We have a very special new arrival at THJ, a 1971 Ferrari 512 M, chassis 1018. It is one of only 15 Ferrari 512 Ms and is one of the most original surviving examples. It was first configured as one of the 25 Ferrari 512 S cars for the 1970 season, which had been developed to combat the dominance of Porsche, and was sold to Georg Loos, a renowned privateer who entered it into a number of important races in 1970, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

At the end of 1970 Mr Loos sent the car back to the factory to have it upgraded to the even more powerful and aerodynamic ‘M’ specification, with the ‘M’ standing for ‘Modificata’, only 15 of the 512 S cars were converted. Throughout 1971, this car and driver pairing put in some very respectable performances and again competed at Le Mans. It was only when the rules were changed to ban 5-litre cars at the end of 1971 that chassis 1018’s period racing career came to an end.

From the end of its racing days in October 1971, the car spent its life in the very best hands possible, benefitting from long-term ownership with two of the world’s finest Ferrari collectors who truly understood the importance of maintaining the car’s originality.

The car is fresh from a ‘preservation restoration’ by world-renowned Ferrari specialists, Autofficina Bonini in Reggio Emilia. The remit given to Bonini was to ensure the originality was protected for future generations while also breathing a new lease of life into the car. The mechanical components were completely checked and gone through while the original patina of the car was maintained.

It is eligible for a number of motoring and race events including the Le Mans Classic and the Masters Historic Racing series. It is Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certified, confirming it still retains its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox, which is something quite remarkable for a race car that competed in the likes of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in period.