1980 Ferrari 312 T5 #048
SPECIFICATIONS
- MakeFerrari
- Model312 T5
- Year1980
- Serial #048
- Engine TypeFLAT-12
- Chassis TypeAlloy Monocoque
- Build Sequence #30th Of 30 312 Ts
- Number Built6th Of 6 312 T5s
- Body TypeMonoposto
- Body BuilderSEFAC Ferrari
- First OwnerSEFAC
- Current LocationEngland
We are pleased to offer by exclusive listing 1980 Ferrari 312 T5 s/n 048, the last of the flat-12-cylinder F1 Ferraris built, the last of the pre-turbo and the last of the pre-computer Ferrari F1 cars built and the last 12-cylinder Ferrari driven by Canadian F1 driver Gilles Villeneuve. The 312 T series has an on-board starter so it’s a simple push-button start. 312 T5 s/n 048 was driven by Gilles Villeneuve in the 1980 British Grand Prix (DNFed),the German Grand Prix (6th); the Dutch Grand Prix (7th) and the Italian Grand Prix (DNFed).
The first of the 312 T series was designed by Mauro Forghieri for the 1975 season and was the weapon of choice for SEFAC Ferrari from 1975 through to the 1980 season. It was an uncomplicated and clean design that was continually evolved with ongoing mechanical upgrades. The 312 T series featured the same flat-12 engine as had been used since 1970, a 180 degree flat-twelve with four-valves per cylinder, iron cylinder liners and four main bearings, albeit evolved and tuned to give around 515 bhp @ 12,200 rpm in the 312 T5. The bodywork was also visibly very different, with a flatter top to the body, allowing improved air flow to the rear wing. Total weight was only 598 k or 1,315 lbs.
The current long-term owner was a well-known parts supplier to many F1 teams. He purchased T5 s/n 048 in 1982, knowing it was the last flat-12 built, and then went on an extensive development program of T5 s/n 048 for vintage racing. For example, as purchased, the cylinder liners were “too tight” and not symmetrical, the Lucas metering unit required micro-machining and the Koni shock rods were too short, “picking up” the inside wheels on corners. Over the last two decades T5 s/n 048 has been refined and developed to levels few historic racers could or would ever attempt and has just finished an absolutely no-excuses obsessive-compulsive restoration.
The 312 T series won 27 races, four constructors’ championships and three drivers’ championships, with Niki Lauda in 1975 and again in 1977, and with Jody Scheckter in 1979. The “T” in the car’s name stood for trasversale, Ferrari’s unique and innovative transverse-mounted gearbox, allowing the gearbox to be placed ahead of the rear axle giving a low polar moment of inertia. The 312 Ts were all fitted with an on-board starter and battery, making them the last of the user-friendly F1 Ferraris. 312 T5 s/n 048 can be maintained and supported at the track by a single skilled mechanic, and has been meticulously developed and maintained by one long-term owner over the last twenty years. Comes with a spare set of wheels, the roll-around wheels, a spare front wing and the basic equipment needed for vintage racing.
1980 Ferrari 312 T5 s/n 048, the last of the flat-12-cylinder F1 Ferraris built, the last of the pre-turbo and pre-computer Ferrari F1 cars built and the last 12-cylinder Ferrari driven by Canadian F1 driver Gilles Villeneuve. 312 T5 s/n 048 was driven by Gilles Villeneuve in the 1980 British Grand Prix (DNFed),the German Grand Prix (6th); the Dutch Grand Prix (7th) and the Italian Grand Prix (DNFed).
The current owner purchased T5 s/n 048 in 1982 knowing it was the last flat-12 built and then went on an extensive development program of T5 s/n 048 for vintage racing. For example, as purchased, the cylinder liners were “too tight” and not symmetrical, the Lucas metering unit required micro-machining and the Koni shock rods were too short. Over the last two decades T5 s/n 048 has been refined and developed to levels few historic racers could or would ever attempt.
The 312 Ts were all fitted with an on-board starter and battery making them the last of the user-friendly F1 Ferraris. 312 T5 s/n 048 can be maintained and supported at the track by a single skilled mechanic and has been meticulously developed and maintained by one long-term owner over the last twenty years. Comes with a spare set of wheels and the basic equipment needed for vintage racing.
1980, British GP, DNF due to engine, G. Villeneuve.
1980, German GP, 6th, G. Villeneuve.
1980, Dutch GP, 7th, G. Villeneuve.
1980, Italian GP, DNF due to accident, G. Villeneuve.
1981, to Albert Obrist, Switzerland.
1987, 04 Oct., shown at the Ferrari Club Italia Meet, Imola, Italy by Albert Obrist (Cavallino #42 p44).
1988, to Anthony Wang, New York.
1992, 14 Oct., unsold at Brooks London sale.
1992, sold to current owner, England.
1996, February, as per conversation with the owner, he has sold 312 T s/n 018 to buy s/n 048. the very last flat-12 Ferrari. He is spending lots of money to try to get closer to 500 HP and make it a far more competetive car than when new.
The engine was getting 420 HP, now getting 485 HP. The secret was many things but the biggest step was that the liners were too tight in the block and were not symetrical from top to bottom. The Lucas metering unit was also a big problem and required massive micro-machining. Had to make the top end and then the bottom end of the metering unit both work and adjust cleanly.
The Koni shock rods were too short and the wheels were actually “picking up” in the corners. They have lengthened the rods so the tires stayed on the track.
As per the owner, in 1979 Ferrari had a better engine and Michelin Radial tires. By 1980, the opposition had Goodyears that were as good as the Michelins and the Cosworth found more power.
2001, 20–22 July, Brands Hatch event. 312 T5 #048 raced by Mike Littlewood on #111.
2005, 03–04 Sept., at the See Red Ferrari event, Donnington Park, England. 312 T5 #048 raced by Mike Littlewood.
2009, 12 June, at the Circuito da Boavista vintage event, Oporto, Portugal. 312 T5 #048 raced by Mike Littlewood on #2.
2012, November, on consignment with Mike Sheehan’s Ferraris-online.com.
