Thanks to Jim Glickenhaus, Pininfarina’s amazing 1970 concept can finally move on its own.
Have you ever heard of Ferrari 512 S Modulo Concept? Well, us neither…
The UFO-like styling, concealed wheels, front-sliding cockpit, and quirky wedge shape should be enough to remind you how radical automotive design was back then, to the point that this car has won design 22 awards.
Designed by Paolo Martin, the Modulo debuted at the 1970 Turin Motor Show. Here’s what Pininfarina thinks you should notice about her:
The Modulo is characterized by two overlapping body shells, separated by a rectilinear indentation on the waistline. Front assembly, canopy and trunk were joined in a single arching curve, the ample windshield was bordered by truncated come uprights that considerably lightened the extensive surface of the front assembly. The stylistic progression of the side windows was repeated in impression on the lower section of the module, in sheet metal. The rear assembly attracted attention by the fairing around the wheels, which joins up with the bodywork, creating a cylindrical motif of particular originality. Access to the passenger compartment is obtained by sliding the entire cupola, including the windscreen, on special guides. The interior of the cockpit was spare, with two anatomically shaped and highly elongated seats, enveloping, providing a correct driving position and perfect anchoring of driver and passenger. Interesting feature is represented by the adoption of two spherical turning elements working as orientable aerator and as a support for the main controls.
James Glickenhaus had this to say about their glorious “new” V12 concept car:
To me Modulo was always a dream. Displayed in museums along side girls wearing the first mini skirts the future sitting before you today. I never thought it would be possible to own her. She was unattainable a work of art. The stars aligned and Pininfarina passed her on to me. She began as a Ferrari 512S chassis and engine #27. Ferrari then converted her to a 612 Can Am using the same chassis, engine and gearbox but modifying them to 612 specs. When Ferrari was done with her they removed her 612 body and her engine and gearbox internals and sent her on to Pininfarina to build a show car. Modulo was born and what a birth! The only thing was she was a non running work of Art. After some thought I decided to finish her into a running one. Sourcing her internals and making her original mechanicals roadworthy was a massive undertaking. Seeing her first drive is very emotional. Her coming out will be at Pebble in August.
