www.QV500.com - Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer Part 5: 512 BB LM Series I
 

24127, 1978 Le Mans 24 Hours		 The first factory-made BB LM's were based on the 512, an initial batch of three cars being manufactured for 1978's Le Mans 24 Hour race. However, all three cars and a close replica built up by Ecurie Francorchamps failed to finish. Whilst these cars were not as extensively modified as later Series II and III LM's, they were nevertheless extremely capable machines. The engines were producing a reliable 440bhp, exactly one hundred horses up on the production 512, this thanks primarily to high lift camshafts and a competition exhaust system, changes to the chassis focusing upon mild reinforcements.
   

Unlike later Series II and III LM's, the first batch of cars with their lightweight glassfibre opening panels retained Pininfarina's production-style bodywork, the most noticeable changes having been flared wheelarches, wider wheels, a roof mounted aerofoil and rear wings taken directly from Ferrari's 312 T2 Grand Prix car. A quick fuel filler cap and perspex side windows were also used, extra ducting having been carved out from various parts of the bodywork whilst supplementary Marchal driving lights were mounted centrally above the front grille. Thanks to the lightweight panels and stripped out interiors, weight was down to between 1204kg and 1221kg. Three factory-built examples were produced during early 1978, the chassis numbers of which along with their competition histories are listed below:
 
24127 1978, new to Pozzi, Le Mans 24 Hours (#88) DNF
24129 1978, new to Pozzi, Le Mans 24 Hours (#89) DNF
24131 1978, new to Luigi Chinetti for NART, Le Mans 24 Hours (#87) DNF
22715* 1978, built by Ecurie Francorchamps, Le Mans 24 Hours (#85) DNF
   

22715		 * This Series I BB LM was built up by the Belgian Ferrari concessionaire, Ecurie Francorchamps, especially for 1978's Le Mans 24 Hours. Ferrari were able to supply the team with component parts but not a completed car on time for drivers Buerlys, Pilette and Touroul. Like all the other Series I LM's, 22715 retired from the race. It's well known that this semi-official example came out some 100kg heavier than the factory cars.