Broken Dreams: Pininfarina 512 S Modulo. The Eighth Wonder of the World

No one could possibly imagine that the chassis and the V12 engine of a powerful, race-winning Ferrari like the 512 S lie hidden beneath such unusual and futuristic shapes. The year is 1970, and Pininfarina and Bertone are locked in a battle of innovation. Designer Paolo Martin stuns the world with something truly revolutionary: The Modulo.

Although everyone recognizes it in its light metallic hue, the first Modulo concept was actually black—an unsuitable choice for highlighting its lines.

After its debut in Geneva, the Modulo captivated visitors at the Italian pavilion of the Osaka EXPO and went on to win multiple awards. As seen with Bertone’s Stratos Zero, entering the Modulo also required great agility: The windshield and part of the roof must slide forward to allow access to the cabin. The sleek design is as breathtaking as it is functional, with a reduced front profile and Ferrari’s signature red stripe wrapping around the nearly white body.

The Modulo’s profile emphasizes the design feature that unifies the bodywork: the semi-faired wheels, which bring remarkable harmony to this innovative model.

Fun fact: At its first appearance as a scale model, the Modulo was black, but the lighter color undoubtedly enhances its form—shapes that, even after 50 years, remain ahead of their time.

The powerful Ferrari V12, delivering 550 horsepower, breathed easily thanks to the large rear air intakes. The four centrally positioned, rectangular exhausts are particularly striking.

The Modulo is now part of the virtual exhibition Pininfarina – Iconic Legends on Roarington.com, where it has been meticulously scanned to create a true digital twin, identical in every detail. Also featured is the mascherone, a reference frame used by craftsmen to shape the prototype’s body panels. Click here to visit the exhibition.

The innovative access system, where the roof and windshield slide forward to reveal the cockpit.