Description

The Ferrari 512 S Coda Lunga was a long-tail version of the 512 S developed in 1970 specifically for high-speed endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The term Coda Lunga translates to “long tail,” a reference to its extended rear bodywork designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency and stability on long straights. Ferrari engineers recognized that the standard 512 S, while powerful, needed a more streamlined profile to keep pace with the Porsche 917 Langheck on the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, where top speed was critical.

Mechanically, the Coda Lunga retained the same 5.0-liter V12 engine as the standard 512 S, producing around 550 horsepower at 8,500 rpm. This high-revving engine, with its sophisticated twin-cam, four-valve-per-cylinder architecture, gave the car exceptional performance and a ferocious exhaust note. The difference lay in the bodywork: the rear section was significantly elongated, with a tapering tail and modified aerodynamics to reduce drag. This allowed the Coda Lunga to reach speeds above 340 km/h (210 mph), giving Ferrari the extra edge it needed on the immense straights of Le Mans.

Visually, the Coda Lunga stood apart from the standard berlinetta and spyder variants of the 512 S. Its stretched proportions, sweeping rear, and purposeful design gave it a unique and menacing character. The shape was not only functional but also added to the drama and presence of the car, making it one of the most striking Ferraris ever built. Though heavier and less agile on tighter circuits than the standard short-tail 512 S, the Coda Lunga was tailor-made for Le Mans, where aerodynamic efficiency outweighed nimble handling.

In competition, the 512 S Coda Lunga made its mark during the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most legendary races in endurance history. Ferrari fielded multiple 512 S entries against a formidable Porsche armada, which included both short- and long-tail 917s. The Coda Lunga variants demonstrated their speed, but reliability issues and the sheer strength of Porsche’s campaign meant Ferrari was unable to claim overall victory. Despite this, the 512 S Coda Lunga contributed to the unforgettable spectacle of the 1970 Le Mans, a race immortalized in motorsport lore.

Only a handful of 512 S chassis were converted into Coda Lunga form, making them exceptionally rare. Today, they are among the most coveted Ferrari prototypes, valued not only for their rarity but also for their connection to one of the most dramatic eras in endurance racing. The Ferrari 512 S Coda Lunga represents the ingenuity and determination of Maranello during a period when engineering, speed, and rivalry reached their peak. It remains a breathtaking blend of power, design, and endurance racing history, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Porsche 917 in the pantheon of Le Mans legends.