The Ferrari 512 BB LM (Berlinetta Boxer Le Mans) is one of Ferrari’s most striking and rare endurance racing cars, developed specifically for privateer teams competing in long-distance events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While based on the road-going 512 BB, the BB LM was no simple conversion. Ferrari’s Assistenza Clienti – Reparto Corse Clienti (Customer Racing Department) engineered the car in collaboration with Pininfarina, who completely reworked the aerodynamics to produce the BB LM’s dramatic, wide-body silhouette.
Between 1979 and 1981, just 25 examples were built across two main iterations. The earlier cars retained more of the BB’s original lines, while later models featured a more aggressive, wind-tunnel-refined body for improved high-speed performance.
Though the BB LM was not a works Scuderia Ferrari entry, it was a factory-supported racing effort that allowed private teams to compete under the Ferrari banner. The car campaigned at Le Mans and other endurance events throughout the early 1980s, showcasing the V12-powered GT’s capability in one of the most demanding motorsport arenas.
Today, the 512 BB LM remains a rare and revered piece of Ferrari history—valued not just for its rarity, but for its bold presence and place in the evolution of Ferrari’s racing GTs.
SB Race Engineering were lucky enough to recommission BB LM Chassis n.26685 (Car race number 63) in 2009 and use for numerous track events and shows. (Pictured above)
Ferrari 512 BB LM Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | ||
| type | rear, longitudinal flat-12 | |
| bore/stroke | 82 x 78 mm | |
| unitary displacement | 411.92 cc | |
| total displacement | 4943.04 cc | |
| compression ratio | 10,3:1 | |
| maximum power | 346 kW (470 hp) at 7250 rpm | |
| power per litre | 95 hp/l | |
| maximum torque | – | |
| valve actuation | twin overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder | |
| fuel feed | Lucas indirect injection | |
| ignition | electronic, single spark plug per cylinder | |
| lubrication | dry sump | |
| clutch | twin-plate | |
| CHASSIS | ||
| frame | tubular steel | |
| front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs over telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | |
| rear suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, twin telescopic shock absorbers each side, anti-roll bar | |
| brakes | discs | |
| transmission | 5-speed + reverse | |
| steering | rack-and-pinion | |
| fuel tank | capacity 120 litres | |
| front tyres | 23/59 x 15 | |
| rear tyres | 34/61 x 15 | |
| BODYWORK | ||
| type | two-seater, berlinetta | |
| length | 4895 mm | |
| width | 1830 mm | |
| height | 1120 mm | |
| wheelbase | 2500 mm | |
| front track | 1563 mm | |
| rear track | 1713 mm | |
| weight | 1050 kg (with liquids) | |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| top speed | 320 km/h | |
| acceleration 0-100 km/h | – | |
| 0-400 m | – | |
| 0-1000 m | – | |
Ferrari 512 BB LM Valuation
With only 25 examples ever built, the Ferrari 512 BB LM has become one of the most coveted factory-supported race cars from Maranello. As of 2025, values for these rare machines typically range between $2.0 million and $2.5 million, with the finest examples—particularly those with period race history, Classiche certification, or Series 3 aerodynamic updates—commanding upwards of $3 million. Recent auction results and private sales reflect growing interest in 1980s endurance racing legends, positioning the BB LM as not only a collector’s item but a historically significant investment in Ferrari’s motorsport heritage.