ONE-OFF - Ferrari, the iconic supercar manufacturer, embodies everything quintessential about Italian sports cars: passion, emotion, beauty, and speed. Renowned for its history of both road and racing cars, Ferrari has introduced countless stunning models over the years. However, not all models made it to the production line, with many remaining as tantalizing concept cars.
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| 1969 Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale concept car whose entire development work was done by Pininfarina and launched for the first time at the Turin Motor Show 1969. (Picture from: Pinterest) |
Concept cars often remain just that—concepts. Occasionally, they inspire production vehicles that capture the imagination even more beautifully. Sometimes, special designers take the liberty to create new Ferraris that, unfortunately, remain within the realms of their imagination.One such concept is the Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale, a project developed entirely by Pininfarina and unveiled at the 1969 Turin Motor Show. This visionary concept was the brainchild of Filippo Sapino, a design director at Ghia for three decades. His most striking work during his brief tenure at Pininfarina in the late 1960s was undoubtedly this Ferrari concept car.
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| Uniquely, not an ordinary door system but a canopy flip-up is used to access the cabin of 1969 Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale concept car. (Picture from: Pinterest) |
The 512S Berlinetta Speciale was the first Ferrari concept car to employ a wedge-shaped design, setting a trend in car design that would define the 1970s. The name '512S' might be misleading, as the car did not feature a 5.0-liter V12 under its rear clamshell grille. Instead, it was based on the 312P, although it did not carry the 3.0-liter 12-cylinder engine, but rather a 6.0-liter engine from the 612 Can-Am. Unfortunately, this concept car was not drivable since the engine block lacked internal components. Perhaps one day, a complete engine might bring this stunning vehicle to life on the streets.
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| 1969 Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale concept car's interior view with right-hand steering wheel and 5-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Facebook) |
Despite not being a functional vehicle, Sapino made the most of the chassis' floor-hugging physique, incorporating unorthodox surface treatments to give the car a visually dynamic, almost supersonic appearance. A unique feature of this concept car is its canopy flip-up system, allowing access to the cabin—an innovative design element later used in another 512S concept, the 1970 Ferrari 512S Modulo designed by Paulo Martin.
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| 1969 Ferrari 512S Berlinetta Speciale concept car features a mid-mounted 6.0-liter V12 engine from a 612 Can-Am racer. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru) |
The angular design of the 512S Berlinetta Speciale marked a departure from Ferrari's earlier, more curvaceous styles. This concept set the stage for future models like the 365 GTC/4 and the Berlinetta Boxers, both also designed by Sapino. Ferrari's bold experimentation with design during this era highlights the company's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive aesthetics.
Ferrari continues to be a symbol of innovation, constantly evolving while staying true to its core values of passion, performance, and beauty. The 512S Berlinetta Speciale remains a testament to Ferrari's willingness to explore new horizons and redefine the limits of car design. As the brand looks to the future, it is these daring concepts that remind us of the endless possibilities in the world of automotive excellence. *** [EKA [17082020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CLASSICDRIVER.COM | CARSTYLING.RU ]Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
