Car of the month: The retro Ferrari still topping the charts 45 years on

It was the year Grease opened at the cinema and the BeeGees were topping the charts. But that’s not the only classic that hit the market in 1978. A rare right hand drive 1978 Ferrari 512 BB, goes under the hammer this week with price expectations of more than $300,000. Bidding is already fierce for the classic car being offered for sale via Collecting Cars.

Known for its speed, style and luxury, the Ferrari label is synonymous with supercar domination and is one of the oldest and most successful racing brands ever. With just four previous owners – the most recent keeping the car for 24 years – bidding on this limited edition vehicle ends Monday, September 18. We took a peek under the bonnet before this incredible vehicle heads off on its next adventure.

A True Rarity

The 1970s Ferrari 512 BB is a rare breed, with just 929 units delivered worldwide. Among these, only 101 were made in right-hand drive configuration. This example has had a total of four owners since it rolled off the production line, and it’s been in the care of its current owner for nearly a quarter of a century. Originally purchased in the UK, it is believed to have been brought to Australia by the then-owner in the 1990s. Although it has a few years on the clock, it has a modest 35,484 miles (57,106 km) on the odometer.

Iconic Styling

The Berlinetta Boxer, or BB, is famous for its striking design, and this 512 BB is finished in classic Rosso Corsa. Inside, the tan leather-trimmed seats with Nero ‘Daytona’ inserts offer both comfort and a touch of sophistication. The 15-inch five-spoke Cromodora alloy wheels, paired with Michelin tyres, add to the car’s visual appeal.

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Under the hood lies a 4.9-litre flat-12 engine that produces around 346kW at 7,250rpm. The powerful engine sends its performance to the rear wheels through a five-speed open-gate manual transmission, a setup that defines the era of analog supercars. The result is a driving experience that modern supercars can only dream of replicating.

Unique Modifications

This Ferrari 512 BB has been carefully modified to enhance its performance and useability. Upgrades include an MSD ignitor and coil, an uprated air conditioning compressor, twin electric cooling fans, wider rear wheels, uprated shock absorbers and springs, a Tubi stainless steel exhaust, remote central locking, HID headlight bulbs, LED fog lights, a Sony head unit, and a reverse camera and screen.

Impeccable Service History

Maintaining a classic supercar like this requires a great deal of care and commitment. This 521 BB comes with a comprehensive service history, with the most recent service conducted in November 2021 at 35,346 miles by Racing Red. This service included an engine oil and filter change, along with the replacement of brake fluid and a rebuild of all four brake callipers. Previous services in 2020 and 2019 included engine oil and filter changes, clutch inspection, timing belt replacement, and various other essential maintenance tasks.

The Road Ahead

The Ferrari 512 BB represents not just a car but a piece of history. With its rarity, striking appearance, and modifications, it’s an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.

Disclaimer

As with any major purchase, potential buyers should conduct their own due diligence to verify the accuracy of the vehicle’s description.

One of Sydney’s newest premium workplace destinations has unveiled a major art activation designed to transform the traditional office experience.

Contemporary art curator ART+ has partnered with Forum Double Bay to deliver a curated art program throughout the recently opened workspace, anchored by a large-scale mural from Australian artist Vicki Lee in the building’s central atrium.

The collection also includes works by internationally recognised artists Sebastian Magnani, Alan Walsh, Terry O’Neill, Tyler Shields and Alexander Calder, creating what the partners describe as an art-infused environment that integrates culture into the everyday workplace experience.

Rather than treating art as a decorative addition, the program has been designed to form part of the building’s identity, creating moments of inspiration and engagement throughout the day for members and visitors alike.

ART+ founder Jay Lyon said the collaboration reflected a shared vision between the curator and developer to create workspaces that offer more than desks and meeting rooms.

“This is a unique moment to shape the way people experience workspace: not just as a place to work, but as a place to be inspired. Fortis and Art+ share that vision,” he said.

The activation comes as workplace design continues to evolve, with premium operators increasingly incorporating hospitality, wellness and cultural experiences into office environments as businesses seek to attract employees back into physical workspaces.

At Forum Double Bay, the result is a workplace that combines flexible office accommodation with a carefully curated aesthetic experience, positioning the development as a destination rather than simply a place to work.

Artist Vicki Lee said public art had the power to create an emotional connection with a space.

“What I want is for people to walk in and feel something; a connection, a surprise, a moment of beauty. That’s the power of public art,” she said.

Forum Double Bay recently opened at 377 New South Head Road and has been delivered under the development management expertise of Fortis. The project follows the success of Forum in Melbourne’s Cremorne and is operated by The Commons.

According to the release, all works within the building have been leased as part of the curated program, highlighting Fortis’ commitment to creating boutique workplace environments that blend design, hospitality and culture.

The collaboration also reflects the growing role art is playing within commercial real estate, where developers are increasingly using curated collections and commissioned works to create distinctive environments that foster creativity, community and a stronger sense of place.

For ART+, which specialises in sourcing and commissioning contemporary artworks for luxury residential, commercial and hospitality projects, the Forum partnership represents another example of art being integrated into the fabric of a development from the outset rather than being added after completion.

Car of the month: The retro Ferrari still topping the charts 45 years on

The need for speed never gets old as classic sports car lovers race to the finish line in a bid to own a piece of history

A new collaboration between ART+ and Forum Double Bay is bringing museum-quality artworks and a large-scale mural into the workplace.