Racing Legacy - Ferrari is known for its passion and commitment to performance, design, and innovation. From the earliest days of the Prancing Horse brand, the company has left an indelible mark on the world of motorsport. Among the many remarkable Ferrari creations, one car stands out as a true gem in the company's racing history: the Ferrari 312 P. While the 312 P may not have reached the same level of fame as the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO or the mighty Ferrari 512, it is a standout in its own right and an important chapter in Ferrari's World Sportscar Championship legacy.
The 1969 Ferrari 312 P, built on chassis 0872, was the only example ever made in the coupe style, making it a unique and rare version of this remarkable racing car.(Picture from: Conifera on X)
Understanding the journey of the 312 P offers a glimpse into Ferrari's quest for dominance on the racetrack and its response to industry shifts in the late 1960s. The 312 P's story begins with the backdrop of Ferrari's absence from the 1968 racing season. The FIA had introduced a new regulation that limited Group 6 Prototypes to three-litre engines, effectively putting an end to the dominance of larger-engine cars such as the Ferrari P4 and the Ford MkIV. Enzo Ferrari, feeling that the decision was made without consultation with the manufacturers, chose to withdraw from the 1968 season in protest.
The 1969 Ferrari 312 P Spyder built on chassis 0870. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)
Instead, Ferrari focused on the Group 7 Can-Am series, a decision that kept the team's competitive spirit alive, albeit outside the world of European sports car racing. Instead, Ferrari focused on the Group 7 Can-Am series, a decision that kept the team's competitive spirit alive, albeit outside the world of European sports car racing.
However, by mid-1968, Ferrari's ambitions for a return to the World Sportscar Championship in 1969 were reignited. A new challenge lay ahead with the three-litre engine limit for Group 6 Prototypes still in place. Ferrari's engineers, led by the talented and experienced Franco Rocchi, began developing the 312 P as a direct response to the evolving competition. Ferrari’s 312 P was conceived as a prototype that would combine the precision and experience of the Formula 1 world with the demands of endurance racing. The car was designed not only to compete but to win.
The 1969 Ferrari 512 S Berlinetta Speciale concept car, built on the Ferrari 312 P Spyder chassis, was fully developed by Pininfarina and first unveiled at the 1969 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Unveiled in December 1968, the Ferrari 312 P had a striking appearance and technical specifications that made it a force to be reckoned with. The heart of the car was a naturally aspirated, 2989cc V12 engine, which was derived from Ferrari's Formula 1 engine used in the 312 F1 racer. The engine was tuned slightly lower to improve its reliability over long distances, making it a highly competitive power unit despite being down on outright power compared to the more extreme offerings from rivals like Porsche. The car's dry-sump, 60° V12 engine produced 420 horsepower, with peak power delivered at a slightly lower rpm than the F1 counterpart, a feature designed for endurance racing where consistency and durability are paramount.
The 1969 Ferrari 312 P, built on chassis 0872 while on action at the 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The 312 P's chassis was also a work of art, employing a semi-monocoque tubular steel frame, combined with aluminium and fiberglass body panels. This design not only reduced weight but also provided the necessary strength and rigidity to handle the intense forces of high-speed racing. The car's suspension, derived from Ferrari's F1 car, featured fully adjustable double wishbones, coil springs, and Koni shocks, while ventilated disc brakes supplied by Girling ensured effective stopping power. Its lightweight 15-inch Campagnolo wheels, shod with Firestone tyres, further added to the car’s agility and responsiveness on the track.
The 1969 Ferrari 312 P, built on chassis 0872 while on action at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
When it came to handling, the 312 P benefited from the expertise Ferrari had gathered in Formula 1. With its low center of gravity, the car’s design allowed for exceptional balance and cornering capability. Additionally, the 312 P featured a sleek body, with a nose designed to accommodate radiator ducts and integrated headlights, while its rear bodywork incorporated an adjustable spoiler to manage airflow and downforce. The car’s minimalistic interior reflected its racing purpose, with simple instrumentation, ribbed vinyl seats, and a focus on performance rather than comfort.
The 1969 Ferrari 312 P, built on chassis 0872 while on action at the 2014 Le Mans Classic event.(Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
In total, Ferrari built only three examples of the 312 P on chassis 0868, 0870 and 0872, each a unique version that would go on to race in some of the most prestigious endurance events of the era. The cars made their debut at races like the Sebring 12 Hours and the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1969, where their speed and agility were clear for all to see. At Sebring, Mario Andretti managed to put the 312 P on pole position with a record lap time, only to have the race slip away due to mechanical issues. Despite such setbacks, the 312 P proved to be a fast and capable contender, with moments of brilliance throughout its brief but memorable racing career.
The 1970 Ferrari 512 S, was on display at Goodwood on July 13, 2023, and is owned by famous drummer Nick Mason, frequently showcased at these annual events.(Picture from: Wikipedia)
Throughout the 1969 season, the 312 P raced in multiple World Sportscar Championship events, including the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours. The car showed great potential but was ultimately overshadowed by the dominant Porsche 917. Despite its potential, the 312 P faced mechanical challenges during its racing campaigns, leading to a series of retirements and missed opportunities. Ferrari's commitment to the car never wavered, but by the end of the season, a new chapter had already begun. With the introduction of the Ferrari 512, a five-litre car designed to take on Porsche’s 917, the 312 P's racing career came to a close.
The Ferrari 312 P may not have achieved the same legendary status as some of Ferrari’s other racing machines, but its place in the marque’s history is secure. It represents Ferrari’s
resilience and determination in the face of a changing motorsport
landscape. It is a testament to the engineering expertise and innovation
that Ferrari is known for, offering a glimpse into the brand's unyielding drive for perfection and victory. Today, the 312 P stands as a rare and coveted classic, a symbol of an era in motorsport when Ferrari pushed the boundaries of technology and performance, even if only for a brief moment.
While the 312 P never fully realized its potential in the World Sportscar Championship, it remains a pivotal moment in Ferrari's history, embodying the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence that continue to define the brand to this day. The Ferrari 312 P may have been a short-lived racing machine, but its legacy endures among Ferrari enthusiasts and historians, forever etched into the rich tapestry of Ferrari’s motorsport heritage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | REVSINSTITUTE.ORG | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | ULTIMATECARPAGE | PRIMOTIPO | CONIFERA ON X ]
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The Ferrari 312 P may not have achieved the same legendary status as some of Ferrari’s other racing machines, but its place in the marque’s history is secure. It represents Ferrari’s
resilience and determination in the face of a changing motorsport
landscape. It is a testament to the engineering expertise and innovation
that Ferrari is known for, offering a glimpse into the brand's unyielding drive for perfection and victory. Today, the 312 P stands as a rare and coveted classic, a symbol of an era in motorsport when Ferrari pushed the boundaries of technology and performance, even if only for a brief moment.
