Description
Author: Glen Smale
Published by: Haynes Publishing
Publication Year: 2016
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 160
The Ferrari 512S, and its successor the 512M are among the most iconic of Ferrari sports-racing cars. These cars competed against Porsches all-conquering 917 in 1970 and 1971 – a rivalry immortalised in Steve McQueens film Le Mans. The car 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, and 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.
This book was published by Haynes Publishing and is considered an aspirational manual. It will not help you to change the spark plugs or replace a radiator hose. It looks at the car’s competition history, its design and the mechanical details that made it such a feared racer. The author has been speaking with the Ferrari engineer, Mauro Forghieri, responsible for bringing the 512 to life, as well as some of those concerned with preparing the cars for racing and those who drove it. He has also interviewed some 512 owners, both contemporary and current, and has included a valuable commentary on the state of the current Ferrari 512 market values. This book would be suitable for all levels of interest, from new enthusiast to hardened supporter.
