512BB - First drive

Well I finally had my first drive in the 512BB I acquired in December. It spent the winter out at the race shop waiting for the weather and roads to clear. I Picked it up Saturday and drove it 2 1/2 hours home over a combination of highway and nice smooth twisty country roads. Actually a perfect Boxer testing route.

My initial impressions:

Overall, it's very likeable and enjoyable car. Good purchase! I was suprised how light and nimble the non-assisted steering is for a 3,400 lb car, even at parking speeds. You need forearms like Popeye to park my unassisted '67 Corvette, but not this one. The steering gets lighter with speed and is very comunicative, but not twitchy. It's very precise with no slop on center. The car tracks straight and true and doesn't wander or vibrate. There is a little bit of body roll on turn-in, then it takes a set and holds a line nicely. You do feel the mass of the engine & transaxle back there a little high, it's not threatening, but it lets you know it's there.The suspension is firm yet nicely compliant over bumps. Not mushy at all. The car is quite stable up to 100 mph, I havent taken it faster than that yet, we're still getting acquainted. The brakes are really quite good for circa 1979. Firm pedal, linear feel, no pulling, good stopping power. I saved the best part for last - The engine, that SWEET engine! Just to hear that thing go from a growl, to a snarl to a howl, to a scream actually sends tingles down my spine. What a wonderful sound! It's about half intake noise from the 12 Venturis and half exhaust note. It's like putting in your old copy of LeMans in the DVD and turning the volume up full during the sceens with the 917 & 512. The engine must be in a good state of tune as it pulls smoothly from 1,500 in 5th without stumbling or popping. It's smooth everywhere under partial and full throttle and is quite responsive. It's very smooth and torquey. While not fast by modern supercar standards, it's quicker than I thought it would be. It just seems to keep piling on speed without fuss.

Overall, a very nice blend of vintage cool and supercar thrill that is pleasure to drive.

Here is the only pic I took so far, I'll get some better ones soon.

Also a short video of my son running it through the gears last night. Just trying to capture that sound. Turn it up full!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mExWRuRRAp8
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I love the color. this is a beautiful car! congrat. I hope to get my self a BB like that sometimes

 

I'm sure that will be the first of many enjoyable drives in your beautiful Boxer. Thanks for sharing it with us.

 

Nice! Beautiful looking Boxer. I'm sure you'll enjoy her more as you get more acquainted. From my personal experience, Boxer's take a while before they really let their guard down. It took me quite a while before I really got to know her. Enjoy!


Onno

 

Thanks for sharing, John. Keep it coming, I never get enough of these cars.

+1, you will get more and more enjoyment out of the car as you become acquainted with its nuanced abilities and limitations. Did about 20 minutes of that yesterday afternoon, been smiling all day!

Enjoy it in good health, cheers!
William

 

What a great line to conclude a great post. A few F-Car club friends here in Calgary have Boxers and I absolutely love those cars. Your line perfectly captures their essence.

Looks fabulous in black, too. I just love the way the orange lights look next to the black paint.

Enjoy!

 

beautiful car! enjoy!

 

Black? Looks like Blu Sera to me.

 

Indeed it does. I was looking at it on my phone, so maybe the color wasn't showing all that well. Even still, the car looks fabulous.

 

Congratulations, great colors and great sound ..... enjoy!

 

Happy to hear you enjoy it so much. People that have not driven a BB do not know what they are missing. It is faster and quicker than you think.
I can agree with your feed back on the BB 100%. If you have a chance, you will find that it is very stable will into the 150 range. It may be a little soft in the suspension area but overall
we are talking about a 70s car.

For better feel and greater cornering, use a set of 17'S with modern day rubber.

Happy motoring.

Glad you could join us.

 

I know that sound!

Beautiful car, enjoy!

John