Engine: flat-12, twin overhead camshafts to each head, 4,390cc, four triple barrel Weber carburettors, 344bhp at 7,000rpm; Gearbox: five speed manual; Suspension: independent by wishbones and coil springs; Brakes: four wheel power assisted hydraulically operated disc. Right hand drive.
When the Lamborghini Miura appeared, high performance coupes with engines in front of the driver began to look quite old fashioned to some observers. Stung by outspoken criticism of their front-engined Daytona models, at the 1971 Turin Motor Show Ferrari unveiled the aggressive 365 BB flat-12 mid-engine Boxer Berlinetta. At this point it was still a concept car, used to make a point, demonstrating what could be done with a racing flat-12 powerplant similar to that used in the Scuderia's Formula 1 cars if Ferrari chose. Ing. Mauro Forghieri's powerful flat-12 engines went on to bring Ferrari many laurels in Formula 1 and endurance racing from 1970 to 1973. The concept and engine alike were too good to waste and in 1973 the 4.4 litre 365/GT4 BB, a roadgoing production Berlinetta with the Boxer engine and gearbox unit set just behind the driver, was launched at the Paris Motor Show.
