A 1978 Ferrari 512BB Berlinetta Boxer owned by British Formula One driver, Jenson Button, is to be sold by Bonhams at its sale of Collectors’ Motor Cars at the RAF Museum, Hendon, on 11 April 2011. The car, which was bought last year by Button, the then reigning Formula One World Champion, has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £90,000 – 110,000.
Due to a busy schedule as Britain’s number one Formula One point-scorer, Button has decided to part with the car. He says: “I've had a great time driving the Boxer, however my F1 commitments will not enable me to enjoy the car to its fullest. It has had a thorough service that has addressed all the usual issues of an older Ferrari.”
The car, which Bonhams’ Tim Schofield (Head of Motor Cars) describes as “a wonderful example with important provenance and exceptionally good value when compared to its nemesis the Lamborghini Miura”, was ordered new in December 1977 and was delivered to its first owner, Stafford Pemberton, in April 1978. It has had £94,000 spent on it over the past 33 years, which includes a bodywork refurbishment and an all-new interior conducted by renowned marque specialist, Nick Cartwright, in the 1980s. It has recently undergone a major service at JD Classics, which was completed in September 2010.
With 49,155 miles on the odometer, the car is in excellent original condition and comes finished in black with a light oatmeal leather interior.
James Elliott is a former Editor of Classic & Sports Car