The Ferrari 412 S was a one-off from 1958: it combined Ferrari's most powerful V12 to date (Tipo 141, 4.0 liters, 432 PS) with a unique, experimental racing chassis derived from the 312 S prototype. The bodywork was supplied by Scaglietti. The car was built for John von Neumann, who wanted to race it in the SCCA against the American Scarabs; drivers included Phil Hill and Richie Ginther. Because its engine came from the 412 MI Monza racer, it is sometimes mistakenly also referred to as the 412 MI.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreOrigins as the 312 S · Conversion to 412 S · Built for Neumann
Origins as the 312 S
Chassis number 0744 was created in 1958 as the 312 S prototype for the 3-liter limit following the events of the 1957 Mille Miglia. A new Tipo 142 V12 displaced 2953 cm³ and developed 320 PS at 8400 rpm, which was 20 PS more than the 250 TR. Experimental features included the Tipo 524 tubular frame with a rear transversely mounted gearbox in unit with the differential. At 750 kg, the car weighed less than the 800 kg 250 TR.
Conversion to 412 S
The 412 S was created using the 312 S chassis and the engine from the 412 MI. The Tipo 141 displaced 4023 cm³ (77 mm bore, 72 mm stroke), with a 9.9:1 compression ratio, six Weber 42DCN carburetors, and two spark plugs per cylinder. Compared to the 412 MI, it was detuned and produced 432 PS at 8000 rpm. The fuel tank capacity was increased from 130 to 196 liters. The body was a Scaglietti two-seater spider.
Built for Neumann
John von Neumann, Ferrari distributor in California, took delivery of the unique car in September 1958. He paid double the price of a new 250 TR to compete against Reventlow's Scarabs in the American SCCA series. In August 2006, RM Sotheby's auctioned the one-off in Monterey for 5.6 million US dollars.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 412 S
When was the Ferrari 412 S raced?
The Ferrari 412 S was raced in 1958.
How much power does the Ferrari 412 S have?
Power of the Ferrari 412 S: 432 PS.
What engine does the Ferrari 412 S have?
Engine of the Ferrari 412 S: 4.0 l (4023 cm³) Tipo 141 Jano V12. It is mounted at the front.
How many Ferrari 412 S were built?
The Ferrari 412 S is a one-off.
Who engineered the Ferrari 412 S?
Engineering of the Ferrari 412 S: Carrozzeria Scaglietti.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 412 S?
Predecessor: Ferrari 335 S.
