Berlinetta Boxer: The Legend by Piero Ferrari

Berlinetta Boxer: the Ferrari BB

I have many memories linked to the Berlinetta Boxer, but the first thing that comes to mind is that I couldn’t wait to try it, when the prototype was still in the final testing phase. There was a certain amount of expectation and a lot of talk about it at the factory, because it was a fundamental model for Ferrari; technically a decisive step forward compared to tradition. Evocative and gutsy, the BB was the natural link with the exciting endurance races disputed by Ferrari between the end of the ’60s and the beginning of the ’70s, when we entered the P4s and the 512 Ms on the track. It was a sensation that took on even more force between ’71 and ’72 with the invincible 312 PB, whose 12 cylinder engine had a technical layout identical to that of the road going Berlinetta. I was very young and of course I had to wait for the BB to complete its testing cycle before getting behind the wheel. When that day finally arrived, however, I was forced to keep myself under control, and not overdo the performance.

My father trusted my driving ability, but less my natural exuberance and passion, so much so that he had set up a very efficient control system and there would have been trouble if someone had told him that I was driving beyond certain limits. I don’t think there was any need: with the BB you could drive fast but safely, despite certain limitations dictated by the time, such as the type of tyres with high sidewalls and the absence of braking control, which was still in the minds of the technicians. You “drove” the BB a lot with the engine, very smooth and ready to rev up from the lowest revs, a typical V12 tendency, accentuated in that new unit with its 180cc cylinders. Rather, the sensation of lightness and precision transmitted by the steering wheel was surprising, especially in comparison with the previous front engined berlinettas. The sensation also derived from the overall weight of the car, which was decidedly low, considering the high engine capacity. It is no coincidence that, during technical discussions on current models, younger engineers ask themselves how we managed to stay within certain limits, without the help of carbon and other recent generation materials.”

Piero Ferrari

“Berlinetta Boxer – The Legend“ – the Book

Some cars are destined to enter the hall of fame before their presentation. Like the Ferrari BB (Berlinetta Boxer), which not surprisingly was compared to another famous ‘B.B.’ for its charm and edgy image: the French diva Brigitte Bardot. Discover the book curated by Daniele Buzzonetti with the preface by Piero Ferrari.