First seen in prototype form in 1971, the Boxer went into production in 1973 as Ferrari's replacement to the Daytona. Up to that point, all of Ferrari's range topping cars had been front engined, but the mid/rear engine trend started by Lamborghini's Miura had become the expected norm. Previous road going Ferrari's had been mid-engined, such as the 250LM and the 206/246 Dino's. Nonetheless the Boxer was a major change of direction in Ferrari design, it's beautiful lines being one of Pininfarina's best designs of the decade.
Initially the Boxer was known as the 365 GT4 BB Berlinetta Boxer, and had a 4.4 litre flat-12 engine producing 360bhp. To keep the wheelbase of the car short, the engine was mounted above the gearbox. As a result, the car had a relatively high centre of gravity which meant the car's handling at the limit was tricky. Although it never matched the factory claimed top speed of 188mph in independent road tests, the Boxer was fast, and more or less defined the supercar genre of the 70's (along with the outrageously styled Lamborghini Countach).
In 1976, the 365 GT4 BB gave way to the 512 BB. Changes amounted to 4 rear lights instead of 6, different cooling grilles on the rear engine cover and a different front spoiler. Engine size was also increased to 4.9 litres but power actually dropped to 340bhp.
The final variant was the 512i BB, which saw the addition of fuel injection (still with no increase in power) and colour matching front and rear bumpers and sills (which had been painted black). This lasted from 1981-1984 when it was replaced by the new Testarossa. The Testarossa was in many ways a rebodied Boxer as it shared exactly the same mechanical layout as it's predecessor. Ironically, Ferrari reverted back to the front engined layout with it's Testarossa replacement, the 550 Maranello, coming full circle back to the Boxers forbearer, the Daytona.
This model represents the 1976-81 512 BB. The detailing and finish are good, with a highly detailed engine compartment, carpeted interior and pop-up headlights which actually "pop-up". My example is finished in yellow (which is very striking!) but the model can also be had in equally well finished shades of red, silver and black. As of Jan 2006 it is one of the few good quality 1:18th scale Ferraris you can buy as unfortunately an exclusive contract between Ferrari and Mattel/Hotwheels limits the number of companies able to make good Ferraris in 1:18th. Kyosho I believe have a sub-licensing arrangement with Mattel to enable them to continue marketing their Ferrari line up.
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