The 1969 Ferrari 312 Coupé, also known as the Ferrari 312 P, is one of Maranello’s most iconic endurance racing cars. Designed to compete in the Sports Prototype category of the World Sportscar Championship, the 312 P represented Ferrari’s attempt to challenge powerful rivals like the Porsche 908 and Ford GT40 on prestigious circuits such as Le Mans, Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
The 312 P was developed during a transitional period for Ferrari, which sought to strengthen its presence in endurance racing. The car’s design was based on Ferrari’s Formula 1 experience, from which it also derived its 3-liter V12 engine. The “312” designation reflects this configuration: a 3-liter, 12-cylinder engine. Ferrari produced two versions of the 312 P: an open-top (spyder) and a closed-body (coupé) version. The coupé was intended to improve aerodynamic performance, which was crucial on high-speed circuits to reduce air resistance.
The 312 P’s naturally aspirated V12 engine delivered around 420 horsepower at 10,800 rpm, providing impressive performance for the time, with a top speed exceeding 300 km/h. The car was built with a tubular steel frame and a body made of aluminum and fiberglass, advanced materials for that era, giving it both lightness and strength. With its mid-engine layout and suspension system specifically developed for endurance races, the 312 P offered excellent handling and stability, even on fast corners.
The Ferrari 312 P made its endurance racing debut in 1969, participating in prestigious events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although it was an agile and competitive car, it faced significant challenges, especially against the highly advanced Porsche 917. The 312 P achieved good results in the races it entered, demonstrating both reliability and speed, though it didn’t dominate the championship as Ferrari had hoped.
Despite the difficulty in surpassing its rivals, the Ferrari 312 P remains a symbol of Ferrari’s commitment to endurance racing and a milestone for the Maranello marque. Today, it is considered one of the most admired cars among collectors and represents a high point of engineering for its era. The 312 P is celebrated for its elegant design and its contribution to Ferrari’s legacy in the Sports Prototype category, solidifying the brand’s reputation in endurance racing.
TOP130A
NAME: Ferrari 312P Coupé
VERSIONS: nr.18 Pedro Rodriguez / David Piper - 24 Hours of Le Mans 1969
BRAND: Ferrari
YEAR: 1969
SCALE: 1:18
CATEGORY: Street car
TOP130AD
NAME: Ferrari 312P Coupé
VERSIONS: nr.18 Pedro Rodriguez / David Piper - 24 Hours of Le Mans 1969
BRAND: Ferrari
YEAR: 1969
SCALE: 1:18
CATEGORY: Street car
TOP130B
NAME: Ferrari 312P Coupé
VERSIONS: nr.19 Chris Amon / Peter Schetty - 24 Hours of Le Mans 1969
BRAND: Ferrari
YEAR: 1969
SCALE: 1:18
CATEGORY: Street car
TOP130BD
NAME: Ferrari 312P Coupé
VERSIONS: nr.19 Chris Amon / Peter Schetty - 24 Hours of Le Mans 1969
BRAND: Ferrari
YEAR: 1969
SCALE: 1:18
CATEGORY: Street car
TOP130C
NAME: Ferrari 312P Coupé
VERSIONS: Red
BRAND: Ferrari
YEAR: 1969
SCALE: 1:18
CATEGORY: Street car
