There must be a handy metaphor in this...

Reader Marco Ganz writes to tell me that in the 1970s, Ferrari had a beautiful racing car called the Coda Lunga (Long Tail).

From the QV500 guide to classic racing cars:

[In the fall of 1969, Enzo Ferrari was working on improving the 512 model for the racing team led by Mario Andretti.] Modifications were made throughout the year, particularly to the aerodynamics. Other alterations included a switch from a louvred rear window to a clear plastic item, helmet bubbles of varying shapes and sizes and a periscope rear view mirror. However, unarguably the most striking development came at Le Mans where a Coda Lunga or Long Tail version was used. It featured special low drag bodywork to take advantage of the massive speeds attainable down the chaicane-less Mulsanne Straight, the extended rear bodywork being adorned with vertical fins, a wraparound lip spoiler and an enveloping tail facia. No less than 11 512's were entered for the 24 Hour race in 1970, four of which were Coda Lunga's, both Ferrari and Porsche producing one-race specials for this event. Scuderia Ferrari, NART, Scuderia Filipinetti and Ecurie Francorchamps each had a Long Tail in their armoury, all but two of the 11 512's retiring, four being knocked out simultaneously in a freak multiple pile up. The two finishers were both Coda Lungo's and they came home in fourth (NART) and fifth (Ecurie Francorchamps) behind a trio of Porsche's. After Le Mans, development started on the lighter, more powerful 512 M for 1971.

Comments

[Valeria Maltoni]

Chris,

This post is perfect for me to visit and let you know how much I'm enjoying and using the ideas in your book.

My hometown is Modena, Italy, where they make Ferraris -- in Maranello to be exact. I used to know his nephew way back then.

Writers do say that metaphors are worth a thousand pictures -- well Dan Pink at least says that. Isn't that car a beauty though? Italians can really do design http://www.ferrariworld.com/FWorld/fw/index.jsp.

[Donal]

Long tail versions of many different sports cars have been produced specifically for the Le Mans 24 hour race over the years. Porsche also produced long tail versions of their sports racing cars, and some of these were nicknamed 'Langheck' (German for long tail). The Porsche 962, probably the most successful sports racer of all time, was a long-tail version of the earlier 956, although it was never called 'long tail', probably because the 962 designation was enough to separate its identity from earlier versions.

[john simonds]

here is the Porsche 917LH (long tail or Langheck)

http://www.rickcarey.com/Catalog%20Descriptions/Christie's%20Porsche%20917LH%20917-043.htm

[Marlin May]

Oh Lordy.

A few weeks on the best sellers list, and he's posting pictures of Ferraris.

;-)

[Kenn Munk]

but then again, it says 23 on the side... that usually leads to bad things...

[christmas presents]

Hi.This is great work.It would be great to own a full size and race it as well.