Story by Roberto Motta
Photos Centro Documentazione Storica Ferrari e Archivio Automobile Club Milano
The 312 P powered by the V12 engine is a beautiful but unfortunate car, and never won a victory during its brief racing career. However, it is one of the most aesthetically satisfying cars ever made in the Ferrari workshops, and is the last prototype made before the agreement the agreement between the ‘prancing horse’ brand and FIAT.
The story begins when, after boycotting sports car racing in 1968 season to protest a rule change that banned their 4-litre 330 P4, Ferrari built a 3000cc prototype for the 1969 season, based on the existing F1 Ferrari 312 with a 60 degree V12. It was presented to the press on December 14th 1968 at the Fini Hotel in Modena. During the meeting, Enzo Ferrari announced his intention to participate in the 1969 Manufacturers World Championship with the car, called the 312 P for prototype.