1971 Ferrari 512 F

Rule changes in the late 1960s restricted displacement sizes to a minimum of three-liters and a maximum of five-liters. To homologate for the GT-class, a minimum of 50 examples were required to be constructed. This limit was decreased to just 25 units for 1969. Ferrari had a three-liter Formula 1 V12 engine available so their choice to produce a prototype racer for this category was understandable. The decision initially looked promising, as the new 312 P was very quick, but with Porsche's debut of the 917, their fortunes looked in jeopardy. The Porsche 917 was very quick, but at the time, it was underdeveloped. Ferrari knew it needed to build a new GT racer that could outpace the 917.

Ferrari created a new 5-liter engine in mid-1969. It featured four valves per cylinder, a Lucas Fuel Injection system, quad cams, and a light alloy block and head. It had a similar design to the engine used in their F1 program. Initially, it produced 550 horsepower, but with further development, this figure rose to over 600.

The large engine was given an equally impressive chassis comprised of an aluminum space-frame front section with a rear subframe setup that could support the weight and power of the engine. The entire structure was clothed in lightweight fiberglass in a shape similar to the 312 it was replacing. Though every effort was made to keep the vehicle as light as possible, the end-product was heavier than the fearsome Porsche 917.

At Daytona, Ferrari entered five 512 S cars. Andretti's 512 S was able to capture pole position despite unfavorable weather. Though the team had worked hard during the winter months to prepare the cars for the race, all five entries suffered from problems during the race. The only car to finish was Andrettis, who finished in fifth place. Prior to a suspension problem, the Andretti's car appeared to have the second place finish secured.

After Daytona, Ferrari made several improvements to the car, both to the aerodynamics and to the mechanical components. To reduce weight even further, an open spyder version was created. Fuel consumption was improved and horsepower was increased. After a tremendous amount of work and preparation, Ferrari 512s were ready for the next championship race at Sebring. Three of the four cars had been modified to spyder configuration. The fourth car was the car Andretti had driven at Daytona and had finished the race.

At Sebring, Andretti once again qualified on the pole position. During the race, Andretti led early on, only to be overtaken by three Porsche's during a pit stop. After a hard-fought battle, Andretti was able to emerge victorious.

The following five races prior to LeMans earned Ferrari with several podium finishes, though no overall victory. The cars scored a third place finish at the Targa Florio, and a 2, 3,and 4th at the Monza 1000km.

Development continued throughout the season, and at LeMans, Ferrari and Porsche had both prepared long-tail versions of their entries to take full advantage of the high speed track. Ferrari fielded four cars and was hopefully that their record of reliability would give them an advantage. This would not be the case, as one of the cars was out in less than an hour. Two other cars were involved in an accident after rain had covered the course. The remaining 512 S was driven by Jackie Ickx, who was able to move into the lead. During the night, he too fell victim to the weather and crashed out. This left the door open for Porsche, and they were more than happy to take the overall victory.

The next evolution of the 512 S was the 512 M, with the 'M' representing Modificato or 'Modified.' The 512 M was a lighter, more powerful version of the 512 S. Modifications were made throughout the vehicle, including the nose section and the addition of a larger airbox to supply greater amounts of air to the engine. In total, there were around 15 examples of the 512s modified to this configuration.

Though the 512 M proved to be a capable car, Ferrari decided to focus on a 3-liter prototype program. This left the 512 Ms to be contested by privateers. Ferrari focused on their new 312 PB prototypes. The privateers did have some success with the 512 M, but not the same level enjoyed by the factory-backed Porsche team.

Rule changes for the 1972 season left the five-liter prototypes obsolete. Ferrari was able to once again able to capture the world championship with their 312 PB for the 1972 and 1973 season.

Scuderia Filipinetti raced several of the Ferrari 512s. One of the examples was modified by Mikes Parkes in preparation for Le Mans. The result of the work was a vast reduction in the overall weight. The car was given the nick-name, the Ferrari 512 F, for 'Filipinetti.' The car was driven at Le Mans by Parkes and Henri Pescarolo. Unfortunately, the car was involved in an accident and after repairs, mechanical issues side-lined the car. This would be the last time Filipinetti would race the car.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2011