| Category | Can-Am | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Designer | Giacomo Caliri | ||||||||||
| Production | 1968-69 | ||||||||||
| Predecessor | Ferrari 412P | ||||||||||
| Successor | Ferrari 712P | ||||||||||
| Technical specifications | |||||||||||
| Length | 4,200 millimetres (170 in) | ||||||||||
| Width | 2,240 millimetres (88 in) | ||||||||||
| Height | 890 millimetres (35 in) | ||||||||||
| Axle track | 1,603 millimetres (63.1 in) 1,591 millimetres (62.6 in) | ||||||||||
| Wheelbase | 2,450 millimetres (96 in) | ||||||||||
| Engine | Ferrari 512 Derived V12 6,222 cubic centimetres (379.7 cu in; 6.222 L) (92 by 78 millimetres (3.6 in × 3.1 in))RMR | ||||||||||
| Transmission | 4-speed manual, 1 reverse gear | ||||||||||
| Power | 455 kilowatts (610 bhp; 619 PS) @ 7,000 rpm 588 newton-metres (434 lbf⋅ft) @ 5,600 rpm | ||||||||||
| Weight | 680–700 kilograms (1,500–1,540 lb) | ||||||||||
| Competition history | |||||||||||
| Notable entrants | Scuderia Ferrari | ||||||||||
| Notable drivers | Jim Adams Chris Amon | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
TheFerrari 612P (the "P" stands for prototype, the "6" refers to theengine displacement, and the "12" denotes the number of cylinders), is a purpose-builtGroup 7prototype, designed, developed and built byScuderia Ferrari, specifically intended to be used in the North AmericanCan-Amsports car racing series in 1968-1971.[1][2]
In 1968, the management of Scuderia decided to build its own sports car for the CanAm racing series, popular in Canada and the United States, and to use it themselves. In 1967 a convertedFerrari 412P was used as a 412 Can-Am. The North American Racing Team from Luigi Chinetti organized the racing commitments.[3][4]
The Ferrari 612 Can-Am had the 12-cylinder mid-engine initially used in theFerrari 512S. The engine developed 620 hp with a displacement of almost 6.2 liters. In order to achieve sufficient traction for the rear wheels despite this performance, a powerful rear wing was mounted just behind the driver above the engine.[5][6]
The car made its debut in the fall of 1968. New ZealanderChris Amon, Scuderia works driver inFormula One and the sports car world championship, crashed out of the race in Las Vegas after just one lap. The entire 1969 season was only partially successful, as the Scuderia operated the missions only with limited commitment. Chris Amon's second place in Edmonton remained the best place for the car for the entire season. With third places in Watkins Glen and Mid-Ohio, Amon made two more podium finishes. It was succeeded by theFerrari 712P Can-Am in 1970, however, the 612P was raced through 1971[7][8][9]
