1979 Ferrari 312 T4

The Ferrari 312 T4 1979 is one of the most iconic racing cars in the history of Formula One. This was the fourth evolution of the legendary 312 T series, which dominated the sport in the late 1970s. It was the last front-engined Ferrari F1 car and was replaced by the 126 CK in 1981. The 312 T4 was driven by the famous Gilles Villeneuve and his teammate Jody Scheckter.

The 312 T4 had a lightweight monocoque chassis made of sheet aluminum and had a wheelbase of 2,605 mm. The suspension was a typical Ferrari-style double-wishbone setup with inboard springs and dampers at the front and rear. The braking system was composed of ventilated cast iron discs and aluminum calipers.

The heart of the 312 T4 was a 3.0-liter flat-12 engine, which produced 520 horsepower at 12,200 RPM. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the car, just behind the driver. It was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox with straight-cut gears, which sent power to the rear wheels. One of the most noticeable features of the engine was its horizontally opposed design, which gave it a low center of gravity and improved handling characteristics.

The 312 T4 also boasted an advanced aerodynamic package, featuring a high front wing, side skirts, and a distinctive triple rear wing. The rear wing was mounted above the bodywork and attached to the gearbox casing. It was composed of three separate planes, with the central plane being adjustable. This setup generated a huge amount of downforce and allowed the car to grip the track like glue.

The cockpit of the 312 T4 was minimalistic, with a single seat and a simple dashboard. The steering wheel was a three-spoke design with a small diameter, which allowed the driver to make quick and precise maneuvers. The car had an open roof, exposing the driver's head, but had a small windscreen to deflect the wind.

Overall, the Ferrari 312 T4 1979 was an engineering masterpiece that represented the pinnacle of Formula One technology at the time. Its combination of power, aerodynamics, and handling allowed it to win the Constructors' Championship in 1979 and bring Gilles Villeneuve his first and only World Championship. Today, it is considered one of the most iconic racing cars of all time and continues to inspire enthusiasts and racers alike.