Ferrari 330 P4: Maranello’s Sexiest Racing Beast of the 1960s

Season Greetings - Even among the beautiful, classic sports cars of the 1960s—a golden era for motorsports—the Ferrari 330 P4 stands out as a true icon. Introduced in 1967 by the Maranello-based automaker, the 330 P4 combines exotic styling that seems to blend elements of aircraft design with that of a race car. Beyond its striking appearance, it’s also known for being one of the easiest race cars to drive—a rare trait for a machine of its caliber.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 is an exotic race car of the Maranello-based automaker with an appearance that seems to mix the design of an airplane with a race car and said to be the easiest one to drive. (Picture from: Roarington)

According to Ferrari’s official sources, the 330 P4 carries forward the sleek design language of its predecessor, the 330 P3. However, under the surface, it was a major technical leap forward. At its heart lies a radically redesigned V12 engine by Franco Rocchi, featuring a new three-valve cylinder head—two inlet valves and one exhaust—and a Lucas fuel injection system, which replaced the carburetors of earlier Ferrari prototypes.

The 1-2-3 brilliant winning finish moment of the Ferrari 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P at the 24 Hours of Daytona 1967. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)

The car was built on a slightly shorter chassis than the 330 P3, with a completely revamped suspension setup that significantly improved roadholding and handling characteristics. These enhancements contributed to the car’s immense racing success and its legendary status today.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 is built on a slightly shorter chassis than the 330 P3’s, and the new suspension system improved roadholding. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

The 330 P4 reached the height of its fame at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967, where Ferrari secured a historic 1-2-3 finish with the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P—cementing the brand's dominance in endurance racing. This result was a direct response to Ford’s challenge and served as a symbolic victory in the intense Ferrari vs. Ford rivalry of the era.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 is powered by a V12 engine with a capacity of 3,967 cc (242 CI) and coupled with an addition of the same fuel injection system from the previous P3 model. (Picture from: Otoblitz)

In terms of performance, the Ferrari 330 P4’s 3,967 cc (242 CI) V12 engine produced 450 horsepower (335 kW), enabling the car to reach a top speed of 210 mph (338 km/h)—a staggering figure for its time. Only three units of the 330 P4 were ever built, making it one of the rarest and most coveted Ferraris in existence.

The 1967 Ferrari 330 P4 was built on a slightly shorter chassis than the 330 P3, with a completely revamped suspension setup that significantly improved roadholding and handling characteristics. (Picture from: Ferrari)

Nick Longhi, a mechanical engineer and instructor at Ferrari’s Corso Pilota, described the P4 by saying, “Almost anyone can jump in and immediately be able to drive it.” This unique combination of performance, drivability, and timeless beauty makes the 330 P4 one of the most admired and celebrated cars in automotive history. Well, here's a video of his appearance from the Petrolicious's YouTube account. Enjoy!

Today, only one original Ferrari 330 P4 remains, and it continues to mesmerize enthusiasts around the world. Its legacy inspired Ferrari to create the Daytona SP3, launched in November 2021 as the third model in Ferrari’s Icona series. The SP3 was designed as a modern tribute to the unforgettable 1-2-3 victory at Daytona, linking past glory to contemporary innovation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | SPORTSCARDIGEST | ROARINGTON ]

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