Volume VIII, Number 11

Pininfarina's Ferrari Concepts - 1968-70
By Doug Breithaupt


In 1967, the rules were changed for GT racing and Ferrari began work on a new 5 litre V12, based on the current Formula One engine. The results of this effort were three unique concept cars from Pininfarina and the 512S and 512M race cars. The 512S/M racers in berlinetta and spider form, competed in 1970-71. Wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring and a variety of races in Europe and South Africa were less than had been expected by Ferrari and further development of the 512 racers was suspended.

Toy versions of the 512S and 512M have been done by Corgi and Hot Wheels, as shown below. While the racing story is quite interesting, the purpose of this story is to review the three concept cars from Pininfarina that led to the 512 racers. Three small-scale toy versions of these concept cars were also produced and their story follows.
In 1968, Pininfarina used the still-born 250 P5 racing chassis and the 3 litre V12 to create the P5 concept car. It featured gull-wing doors, a glass-covered mid-engine and styling that was low and curvy. The 29 year old Leonardo Fioravanti was responsible for the design, many elements which appeared on later Ferrari models. The toy version is by Speedy, the toy car label for Mercury of Italy. It is quite accurate, although the color choice here is curious. The six lights in the nose are part of the base. In 1969, a second concept car was prepared by Pininfarina. Ferrari had just prepared the chassis for the new 512S race car and Pininfarina selected this for the use in building the 512S Berlinetta Speciale concept. Following the P5 concept, the 512S was even lower and more wedge-shaped. The 5 litre V12 provided power and the canopy tilted up for cockpit access. Hot Wheels produced the toy car version with cockpit and engine covers. It can be a challenge to find, especially in decent shape. In 1970, the third and most exotic of the three Pininfarina concepts was introduced, the Modulo. Again, the 512S racing chassis was used but the body was one of the most radical of the era. The car is almost flat and a horizontal line separates the upper and lower halves. Wheels are covered but seen through upper cut-outs. The Modulo has few production considerations as the front wheels could barely turn and vision must be challenging. Corgi offered the Modulo in their WhizzWheels line. Nothing opens and a decal covers the motor.


1968 Ferrari P5 Pininfarina concept


1969 Ferrari Pininfarina 512S Berlinetta Speciale concept


1970 Ferrari Pininfarina Modulo - based on Ferrari 512


Ferrari P5 Pininfarina concept - Speedy


Ferrari 512S Pininfarina concept - Hot Wheels


Ferrari Pininfarina Modulo - Corgi


1970-71 Ferrari 512S - Corgi


1970-71 Ferrari 512S


1970-71 Ferrari 512M - Hot Wheels

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