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15/06/2023 8:30 am
But he do'd it. Replacing the first of the "BB" series (Berlinetta-Boxer), the 365 GTB/4, it was proposed that it would be replaced by a larger 5.0 liter flat 12 and be their first flagship mid-engine car. Enzo Ferrari, at first, nixed the idea as he thought it to difficult to drive by a non-professional, despite the popular success of the lower end Dino. Faced with competition by Lamborghini, he relented and in 1976, the Pininfarina styled 512BB was launched. This first generation of 929 built ran 4 Weber carburetors which in 1981 was upgraded to fuel injection (512BBi). A total of 1007 512BBis were built between 1981 and 1984 when it was replaced by the Testarossa. The purchase of the Ferrari license by Mattel led to a great series of 1/18 models in conjunction with Kyosho.
15/06/2023 9:11 am
Beautiful model of a significant Ferrari. I’m glad that Enzo went ahead with it.
15/06/2023 9:25 am
... (not that I know much about Ferraris ) but this one was always a mystery to me because of its pre-Testarossa look. Thanks for the history lesson and fine pics! It all makes sense now.
.....and yes, being 100% Italian, I've always known that "testarossa" meant "red head."
PS:
By sheer coincidence, my son (the Doctor ) literally just TEXT me from Rome, Italy. He's in route to a conference. He has virtually zero interest in automobiles; there's NO DOUBT that to him, "testarossa" means someone with red hair and NOTHING else. 😔 😔
15/06/2023 2:09 pm
What a great-looking car and 1/18 model ! Mattel and Kyosho clearly did a fine job with this one with superb details everywhere.
16/06/2023 12:30 am
Too bad some of us didn't snap them up when they were still available at a good price point.
Marty Johnson reacted
16/06/2023 8:11 am
Too bad some of us didn't snap them up when they were still available at a good price point.
One might say that about every model. I have VIVID memories of seeing NEW HW61 cars offered at $39.99 and thinking, "Boy, that better be a great model!"
-OR-
Seeing $49.99 on "high end stuff" at the hobby shop and being a bit shocked, considering I could go to KAY-BEE TOYS and "load up" on Sunstars & Ertls at $9.99 or $14.99 each.
-OR-
How about being with a friend and seeing 1/18 Exotos for $89.99? Those were in showcases, as we drooled and fogged up the glass. 😏 😏 😏
MY, HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED!! 😳 😬 😳 😬
16/06/2023 8:17 pm
And I was lucky to get almost all my 1/18 collection for FREE !!!?
John Kuvakas and Christopher Moroni reacted
17/06/2023 3:05 am
@100ford2003 .....you robbed a hobby shop? 🤔
Lol, I met a seller at a model show.
When talking to Randy and asking questions and telling him what I knew about upcoming models he was impressed.
We quickly became friends and he asked me if I'd be interested in helping him sell at the Pomona and Long Beach Swap Meets.
That was a big yes from me. Randy was based out of San Diego and I was here in Orange County and close by.
I had nothing to do on Sundays so I jumped at the chance. When it came time for Randy to pay me for my time spent setting up and packing up I always deferred a $ amount and asked to pick out the models I wanted as payment.
It was a great relationship !
I wish I had the time to tell you about our trip to Utah. It was almost out of the 'Twilight Zone'.
Steve
Christopher Moroni reacted
17/06/2023 8:04 am
@100ford2003 Got it, thanks.
PS
I've been in Utah and also experienced many "Twilight Zone moments." Being heavily Mormon, I lost count on how many Angel Moroni statues I saw and when folks learned that I was a Moroni.... well, you can imagine. 😳 😬
Steve Jacobs and John Kuvakas reacted
05/07/2023 11:27 am
Love the styling of the Boxer. I've only ever seen 3 in my life...they're pretty rare. I missed out on Kyosho's 512BB, but do have its predecessor, the 365GT4
Really like the matching 6 rear lights & 6 exhaust tips (only on the 365GT4)
I was lucky to see this 1978 512BB in Miami in April. Love the color combo!
John Kuvakas reacted