1978 Ferrari 512 BB
- Engine
- 4.9L horizontally opposed 12-cylinder DOHC with four triple-barrel Weber carburetors, 360 bhp
- Colour
- Metallic dark blue ('Blu Sera Metallic')
Chassis 24881 is a 1978 Ferrari 512 BB built to fulfil an order from the French importer Charles Pozzi S.A., finished in Blu Sera Metallic with a tan leather interior and featuring French-market specifics such as white indicator lenses and octagonal wheel nuts. Purchased new at a Cannes dealership in August 1978, it passed almost immediately to Oscar Alarcon of Mexico City, who kept it for 36 years and had it annually maintained by a factory-trained technician. It arrived in the United States in 2014 in essentially unaltered condition, with original paint and interior intact, and subsequently received a comprehensive recommissioning by Ferrari specialist Chris Dugan. Ferrari Classiche certification confirms it as an unmodified, never-federalised Euro-specification example.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$467,500
- → 1978Factory deliveryCharles Pozzi S.A.full documentation
Official French Ferrari importer that commissioned the car; distributed it to a Ferrari dealership in Cannes for retail sale.
- 1978 → 1978-08-01Private saleNew York Automobile of Cannesfull documentation
Ferrari concessionaire in Cannes that took delivery of the car from Pozzi and offered it for sale during the summer of 1978.
- 1978-11-01 → 2014-05-01Private saleOscar Alarconfull documentation
Purchased the car from his friend Emilio Azcarraga Milmo after advising against the original purchase; kept it in Mexico for about 36 years with annual servicing by a factory-trained technician.
- 2014-05-01 →Private saleFerrari enthusiast, current ownerfull documentation
Imported the car to the United States, had it thoroughly evaluated and recommissioned by specialist Chris Dugan, and obtained Ferrari Classiche certification.
Competition
- 2014-08-01Concorso Italiano 2014
Car was displayed at the event shortly after its recommissioning.
- 2014-11-01Petrolicious Rally
Car was driven in this rally, contributing to over 1,500 kilometers accumulated after the major service.
- —Concorso Ferrari, Pasadena
Car was exhibited at this Ferrari-focused concours event in Pasadena; exact date not specified.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2014InspectionChris Dugan (California-based Ferrari specialist)
Detailed condition assessment by Ferrari specialist Chris Dugan, including a thorough visual inspection and extensive paint-meter readings to confirm the car's original, unrepaired finish.
Evaluation confirmed the original 1978 paintwork was intact apart from minor touch-ups to the lower front spoiler and slight dye work on the seats.
- 2014Engine rebuildChris Dugan (California-based Ferrari specialist)
Engine removed and fully resealed; all gaskets and seals replaced, valve clearances inspected and set, water pump overhauled, and original exhaust system refitted with new gaskets and mounts. Engine exterior carefully cleaned to preserve original finishes.
Part of a broader recommissioning programme; receipts totalling over $35,000 are included with the car.
- 2014MechanicalChris Dugan (California-based Ferrari specialist)
Comprehensive recommissioning covering a cam-belt service, complete carburettor and cooling-system rebuilds, brake-system rebuild including master cylinders, new clutch installation, full suspension strip-down with front ball joints and all bushings replaced, and air-conditioning recharge.
Work also encompassed fitting new XWX tyres; all gauges and lights confirmed operational upon completion.
- —Service
Annual servicing by a factory-trained Ferrari technician throughout the Mexican ownership period, with the technician travelling from Los Angeles to Mexico City to carry out each service.
Performed repeatedly over approximately 36 years; no individual service dates are recorded in the prose.
- —InspectionFerrari Classiche
Ferrari Classiche certification awarded, confirming the car as an unmodified, never-federalised Euro-specification 512 BB.
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