Yes, those Miuras at Gary's were mindblowing. Al, his body guy, gave me the tour while they were being done. They actually had to fabricate some of those metal grilles that are unobtainium now, and they looked better than the original. Congrats. Black is perfect for that car. The add-ons are what take it to the "ridiculous" level. The original Gandini design was much neater, but I don't think anyone told him he was designing a car. Then came the wings, bowling ball wheels, whale flukes, etc., and it got embarassing -- the heavy gold chain and leisure suit of the car world. The Boxer looks all business in comparison. Doesn't look new, but elegant and menacing. The blue one looks nice - maybe it's the angle. The front of the car is stronger than the pudgier tail. Again, like Lotus with the Esprit, they murdered the shape with add-on crap. I do love the scissors doors though. Those still say Lamborghini, although the Murci does it better.
Even Boxers had a hard time avoiding the wing/duct craze of the eighties. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
The difference is that the Boxer you are showing had its wings put on aftermarket (by an aesthetically challenged individual) while the Countach's wings were put on at the factory. In my opinion, the LP400 is the Countach to have; it still looks great. By the 1980s the number of wings and scoops really detracted from the beauty of the original design.
Thanks Bullfighter for your kind words. Maybe we'll meet up sometime in San Diego. I live in Corona and will probably re-join the Ferrari Owners Club. I met a few guys at the Chrysler Speed Festival on Coronado a couple of weeks ago. Very nice guys.
No mate it is a Boxer Koenig converted a number of them during the 80's. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
157 Countach LP400 built in total. 7 or so used as prototype LP400S with wheel-arch spats and front bumper-spoilers etc. Another 10 or so converted by the factory into LP400S. So take it that there were 140-odd pure Periscopas. Perhaps 120 survive? Joe
You're right Newman. I saw the car at my mechanic's shop while getting another car serviced. I initially was looking a a very nice red 348 Spyder and saw the Boxer. I thought that it would be something way beyond my means and never thought I could ever own this late 70's -80's supercar. I sat in it and the more I thought about it, the more I started to want it. It seemed to define the passion that driving a Ferrrari stirs up in the true enthusiast more so than the newer models in my opinion. So, I went home, dug up all my old car mags, read everything I could about them and decided to go for it. And even though I had only driven it twice, I knew I had to have one. The potential price increase was another possible benefit of owning one because if I ever grew tired or just wanted a change, I would make a profit on the sale. That fact would not be realized on a newer model despite being technologically superior. So, for me, it works out fine but I still like other exotics and definitely respect the automotive choices of others.
I wonder how many of those picnic bumpers are still on US Boxers? Anyones car still have them or know of one?
Last year, the mechanic I use was doing a major service on a silver BB512, only a few serial numbers from mine. It was a Mardikian federalization, and it was 100% complete, enormous bumpers and all. It hadn't been started in 7 or 8 years.
Actually, the style of dress and boots is a little early for the year of the car but fitting for what it represents. A classic look of the times..........
Speaking of which, the Boxer was Ferrari's answer to the ground breaking Miura, the Countach later. Wouldn't it be more fitting to compare Muira SV and 365 bb/512 bb?