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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