30,000-$50,000 for a full engine rebuild. Timing belt service is critical — interference engine. Rust can affect the tubular chassis, particularly in the sills and floor area. The fiberglass lower body panels can hide structural rust. Air conditioning system often needs rebuilding. US-import cars may have been modified — check for evidence of bumper changes or emissions equipment. The engine's four triple-choke carburetors require expert tuning. Values have risen significantly — budget $500,000-$800,000 for a good example.
387 units produced between 1973 and 1976. Never officially sold in the US due to emissions and safety regulations, though many were privately imported. The engine, despite being called a 'Boxer,' was technically a 180-degree V12, not a true flat-12 (shared crankpins). The lower body was always finished in matte black, creating a distinctive two-tone appearance. The car succeeded the front-engined 365 GTB/4 Daytona.