1970 Ferrari 512 M
- Engine
- 5.0L V12, 610 bhp (modified spec)
- Colour
- Francorchamps yellow ('Giallo')
Ferrari 512 S chassis 1030, later upgraded to 512 M specification, was delivered new in spring 1970 to Belgian racing team Ecurie Francorchamps, uniquely finished in Giallo yellow. It competed in major endurance events including the 1000 Km of Spa, Le Mans, and Kyalami before appearing in Steve McQueen's film 'Le Mans'. Converted to 'M' specification in Belgium, it continued racing through 1971 and was subsequently owned by Alain de Cadenet, Neil Corner, and Lord Anthony Bamford, the latter winning all seven MN GT championship starts. Ferrari Classiche certified in 2005, the car is regarded as one of the finest surviving 512 M examples, having avoided major collision throughout its racing career.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate €9,000,000 – €12,000,000
- 1970 → 1971Factory deliveryEcurie Francorchampsfull documentation
Belgian Ferrari dealer and racing team that purchased the car new in spring 1970 and campaigned it through the 1970 and 1971 endurance seasons. The car was upgraded to 512 M specification during this period.
- 1970 → 2018Various international collectorsnone documentation
The car passed through the hands of several well-regarded collectors worldwide between the 1970s and 2018; individual identities are not disclosed.
- 1971 → 1971Acquisition unknownAlain de Cadenetpartial documentation
Acquired the car after its racing career concluded; held it only briefly before passing it on within the same year.
- 1971 → 1972Private saleNeil Cornerpartial documentation
British collector who purchased the car from de Cadenet and subsequently sold it to Lord Bamford the following year.
- 1972 →Private saleLord Anthony Bamfordpartial documentation
Entered the car in the MN GT championship in 1972, achieving seven first-place finishes across all appearances that season.
- 2018 →Acquisition unknownCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Acquired the car in 2018 and has kept it as part of a private collection; the car retains its 1971 Francorchamps yellow livery.
Competition
- 19709 Hours of Kyalami6th overall, 3rd in class
Contested in South Africa after the car appeared in filming for the Steve McQueen motorsport film that autumn.
- 1970-05-171000 Km of SpaDriver: Derek Bell8th overall
Co-driven by Hugues de Fierlant; qualified 7th. Served as the car's competitive debut.
- 1970-06-13Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Alistair Walker5th overall, 4th in 5.0-litre class
Co-driven by Hugues de Fierlant; race ran across 13–14 June 1970.
- 1971Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Alain de CadenetDNF — gearbox failure
Co-driven by Hugues de Fierlant; qualified 10th for Ecurie Francorchamps. Retired early due to transmission problems.
- 1971-01-101000 Km of Buenos AiresDriver: Gustave Gosselin6th overall, 4th in class
Co-driven by Hugues de Fierlant; car ran with race number 18.
- 1971-01-30Daytona 24 HoursDriver: Gustave GosselinDNF — oil pressure failure on lap 124
Co-driven by de Fierlant; qualified 11th. Race ran across 30–31 January 1971.
- 1971-07-016 Hours of Watkins GlenDriver: Alain de Cadenet4th overall, 3rd in class
Co-driven by Lothar Motschenbacher; contested later in July 1971.
- 1971-07-01Can-AmCan-Am raceDriver: Alain de Cadenet18th
De Cadenet competed the day following the Watkins Glen event; exact venue not specified.
- 1971-07-04Coupes BeneluxCoupes Benelux at ZandvoortDriver: Hugues de Fierlant1st overall
Outright victory for de Fierlant at the Zandvoort circuit.
- 1972MN GT ChampionshipMN GT Championship1st in all seven rounds entered
Lord Bamford entered the car across seven championship rounds in 1972, securing a first-place result at each appearance.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1971Modification
Car upgraded from 512 S to 512 M specification in Belgium: revised lighter engine with more efficient cylinder heads increasing output to 610 bhp, and revised lower bodywork improving aerodynamic efficiency, refinished again in yellow.
One of 15 Ferrari 512s to receive the 'modificata' upgrade; work carried out after the 1971 Daytona race.
- 2005InspectionFerrari Classiche
Vehicle certified by Ferrari Classiche and issued a 'Red Book' authentication document; accompanied by a condition and history report prepared by marque historian Marcel Massini.
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