The Ferrari 512 S Modulo is a concept sports car designed by Paolo Martin of Pininfarina and unveiled at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show. It was built on the chassis and engine of a Ferrari 512 S racing car.
Ferrari Modulo at a glance
| Unveiled | 1970 Geneva Motor Show |
|---|---|
| Designer | Paolo Martin, Pininfarina |
| Basis | Ferrari 512 S, chassis and engine number 27 |
| Engine | Ferrari V12, 550 hp (410 kW) |
| Claimed top speed | about 354 km/h (220 mph) |
| Claimed 0–60 mph | about 3.0 s |
| Body | extremely low wedge, partly covered wheels |
| Roof | canopy-style glass that slides forward |
| Engine cover | 24 holes revealing the V12 |
| Awards | 22 design awards |
based on one source (English Wikipedia); performance figures are the claims of the period.
History of the Ferrari Modulo
The Modulo has an extremely low, wedge-shaped body with a canopy-style glass roof that slides forward to let occupants into the cabin, and all four wheels are partly covered by the bodywork. One of its signature details is a set of 24 holes in the engine cover that reveal the Ferrari V12 beneath, an engine developing 550 hp and, according to the period claims, good for a top speed of around 220 mph and 0–60 mph in approximately three seconds.
From race car to show car
The Modulo began as a Ferrari 512 S, chassis and engine number 27, which was converted to 612 Can Am specification. After testing, the engine and transmission were removed and the chassis stripped down and handed to Pininfarina to build a show car. The result debuted at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, originally painted black and later repainted white.
Reception and survival
The Modulo was well received by critics and collected 22 awards for its design, becoming one of the emblematic concepts of the wedge era. In 2014 Pininfarina sold it to the American entrepreneur and automotive enthusiast James Glickenhaus, who set about restoring it to full operating condition. It remains a one-off.
Design and features
- Wedge body: an extremely low shape with all four wheels partly covered.
- Sliding canopy: a glass roof that moves forward for entry instead of doors.
- Exposed engine: 24 holes in the engine cover show the 550 hp V12.
- 22 design awards: one of the most celebrated concepts of its era.
- One-off: still a single car, now owned by James Glickenhaus.
Ferrari Modulo versions
- Modulo (1970): the only example, built on a 512 S chassis.
The Modulo was built from a Ferrari 512 S, the same racing car that became the 512 M. More concepts and racing cars are in the Ferrari collection.
Video: Ferrari 512 Modulo – back to the future
Video by dobermandark on YouTube.
Sources
- Ferrari Modulo, English Wikipedia: design, basis, performance claims, history
