When German precision meets Italian passion, the result is nothing short of legendary. The Ferrari 512 BBi Koenig Special is not your typical supercar. Born in the 1980s from the minds at Koenig Specials in Germany, this custom machine took an already powerful Ferrari and turned it into a beast few have heard of but many will admire. Now, as this rare icon heads to auction, car fans in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf have a chance to rediscover a forgotten chapter in Ferrari history.
Koenig Specials took the 12 cylinder engine from the stock Ferrari 512 BBi and completely reengineered it. Originally producing 340 horsepower, the German tuner upgraded nearly every component, including pistons, camshafts, the exhaust, and even the fuel injection system. This pushed the output up to a wild 450 horsepower, a massive jump during a time when Ferrari was still exploring naturally aspirated powertrains.
With additional reinforcements like stiffer springs and anti roll bars, the car maintained balance despite the power increase. The brakes remained original but vented, offering period correct stopping power. Top speed? An impressive 302 kilometers per hour. That number alone would be enough to turn heads, but Koenig made sure it looked just as aggressive.
Koenig redesigned the exterior with bold aerodynamic features. The car got a wide front air dam, unique NACA ducts near the rear arches, and a cleaner rear design by reducing the tail lights from six to four. Wider wheels (by 2.5 centimeters) gave it a stronger stance and better grip, while the matte black Nero paint replaced Ferrari’s classic red.
Inside, Koenig swapped the fixed seats for multi adjustable sport seats, keeping the Ferrari soul but adding comfort and functionality. Despite its aggressive makeover, the car still carried elegance, making it a standout among even the rarest Ferraris.
This exact Koenig Ferrari 512 BBi was delivered in Germany in 1983, then made its way to the US, where it stayed until 2015. After years in climate controlled storage, the car now needs a full mechanical check, but its body and original paint remain untouched.
Bonhams will offer this rare machine at a private auction next week. Experts expect it to fetch between 114,000 and 120,000 US dollars. With fewer than 30 units ever built, owning one is like owning a slice of Ferrari history—bold, rare, and unforgettable.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.