This is another one of Haynes’ aspirational manuals. You don’t have to actually own one of these head-turning race cars to enjoy this book.
The Ferrari 512S, and its successor the 512M are among the most iconic of Ferrari sports-racing cars. These cars competed against Porsche’s all-conquering 917 in 1970 and 1971 – a rivalry immortalised in Steve McQueen’s film Le Mans. The Ferrari was powered by a 5-litre V-12 engine, and was driven by an impressive portfolio of drivers including Mario Andretti, John Surtees, Clay Regazzoni, Jacky Ickx, Ronnie Peterson and Derek Bell. Although the performance of the Porsche and Ferrari were very similar, the Porsche 917 benefitted from greater reliability. The Ferraris were unable to challenge the dominance of the German manufacturer before the rules were amended for 1972, effectively outlawing the 5-litre-capacity engines used in both the Ferrari 512 and Porsche 917.
In spite of only winning a single World Championship race – the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1970 – the Ferrari 512S/M has secured a place as one of the most charismatic sports-racing cars ever built, and the sight and sound of a restored example in full flight today still turns heads.
Contents:
– The Ferrari 512S/M story: brief introduction to the sports-car racing regulations for 1970-71, plus race-by-race account of the 1970-71 racing seasons
– Anatomy of the Ferrari 512S/M: body, chassis, engine, transmission, suspension and steering, brakes, wheels and tyres, interior and electrics
– The engineer’s view: running a Ferrari 512 S/M in period and today
– The owner’s view: views from Kirk White on running the Penske Sunoco car in 1970-71 and from Nick Mason on 512 S ownership today
– The driver’s view: views from Sam Posey, Mario Andretti and Derek Bell
– Chassis record: chassis histories for each of the cars built.
Key information
Author: Glen Smale
RRP: £24.00
(free P&P in the UK)
Format: Hardback
Pages: 272
Published by: Haynes Publishing
Foreword: Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason
BUY: Signed copy available from author