www.QV500.com - Ferrari 512 Part 1: 512 S

Consequently, once the Fiat contract was wrapped up, Enzo Ferrari called a halt to work on the existing 312 P and instructed his team to concentrate solely on a new car, the 512 S. Whereas the 312 P was contesting the Prototype class, the 512 S would run in the CSI's Group 4 Sports category and theoretically had to be road legal. This meant it would have to accommodate a spare wheel, full width windscreen, two seats, sundry luggage space and all the other equipment legally required for use on public roads. The first car was ready by late ‘69, the 512 S having gone from drawing board to reality in under nine months. It comprised a semi monocoque consisting of riveted aluminium over a tubular steel spaceframe with a separate subframe assemby at the back for the engine and suspension. Essentially a reworked 312 P modified to accept a bigger engine, the suspension was independent all round with adjustable Koni spring/damper units, Girling supplying the outboard disc brakes. Wheels were by Campagnolo and always featured a 15-inch diameter, 11 and 16-inch width rims being used at the front and back respectively. Ferrari installed a specially developed version of their familiar dual overhead camshaft 60° V12. Designated Tipo 261, it was clearly derived from the 6.2-litre 612 Can Am unit, albeit downsized to 5-litres. Displacement was 4993cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 87 x 70mm. Mounted longitudinally in the chassis, the Tipo 261 motors were equipped with four valve cylinder heads, dry sump lubrication, Lucas high-pressure fuel injection and a single Marelli Dinoplex distributor.

Bearing in mind the minimum weight limit for a five-litre car like the 512 S was just 800kg, it was clear this new breed of Group 4 machine would be phenomenally quick. Airflow, downforce, drag and stability were of utmost importance, however, aerodynamic understanding was still more trial and error than exact science. Two body styles were available, a Berlinetta and later, a Spyder, this featuring a simple removable roof panel and cut-off tail that shaved a further 25kg over the 880kg Berlinetta. The first car was completed in late 1969 and immediately began a short testing programme at the Modena Autodrome in preparation for January's forthcoming Daytona 24 Hour season-opener. Sprouting front and rear winglets for extra downforce, five cars arrived at Daytona despite homologation still not having been granted. Because of labour disputes, the 25 Ferrari's hadn't been finished on the morning of the deadline. Instead, the CSI's inspectors were presented with 17 completed 512's and enough parts for the remaining eight cars. CSI approval was finally given seven hours into the day-long opening race. Five of the new cars were entered at Daytona, three from Scuderia Ferrari, one by Luigi Chinetti's NART and another from Squadra Picchio Rosso. In one of the team cars, Mario Andretti took pole and went on to finish third with Jacky Ickx, the other four cars all retiring. Many important lessons were learnt at Daytona and for the next race at Sebring, a series of modifications were made.

Andretti was partnered by Ignazio Giunti and Nino Vaccarella, but it would be the only win for the factory team until the improved 512 M arrived in October. Two more victories followed, but both were in non-championship events, George Loos taking the Spa Francorchamps 500km race whilst Giampiero Moretti and Corrado Manfredini later won the Fuji Grand Prix. As you would expect, modifications were made throughout the year, particularly to the aerodynamics. Other alterations included a switch from a louvred rear window to a clear plastic item, helmet bubbles of varying shapes and sizes and a periscope rear view mirror. However, unarguably the most striking development came at Le Mans where a Coda Lunga or Long Tail version was used. It featured special low drag bodywork to take advantage of the massive speeds attainable down the chaicane-less Mulsanne Straight, the extended rear bodywork being adorned with vertical fins, a wraparound lip spoiler and an enveloping tail facia. No less than 11 512's were entered for the 24 Hour race in 1970, four of which were Coda Lunga's, both Ferrari and Porsche producing one-race specials for this event. Scuderia Ferrari, NART, Scuderia Filipinetti and Ecurie Francorchamps each had a Long Tail in their armoury, all but two of the 11 512's retiring, four being knocked out simultaneously in a freak multiple pile up. The two finishers were both Coda Lungo's and they came home in fourth (NART) and fifth (Ecurie Francorchamps) behind a trio of Porsche's. After Le Mans, development started on the lighter, more powerful 512 M for 1971.