Ferrari P4 Short History
The Ferrari marque was at first rather reluctant to switch from its winning ways with the front engine format. But it was becoming more and more obvious that the rear engine layout was the way of the future. The very first sports cars with such a layout were versions of the V6 Dino in 1962. Despite Ferrari's misgivings, encouraging results were achieved and a new three litre, rear engine car was designed and built in late 1962.
What emerged at the beginning of the 1963 racing season was a short tailed spyder with a neat integral roll bar. This 250 P was immediately successful winning three of the four major races, including Le Mans 24 Hours, to take the Wold Championship.
During 1994 the 3.3 litre 275P and the 250LM were developed. The 250 LM went on to win Le Mans in 1965. The car boasted twin cam heads, dual ignition, improved chassis, and alloy wheels. Also developed was a version of these for private owners. This became known as the 4.4 litre 365 P2.
In an attempt to match the ever growing menace from Ford, with their GT40 and its MK11 powerful 7 litre derivatives, Ferrari produced the 330 P3 with fuel injection, wider track, ZF gearbox, and a new body shape. This classic shape was developed further in 1967 with the definitive version being known as the P4 which was wider still and had three valves per cylinder plus a completely new Ferrari transmission.
The end of this racing era came when the 'prototype' racing cars were restricted to 3 litres. In fact Ferrari completely missed the 1968 season only returning in 1969 with a very fast but unreliable Ferrari 312P which had a 3 litre V-12 engine. Ferrari began concentrating more and more on Formula One racing and the end came for this classic series of powerful racing cars.
The P4 did enjoy some notable success in it's short racing career. It was 1st at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours and the Monza 1000 KM. At the Le Mans 24Hours though it could only manage 2nd place and as drivers Scarfiotti and Parkes were rumored to have said
" Nobody ever remembers who was second ."
Specification
- Model : 330 P4
- Engine: 12 cylinders in 60° V, rear-mounted, light alloy cylinder block and head.
- Bore and stroke: 77 x 71 mm.
- Unitary and total capacity: 330.62 / 3,967.4 cc.
- Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
- Max. power output: 450 bhp at 8,200 rpm.
- Timing gear: 3 valves per cylinder, 2 overhead camshafts.
- Fuel feed: Lucas injection.
- Ignition: Double, coil-ignition.
- Transmission: Multi-plate clutch, gearbox with 5 speeds + reverse, ZF self-locking differential.
- Frame: Tubular with sheet metal reinforcements.
- Front suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coil springs.
- Rear suspension: Independent, double wishbone, coil springs.
- Brakes: Ventilated discs.
- Wheelbase and front/rear track: 2,400 / 1,488 / 1,450 mm.
- Tyres: Front 10.15-15, rear 12.15-15.
- Weight empty: 800 kg.
