Hidden Gem: The Forgotten Ferrari 512 BB Uncovered After 28 Years
Ed Weaver, a name that once commanded respect within the elite car collecting circles of the 1980s and early 1990s, may not be widely known today. Weaver was not just an affluent carpet businessman from Dalton, Georgia; he was a larger-than-life car enthusiast. At the peak of his passion, he amassed an astonishing collection of around 400 vehicles.
But don't imagine these were ordinary cars. Weaver's collection included some of the rarest and most sought-after models in the world. Among these were 24 Duesenbergs, six Lamborghini Miuras, and numerous Ferraris, Porsches, and Bugattis. His untimely death in 1993 at just 48 years old left a vacuum in the world of car collecting. In 1995, his vast collection was sold off to anyone who could meet the hefty price tags attached to these automotive gems.
One of the lucky buyers who seized this opportunity walked away with two Italian beauts from Weaver's treasure trove. His primary target was one of Weaver's Lamborghini Miuras, but his wallet allowed for an additional indulgence — a 1981 Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer (BB). This wasn't just any Ferrari; it was the last of the carbureted twelve-cylinder models that Ferrari ever produced, with only 50 built for the 1981 model year.
The new owner drove the Ferrari for just a year before life took over, relegating the car to a garage where it sat untouched for the next 28 years. Thankfully, the car was stored indoors, sparing it from the harsh elements that could have severely deteriorated its condition. Fast forward to 2024, and the Ferrari has finally been unearthed thanks to the owner's granddaughter and the team at WD Detailing.
The Rediscovery
WD Detailing, renowned for their intricate work on automotive barn finds, got wind of this forgotten treasure and the owner agreed to let them work their magic. Upon inspection, they found the car plagued by vermin but otherwise in surprisingly decent condition. The interior leather upholstery was dirty but not chewed up, and the exterior had only minor blemishes.
A key detail was the absence of the traditional black paint below its waistline, a feature of the 'senza strisce nera' or 'black stripe delete' option that some owners opted for. Another fascinating aspect was the speedometer, which read up to 320. This detail confirmed that the car was not manufactured to U.S. specifications; it was a European import where the speedometer measured kilometers instead of miles.
The Ferrari's odometer showed just 31,075 kilometers (19,309 miles), and the 512 BB was parked with 355 horsepower at the ready from a flat-twelve engine. Technically, this was not a true ‘boxer’ engine, but a flat configuration where opposing pairs of pistons share the same crankpin. This slight technicality doesn’t detract from the vehicle's performance characteristics, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 302 km/h (188 mph).
What Lies Ahead
The cleaning and cosmetic restoration of this Ferrari has been transformative, but this is just the first step. The mechanical restoration is set to be a more intricate process, and WD Detailing has hinted at returning to document this chapter of the car's revival. The current owner intends to get the car fully operational, so stay tuned for what's bound to be an exciting follow-up.
The Ferrari 512 BB is one of the 929 carburetor models produced between 1976 and 1981, before the series transitioned to fuel injection and became the 512 BBi. The model series continued until 1984 when it was succeeded by another iconic flat-twelve Ferrari — the Testarossa.
For those fascinated by automotive history and the passion of collectors like Ed Weaver, this Ferrari’s rediscovery is a testament to the enduring allure of classic cars and the stories they quietly hold while waiting to be uncovered.
