A big fan of cars, Jean-Paul Belmondo had a garage full of beautiful cars. Ferrari was one of his favorite brands. Among the many models he owned was the legendary 512 BBi and his V12 Boxer in the rear position. A model sold today by the Aguttes house.
Aston Martin DB5, Maserati Ghibli, AC Bristol, Lotus Elan, Mini Cooper… The garage of Jean-Paul Belmondo, who died last September at the age of 88, has seen an impressive number of cars pass. But of all those he could have owned ” it’s true that Ferraris were my favorite “ he confided, a few years ago, to Car-Life magazine.
The Magnificent 512 BBi
He was the owner of a California, a 250 GT Tour de France, a 308 GTS anda 512 BBi, which will be auctioned on December 12 by Aguttes. This copy was not acquired new by l’As des As. Sold new in April 1982, in Italy, it joined a first owner who had it completely repainted… in red. ” We must not forget that at the time of all plastic, in the 80s, Ferraris must be red »Confides with amusement Gautier Rossignol, director of the automotive department at Aguttes. “Bebel” acquired the beautiful red in December 1985 and registered it in his name. It will remain so until July 14, 2002, when a couple from Val-de-Marne purchased it. At the wheel, Jean-Paul Belmondo has covered around 30,000 km.
A flat V12… at the rear!
It must be said that the model has something to intoxicate with its flat 4943 cm V123 installed at the back. ” Enzo Ferrari ends up giving in to the recommendations of his engineers who develop a mid-engine GT, inspired by the P6 study »Explains the expert. Special feature of this BBi version: its Bosch mechanical injection system which replaces the four Weber triple-barrel carburettors. It has a similar power (340 hp) while being easier to use on a daily basis. The copy presented for sale by the house Aguttes has been fully restored, explains Gautier Rossignol.
“The cost of the work carried out greatly exceeds the value of the vehicle, i.e. more than € 250,000“
It must be said that the new owners were keen to restore the 512 BBi to its original configuration. Upholstery, carpet, running gear, engine, gearbox and of course bodywork (which they have decided to put back in the original Argento medio Ferro color) have been the subject of special care. Like the ashtray flap, located at the foot of the front left door where Jean-Paul Belmondo left … a dedication!
TO READ. Ferrari Daytona SP3 (2022). An 840 hp V12 for the new Icona
Where does the name BB come from?
The BB is captivating in more than one way… We like the purity of the lines signed by Leonardo Fioravanti (Pininfarina) and the fact that each element of the body is an opening. “ A real engineer’s car »Confides Gautier Rossignol. This Ferrari is an important model in the range of the Italian manufacturer. It succeeds the Daytona.
Ferrari engineers have achieved a feat with the 512 BB.
” This is the 3e from the line of BBs, recalls the expert from Aguttes, it is also the most successful “. Less than 1,100 copies of this variation have been produced. So many arguments that justify its high rating. It is located between 350,000 and 450,000 €. Will the auctions take off? Answer on December 12 from 3 p.m. As for his name? According to the official Ferrari website the initials BB would not refer to “Berlinetta Boxer”, but rather to one of our national stars: Brigitte Bardot!
TO READ. Unusual. € 18,000 for a rusty Ferrari wreck without an engine
Practical information from December 12
Fall sale – House Aguttes
Sunday December 12 from 3 p.m.
Espace Charenton – 327 rue de Charenton – 75012 Paris.
Public exhibition from 12 noon, Friday December 10.
