“I don’t sell cars; I sell engines. The cars I throw in for free, since something has to hold the engines.” – Enzo Ferrari

The story of the 365 GT4 BB began when Ferrari sought to replace the iconic Daytona. The specifications seemed impossible: "Build a car with a centrally mounted 12-cylinder engine, but with the same appeal as the Daytona." The engine chosen was no longer the traditional V12 but a 12-cylinder 'flat' engine, the same type used in Niki Lauda’s Formula 1 car.

The challenge was immense. The new car could not retain the long hood of the 275 GTB or Daytona, nor could it have a tapered rear end. The task was to give elegance to a mid-engine supercar with a short, wedge-shaped nose. Pininfarina succeeded, creating a masterpiece by joining two shells, one above and one below, and making the first BB two-tone (as highlighted by its black lower section). Its front was flat and wide, with a wraparound windshield, air intakes, and cooling grilles integrated into the design.

The 365 GT4 BB was unveiled to the public in 1971, at the Turin Auto Show. As customary for Ferrari, the name “365” referred to the engine displacement (4.4 liters), “GT” stood for Gran Turismo, and “4” represented the number of camshafts, while the “BB” was officially said to stand for “Berlinetta Boxer.”