1970 Ferrari 512 M Coupe

The Ferrari 512 S was produced beginning in 1969 and would become the fastest car Ferrari had ever built, with speeds in excess of 370 km/h. It was designed to take advantage of the homologation rules created by the C.S.I. (Commission Sportive International), by building prototypes and fitting them with street legal necessities such as horns, lights, and even spare tires. On paper the vehicles were street legal vehicles but in reality, they were racing machines. With financial backing from Fiat and a reduction of Group 6 rules, now requiring only 25 instead of 50 production units, Ferrari began creating the 25 vehicles for Group 6 competition.
Late in 1969, Ferrari introduced the 512 S featuring a chassis similar to the P4 with its semi-monocoque design, and an engine derived from the 612 Can Am Series unit but fitted with twin overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and a Lucas fuel injection system. When first introduced it produced 550 horsepower; a year later with proper tuning and testing the unit's reliability had improved, weight reduced, and horsepower increased to 620. All of the 25 units were given Berlinetta configurations which were quickly modified to satisfy the racing situation. Such modifications included the removal of the center section of the bodywork or roof panel which were approved by the FIA on April 1 for these new 'Spyder' versions.

Five identically prepared Ferrari 512 S Berlinetta's line-up for the start of the Daytona 24 Hour race on January 31st of 1970 marking the inaugural debut of these prototype racers. The car driven by Mario Andretti qualified in first place but played second fiddle during the race to the Porsche 971s. As the checkered flag fell, only one 512 S had made it the entire 24 hours, and it was the car driven by Andretti, Arturo Merzario and Jacky Ickx, who finished in a respectable third place for the Ferrari marque.

Three cars were sent to the Sebring 12 Hour race, with two cars having shed 90 pounds with Spyder configuration while the third car was a Berlinetta. The Spyder driven by Mario Andretti and Arturo Merzario retired prematurely due to transmission troubles. Andretti continued in another works Ferrari and would finish the race in first place.

This example is a 1970 Ferrari 512 M with chassis number 1034 and driven by Merzario and the Swiss Clay Regazzoni at the 24 Hours of LeMans. At the time, it was one of three 512 S Berlinetta's entered in the race. Their day would come to a close when they were involved in an accident within the first three hours. The crash nearly destroyed the car. It would lay in ruins until 1990 with the car was given a second chance at life. A new car was created based upon the engine of 1034 and chassis plate, gearbox, driveline elements, steering rack and suspension components. It was updated to 512 M specifications with included adjustable flaps, relocated spare wheel, and lower nose. The engine was given chrome-plated cylinder linings and a greater compression ratio resulting in increased engine output.

This car has acquired the proper FIA papers and is race ready. It was driven by Jacky Ickx in the Modena Motorsport meeting at the Nurburgring on two occasions. He later drove it with Uwe Meissner at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Modena Motorsport F1 Festival in Nurburgring.

It was raced in the 2004 annual Monterey Historic Automobile Races and featured in photographs advertising the event. In 2005 it raced at 'The Legends' event at Mont. Tremblant.

The current records for this vehicle, maintained by the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCU), states that this car is built on a chassis to original specifications. It has a body comprised of fiberglass and all measurements and materials are to original specifications. It currently wears its period correct race livery including the #8, the names of Merzario, Regazzoni, and Jacky Ickx.

The engine is a five-liter V12 with Lucas fuel injection and mated to a Ferrari ZF five-speed manual gearbox. The engine produces 550 horsepower which is kept in control via Girling Hydraulic brakes with four-piston calipers. There are 15-inch wheels and a rack-and-pinon steering system.

This vehicle was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $800,000 - $900,000. Though it had a steep price tag, it was not the most expensive vehicle of the day, but certainly a highlight none-the-less. Bidding reached $750,000 but was not enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve, meaning the lot was unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007