My dear Ferrari historians - any idea where I can find some historical data on the BBLM race car? I had the honor of going around the track in one (as a passenger only) and would love to get more information on the car and its history Thanks - you guys are great Nika
Hey Nika, my friend Bob Coates of the NY FCA owns perhaps the most important BBLM from 1979. It was built by NART & ran at LeMans, Watkins Glen etc. The first BBLMs were built by privateers, similair to my 512TR racer. Later Pininfarina designed the BBLM for Ferrari & I believe Michelotto built 30 or so original BBLMs By the way, I got a hellacious ride in a BBLM at Watkins Glen 15 years ago with Joe Rosen driving. We were totally HAULING around the track, porbably 200mph +, What a car!!!!!!
Nika, You might want to contact Ferrari of Washington and ask for Arnold Poundstone (703) 478-3606. One of his customer's, Rich Liebhaver, owns a 512 BBLM and they might have more info. Also might want to try and contact Todd Maricci (sp?). William, Bob's car wasn't raced at LeMans if I remember correctly. It was converted from a standard BBi by Chinietti and raced in the US under the NART banner. I seem to recall Bob telling me it hadn't been raced at LeMans but I could be wrong on that. The BBLM's are wonderful cars and hark back to an era of huge engines and huge horsepower. When Bob's car goes down the straight at Summit it rattles the start/finish bridge. Regards, Jon P. Kofod www.flatoutracing.net
Nika, here are some articles relating to the BB 512 LM: http://www.ferraris-online.com/Articles/SCM_0303.shtml Sheehan Speaks by Michael Sheehan (Sports Car MarketMarch 2003 issue) http://www.ferraris-online.com/Articles/FMLA_9610.shtml FERRARI 512 BB/LM SILHOUETTE by Mike Sheehan (Ferrari Market LetterVol. 21 # 21, 12 October 1996 issue) http://www.sportscarmarket.com/profiles/current/032004-race.php 1980 Ferrari 512 BB/LM Sports Car Market Magazine http://www.barchetta.cc/english/All.Ferraris/summary/SN.512BBLM.htm BB 512 LM Technical specification's http://www.***************.com/frame.mv?file=car.mv&num=163 Ferrari 512 BB LM ***************.com Barry
Jon, I thought Bob told me his BBLM did run at LeMans, I just leafed through my book FERRARIS AT LE MANS and saw his car ran in 1977 & 1978. I think his is the only BBLM that looks like that. I ran with him last year with my 512TR race car. I was still getting a handle on my Monster so I was pretty slow but that should change this summer Bob's car has a great sound to it. Mine sounds very good but nowhere near as mean as Bob's BBLM
I met Richard this past week end at Moroso. What a nice Gentleman ! Very kind and passionate about his BBLM !
Will...went back and checked the internet and you are correct it did run at LeMans several times. Complete statistics are here: http://wspr-racing.com/chassis/365&512.htm Liebhaver takes great care of that car. His son, also named Rich, raced the car several seasons in the Historic Series. Regards, Jon
One sold at Gstaad also, below market value as near as I can tell. I have a sales ad from Autoweek years ago of the Pioneer car at $275K! Ha! Don't forget that Walter Medlin has one sleeping in his collection also! Hi Nika! Man, Dr. Barry W.,that's some GOOD research!
..forgot these! Gstaad. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
If I'd had $275K, I'd have a BLUE one! With a Pioneer stereo too. I have a scale model of one that ran at Daytona, equipped with a HUGE stainless wing and a front spoiler that looked like it came off a train! Any info on that one????? It's red with NART Stripes I believe.
http://www.ferraris-online.com/cars/FE-F110A-00574/main.shtml http://www.ferraris-online.com/cars/FE-F110A-00574/images/MPDynoWork.pdf Sheehan has a rebuilt dyno'd BB/LM engine for sale at $80K.......523 HP.......I have no affiliation BTW......I just found this interesting when browsing this morning. The dyno graph is also posted. I love this race car.
The BBLM had a weight problem, Also the 935 of that era had twin turbos & mad hp. I suppose the 935s could have just run away & hid from the BBLM, unless they blew their engines from overboost
Don't forget that the BBLM's were based on the street cars which had been in production for a very short time. Porsche on the other hand had at least 10+ years of developing their street cars into well honed race cars at that point. They also had the advantage of factory drivers for their 934's and 935's while the BBLM's were driven by privateers, often amateur racers. Regards, Jon
Hi Greg ! I was in the states for 5 days...i arrived in NY and then we flew to Palm Beach for the Targa 66 event. If everything goes right i should be back in NY around the 9th of april ! Cu then !
Walt Medlin's BB is actually a 365BB converted by Chas. Pozzi. I'll check my photo archive and see if I can find a photo to post.
by chance I saw those pics today: 1981 - Ferrari - - Competition 512 BB LM WeiB / Schwarz England Beschreibung: Ferrari 512 BBLM Chassis No. 35523 (now challenge eligible). (More Pictures Below) History:- 81 - Simon Phillips, UK, purchased from the factory 81/may/10 6h Silverstone Phillips/ Salmon/ Earle #41 81/jun/13 24h Le Mans Phillips/ Salmon/ Earle #48 81/oct/18 Silverstone Relay Phillips/ Salmon #5F 82/may/18 1000km Silverstone Phillips/ Salmon/ Earle #80 83/.. AMOC sprint - Goodwood 85 - Lord Beaverbrook, UK 93 - Stephen Bernstien, NY, USA 98 Purchased by current owners We have restored the car to Its Le Mans spec and to concours condition, the car is also now Shell Historic Challenge eligible. http://www.dkeng.com cool stuff cinquevalvole Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Ms. Nika: In case you are still interested, I just found an article in Autoweek, 5/11/81, called "A Ferrari Fantasy: Stalking Riverside in a factory 512BB racer", by Jim Gandy. It's about Jon Masterson's BBLM #29507. Two pages with 5 grainy pictures. I can send you a copy if you wish.