1971 24 Hours of Le Mans - Pre-race

Pre-race

At the end of the 1970 season, Ferrari had entered a new version of the 512 in some races, the 512 M (Modificata). The 512 M had a new bodywork built on the same aerodynamics doctrine of the Porsche 917K.

During the 1971 season, the FIA decided to ban the "loop hole" Sport category for 1972, so the big 917s and 512s would have to retire at the end of a year which they would surely dominate again.

Ferrari decided to give up any official effort with the 512 in order to prepare the 1972 season a new prototype, the 312PB was presented and engaged by the factory in several races. But many 512s were still raced by private teams and most of them converted to M specification. Being cheaper than the 917 K, the 512 M appeared as a bargain for customers at the end of 1970.

Roger Penske bought a used 512 M chassis that was totally dismantled and rebuilt. The car was specially tuned for long races receiving many unique features, among them were a large rear wing and an aviation inspired quick refueling system. The engine was tuned by Can-Am V8 specialist Traco; this engine was probably able to deliver more than 600 hp (450 kW). As of today it's impossible to know to what extent Penske's initiative was backed by Ferrari works. This 512 M, painted in a blue and yellow livery, was sponsored by Sunoco and the Californian Ferrari dealer Kirk F. White. This car made the pole position for the 24 Hours of Daytona and finished second despite an accident. For the 12 Hours of Sebring the "Sunoco" won the pole, but finished the race in sixth position after making contact with Pedro Rodríguez's 917. Despite this misfortune, the car had proved to be a serious opponent for the 917. Not only this car was the fastest on track in Daytona and Sebring but it was also the car that had the shortest refueling time.

The presence of the 512 M "Sunoco" forced Porsche to pursue his effort of research and development on the 917: The 917 K tail was modified, and the 917 LH aerodynamics received further improvements. New magnesium chassis were developed. An entirely new car, the 917/20 was built as test-bed for future Can-Am parts and aerodynamic "low-drag" concepts. The chunky car was painted in pink for the race with names of pieces of meat written across it, earning it the nickname "Pink Pig". During the 1970-71 race period the 917 won 14 of the 21 races it entered and achieved second place in two of those races.

A modified Ferrari 512 featuring a narrowed cockpit (built around a Porsche 917 windshield) was entered by Scuderia Filipinetti, for Mike Parkes and Henri Pescarolo. The car was christened 512 F.

Matra entered only one 660 for Chris Amon and Jean-Pierre Beltoise.

The Ford-Cosworth DFV made its Le Mans debut in Guy Ligier's new JS-3. The engine was limited to 8800 rpm, allowing around 400 hp (300 kW).