Vehicle Specification

This exceptional Ferrari 512 BBi, a rare right-hand drive model, was originally ordered by H.R. Owen and completed its build in May 1983. It stands as one of only 37 right-hand drive examples ever produced for the UK market.

The car was originally finished in Rosso Corsa, with a contrasting black lower half. Inside, it features a Pelle Sabbia interior with red cloth inserts, a design by the esteemed Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna. These distinctive cloth inserts, which adourn the seats, roof lining, and doors, were an exceedingly rare option, chosen for fewer than 30 of the 1,936 total 512 BBi units ever produced.

Initially, the car was used by Maranello Concessionaires as their demonstrator, registered as ‘HDT 1.’ In 1984, the car caught the eye of journalist John Collins, who was then a Ferrari 308 owner, during a weekend loan. The 512 BBi made such an impression that Collins decided to purchase it. As part of the sale, Maranello Concessionaires repainted the lower half of the car in Rosso Corsa, a look it retains to this day. Collins, who later founded Talacrest in 1989, is now a globally recognized Ferrari collector. Interestingly, the original ‘HDT 1’ registration now belongs to his LaFerrari Aperta. Before taking delivery Collins generously loaned the car to CAR Magazine, where it was featured in the April 1984 issue, competing against rivals such as the Porsche 911 Turbo, Aston Martin Vantage, and Lamborghini Countach.

By the end of 1986, the car had accumulated 15,562 miles, primarily during its early years. From 1986 to 1994, the car saw limited use and changed hands several times until it was acquired by William Loughran Limited in 1994. They subsequently sold it to ‘Airport Maintenance Support Services,’ a company owned by Mr. Duncan Barber, who kept the car until 2017 when ownership was transferred to Mr. Barber personally. Over the 23 years combined ownership, Barber ensured the car received regular servicing despite its limited use.

In 2014, the car emerged from hibernation and underwent a major service and overhaul at Dick Lovett Swindon, with an invoice totaling nearly £12,000. Four years later, in 2018, the opportunity arose for John Collins to reacquire the car for his personal collection briefly before passing it on in 2019.

In 2021, the car was subjected to the stringent Ferrari Classiche program, where it passed with flying colors. Every aspect of the car matched its original factory build sheets, allowing it to obtain its Classiche status and the coveted Certificate of Authenticity issued by Maranello, Italy.

In 2022, the car received another significant service at DK Engineering, with an invoice nearing £20,000.

This remarkable Ferrari 512 BBi comes complete with its original book pack, stamped service book, Ferrari Classiche red folder, comprehensive history file, tool kit, and spare key, making it an extraordinary piece of automotive history and arguably the finest 512 BBi available today.