1970 Ferrari 512 S Coupe

Ferrari debuted the 512 S in 1970, in an attempt to outrun rival Porsche. Despite its 400 horsepower twelve-cylinder 4993cc engine, the car could not unseat Porsche, whose 917 model could top 240 MPH. A total of 25 Ferrari 512 S race cars were built between 1969 and 1970.

The 512 S was designed by Mauro Forghieri with an alloy 5-liter, V12 and a tubular space frame chassis developed from the Ferrari P4. Its bodywork was designed by Giacomo Caliri and made from lightweight polycarbonate. Built both as a Berlinetta and a Spyder, it took part in the World Manufacturers' Championship in 1907 and 1971, winning at Sebring and Kyalami.

This car, chassis number 1004, was completed in October of 1969. It was immediately used for testing, to determine the best possible aerodynamic combination for the 24 hour race at Daytona. It was entered there and driven by the team of Jacky Ickx and Peter Schetty. It failed to finish after it was involved in an accident at lap 115. The car was repaired and raced at the 1000km Monza race where it was piloted by John Surtees and Peter Schetty to a 3rd overall finish. It was later used as a test car for the Targa Florio.

It is also a star. It appeared in the 1970 Steve McQueen movie, LeMans. It was acquired by the present owner in 1986 and has been extensively campaigned in vintage races, using a variety of different body configurations. It has also appeared on calendars, in documentaries, on magazines and on posters. It is one of four remaining 512 Ss. The other 25 have been destroyed or converted to other 512M, 512F or 712 Can Am models.