1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper
1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper
1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper 1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM pictures and wallpaper
More Photographs    

View more photos
Berlinetta
Designer: Pininfarina
Chassis Num: 35527
Engine Num: F102B000 0.23
 
This Ferrari 512 BB/LM 'Silhouette' factory built racer is serial number 35527. It was used by the North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) and was given many upgrades by Motion Products, such as the engine which features titanium rods, an aluminum flywheel, forged 11.5-1 racing pistons, racing grade piston rings, titanium retainers, high lift camshafts, and ported cylinder heads. It has been rated at around 526 horsepower with maximum torque achieved at just under 400 lb/ft.

This car has a double LeMans race history and is the 19th of the 25 constructed.

In 1981 it was entered in the LeMans 24 Hours but failed to finish. It returned the following year wearing number 72 (the prior year had been 49), and finished in an impressive 9th overall.

In 1999 the engine modifications were made. The original engine is still in-tact. In 2000 it was brought to the Cavallino Ferrari Classic IX in Palm Beach Florida. It was raced in the Ferrari Historic Races in 2000 through 2002.
The Ferrari 512 BB LM was produced from 1979 through 1982 with only 25 examples produced. The Pininfarina design bodies featured a longitudinally, mid-mounted 12-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels. The 512 BB LM was a continuation of the 512 BB, but built specifically for the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 512 BB had been shown a few years prior at the 1976 Paris Motorshow and served as a replacement for the 365 GT4 BB.

The chassis of the 512 BB was modified by Ferrari and a weight reduction of around 200 lbs was achieved. Unfortunately, the newly designed body weighed about 200 pounds extra than the 512 BB so there was no overall weight reduction. The engine was modified to include a Lucas Fuel Injection system which boosted power to around 460 horsepower. Further modifications improved output to 500 horsepower. The gearbox was not modified to handle the extra horsepower and ultimately would be the demise of its chances at many racing events.

The Ferrari 512 BB LM suffered from poor handling. In an effort to reduce the wheelbase and to fit all the components, the engine was mounted above the gearbox. This meant a lot of weight sat high in the vehicle and greatly affected the handling.

At its inaugural Le Mans appearance, the 512 BB LM finished in a disappointing 12th. The above mentioned issues coupled with strong competition from other competitors such as Porsche with their 700 horsepower 935's, the 512 BB LM was outclassed. Modifications and improvements were made the 512 BB LM's over the following years and in 1981 a 512 BB LM scored a class victory at LeMans, the highlight of their career.

The BB LM's were retired in 1984 when they failed to meet new regulations.

Photos grouped by event

Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge at Moroso

Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca

Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca

1981 Ferrari 512 BBLM

Year1981
MakeFerrari
Model512 BBLM
Body StyleBerlinetta
Engine LocationMid
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Body / ChassisSteel body on tubular steel frame
Production Years for Series1979 - 1982
Body DesignerPininfarina
Weight1400 kg | 3087 lbs
Combined MPG0.00
Chassis Range26681 - 41263

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis Number35527
Engine NumberF102B000 0.23

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationV
180-degree
Cylinders12
EngineType F102 BB LM
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement5.00 L | 305.1 cu in. | 5000.6 cc.
Valves24 valves.
2 valves per cylinder.
ValvetrainDOHC
Horsepower500.00 BHP (368 KW) @ 7000.00 RPM
Torque451.00 NM (332.5 Ft-Lbs) @ 4600.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio6.2 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter100.0 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio10.3:1
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Fuel FeedFuel Injected
Lucas Mechanical Fuel Injection
BlockLight Alloy
HeadLight Alloy
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears5
TransmissionManual


 
View more photographs
Similar Automakers
Add Review
Other models by Ferrari
View Specifications
AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Articles and Event Coverage
Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge at Moroso
Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca

Additional Resources and Links
Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Official Website
Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca Official Website

1981 Ferrari models
308 GTS
400i
512BB

Other Model Years
1979 512 BBLM
Vehicle Spotlight
Mazda Kiyora Concept2009 Hyundai i201912 Mercedes Race Car
2009 Kia Borrego Images and Info2009 Chevrolet CorvetteMazda Kazamai Concept
Fiat Fiorino Portofino ConceptJetstream SC250Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Debut
Trident IceniChevrolet Cruze2009 Lexus SC 430 Pebble Beach Edition
2009 Lexus LS 600h L Pebble Beach Edition2009 Infiniti G37 ConvertibleIFR Automotive Aspid
Lotus EvoraRolls-Royce Pininfarina Hyperion2008 Lamborghini Reventon