After the experience in the 1967 Can-Am series with the NART-Canada (412P) and 350, Ferrari began to study a specific car for this category which was becoming increasingly important. At the end of 1968 the 612 Can-Am was presented, with a powerful V12 6.2 liter engine giving some 620BHP, the largest Ferrari engine ever since then. The lines of the bodywork also anticipated the 312P in some way. The development of the mechanics and the aerodynamic research had lasted for a long time, thus postponing the presentation of the car and its racing debut, which took place in the last race of the 1968 Can-Am season, at the Stardust Grand Prix on 10 November 1968 with Chris Amon.