Even in present times, the 1970 Ferrari 512 S Modulo still captures the imagination. This extraordinary wedge-shaped supercar is a rare gem, more elusive than sight of a unicorn or Bigfoot. Nonetheless, its main purpose is to ignite inspiration. Although Ferrari never had plans to put the 512 S Modulo into production, it set the stage for the wedge-shaped Ferraris of the 1970s and early 80s.
The car debuted at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show, where Pininfarina presented it as a response to Bertone’s Lancia Stratos Zero, the concept car that later influenced the production Stratos rally car. The Ferrari 512 S Modulo reportedly won 22 international design accolades, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate “king of wedges.”
Paolo Martin was the mastermind behind the Ferrari 512 S Modulo, a revolutionary vehicle sporting an ultra-low wedge-shaped body that partially conceals the wheels. The 512 S Modulo is distinctive for its non-traditional entryways; rather than conventional doors, it boasts a canopy-style glass roof inspired by fighter jets that smoothly slides forward for entry.
Beneath the car’s sleek wedge exterior lies the heart of a Ferrari 512 S Group 5 racing car. Ferrari only crafted 25 units of the 512 S for their racing team, Scuderia. However, they provided Pininfarina with a spare chassis, which was utilized to craft this unique showpiece – the Ferrari 512 S Modulo.
When it premiered in Geneva, the car did not house a functioning engine and transmission. Yet under its uniquely styled, perforated engine cover resides a 5.0-liter Ferrari V12 engine generating 550 horsepower. Ferrari claims that the 512 S Modulo can reach a top speed of 220 mph and accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds.
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