The Ferrari 512 M (Modificata) was Ferrari’s ultimate evolution of its V12 endurance prototype of the early 1970s, developed to challenge the mighty Porsche 917 in the World Sportscar Championship and, most notably, at Le Mans.
Introduced in 1970, the 512 M was a heavily revised version of the 512 S, featuring improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, and a more powerful 5.0-litre flat-12 engine producing around 610 horsepower. The “M” stood for Modificata, highlighting the extensive updates aimed at improving reliability, top speed, and handling under the demanding conditions of long-distance racing.
Unlike the earlier 512 S, which was more widely campaigned, only around 25 512 M chassis were completed, many of which were converted from existing 512 S cars. Ferrari opted not to enter the 512 M as a full factory works program, instead supporting privateer teams such as North American Racing Team (NART) and Scuderia Filipinetti, who ran the cars in top-tier events across Europe and North America.
While the 512 M never claimed overall victory at Le Mans, it achieved several notable results and is remembered for its fierce rivalry with the Porsche 917—most famously captured in the 1971 film “Le Mans”, starring Steve McQueen.
Today, the Ferrari 512 M is revered as one of the last truly raw, high-capacity V12 prototypes to emerge before regulations shifted endurance racing toward smaller engines and closed cockpits. It remains a rare and iconic piece of Ferrari’s motorsport legacy.
Ferrari 512 M Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | ||
| type | rear, longitudinal 60° V12 | |
| bore/stroke | 87 x 70 mm | |
| unitary displacement | 416.13 cc | |
| total displacement | 4993.53 cc | |
| compression ratio | 11.5 : 1 | |
| maximum power | 449 kW (610 hp) at 9000 rpm | |
| power per litre | 122 hp/l | |
| maximum torque | – | |
| valve actuation | twin overhead camshaft per bank, four valves per cylinder | |
| fuel feed | Lucas indirect injection | |
| ignition | electronic, single spark plug per cylinder | |
| lubrication | dry sump | |
| clutch | multi-plate | |
| CHASSIS | ||
| frame | tubular steel | |
| front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | |
| rear suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | |
| brakes | discs | |
| transmission | 5-speed + reverse | |
| steering | rack-and-pinion | |
| fuel tank | capacity 120 litres | |
| front tyres | 4.25-11.50-15 | |
| rear tyres | 6.00-14.50-15 | |
| BODYWORK | ||
| type | two-seater berlinetta | |
| length | 4180 mm | |
| width | 2015 mm | |
| height | 985 mm | |
| wheelbase | 2400 mm | |
| front track | 1518 mm | |
| rear track | 1511 mm | |
| weight | 815 kg (dry) | |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| top speed | 310 km/h | |
| acceleration 0-100 km/h | – | |
| 0-400 m | – | |
| 0-1000 m | – | |
Ferrari 512 M Valuation
The Ferrari 512 M sits at the pinnacle of Ferrari’s endurance racing legacy, and its value reflects both its historical importance and extreme rarity. As of 2025, values for original prototype 512 M race cars—particularly those with period competition history—are exceptionally high, typically trading in the range of £8 million to £10 million (approximately $10–12.5 million USD), with individual chassis commanding more depending on provenance.