Ferrari 612 P

Concept

In 1968, the Scuderia's management decided to build and campaign its own sports car for the Can-Am series, which was popular in Canada and the United States. The mid-engine already existed in the 512 S; with a displacement of just under 6.2 liters, it produced 620 PS and operated with Lucas fuel injection at a compression ratio of 10.5:1. To ensure the rear wheels still found traction, a massive rear wing sat above the engine, just behind the driver. Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team organized the entries.

Technical specifications

Bore and stroke measured 92 x 78 mm. The chassis consisted of riveted aluminum panels over a tubular steel spaceframe. Front and rear, double wishbones, coil springs, and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers provided wheel location, while the internally ventilated disc brakes were mounted outboard on the wheel carriers. The wheelbase measured 2450 mm, with a front track of 1603 mm and a rear track of 1591 mm. The car was 4200 mm long, 2240 mm wide, and 890 mm high; dry weight was 700 kg, and 680 kg in 1969.

The races

The entire 1969 season met with only limited success, as the Scuderia ran the campaign with only limited commitment. Chris Amon's second-place finish in Edmonton remained the car's best result that year; added to this were third places at Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio. When the successor 712 P appeared in 1970, the 612 P nonetheless continued racing until 1971.

Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.