The Bosch-Injected Peak of Mid-Engine Design - 1 of 1,007 Produced

The "Boxer" series represented a massive shift in philosophy, moving the 12-cylinder heart from the front to the middle of the car. By 1983, the platform had reached its zenith with the introduction of Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (the "i" in BBi). This transition replaced the temperamental carburetors of earlier models, providing the 4.9-liter flat-12 with better cold-start reliability, smoother power delivery, and an additional 20 lb-ft of torque. It is the bridge between the raw, racing-derived 1970s and the high-tech supercar era of the 1980s.

Driving this car is a masterclass in analog feedback. The 4.9-liter Type F110A engine produces 340 HP with a distinctively smooth, rhythmic idle that only a 180-degree V12 can provide. The cockpit is dominated by the legendary chrome-gated 5-speed manual shifter, requiring a deliberate and mechanical touch that rewards the driver with every "clack" through the gate. It sits on its original 5-spoke aluminum wheels.

With only 1,007 units produced globally between 1981 and 1984, the BBi is significantly rarer than the model that replaced it. It represents an era when cars were still largely hand-assembled, offering a level of tactile quality and mid-engine balance that made Road & Track call it the "best all-around sports car" of its time.