1971 - 1973 Ferrari 312 PB - Images, Specifications and Information

Model history:

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When the FIA (Federation International d'Automobile) dramatically changed the regulations for sports car racing at the end of 1967, Ferrari's entire fleet of sports prototypes were left obsolete. In an attempt to get on top in Formula 1 again, Ferrari decided to abandon sports car racing and completely focus on open wheel racing for at least a year. Disappointing Formula 1 results in the 1968 season saw the Scuderia return to prototype racing, trailing a year in terms of development time.

Two types of racers were eligible to compete under the new regulations; 3 litre prototypes or 5 litre sports cars, which needed minimum production of 25 cars to be homologated. Ferrari already had experience in Formula 1 with racing 3-litre engines, so it came as no surprise that when they announced their return to sports car racing, a new 3 litre prototype, the 312 P, was unveiled. After only half a season it was abandoned with the works team focusing on the construction of the 5 litre 512 S, which was to be pitched against the Porsche 917 first seen at Le Mans in 1969.

A year after the 917, the Ferrari 512 S made its debut. It was immediately running quick laps, but being a year behind the 917 in development, it was beaten on reliability. For the second time in two years Ferrari cut a development program short and started work on yet another racer. With most of the 512s sold to privateers, it was time to produce another three litre prototype. It would be based on the brand new 180 degree V12 engine, which made its debut in the 1970 312 B Formula 1 racer. This Mauro Forghieri designed engine would become one of the most successful engines of the 1970s.

Outwardly similar to a boxer engine, the Forghieri was a flat V-engine. The difference between a boxer and a flat V engine is the shape of the crank and the ignition sequence; a boxer engine's opposing pistons move towards each other whereas a V engine's pistons move in unison. The big advantage over the 60 degree V12 engine used in the previous 312 P was the low height of the 180 degree engine. This helped to decrease the car's overall height and to lower the centre of gravity, which helped handling.

Although technically it was not a boxer engine, cars powered by Forghieri's V12 were often given the abbreviation 'B'. This, officially, was not the case with the 312 P of 1971, but it is now commonly known as 312 PB, which also helps to distinguish it from the 312 P of 1969. Like its Formula 1 counterpart, the 312 PB featured an aluminium semi-monocoque. The engine and rear suspension were attached to a steel frame which was bolted on the aluminium tub. The 312 PB was basically a Formula one racer with a full width body.

One of the main reasons behind the 312 PB project was the FIA's decision to abandon the 5 litre sports car class and allow only the 3 litre prototypes to run in the World Sports car Championship as of 1972. The 1971 season could be used as a learning year, which meant that Ferrari wasn't a year behind for once. The 'PB' made a disastrous debut at the 1000 km race at Buenos Aires; Italian driver Ignazio Giunti crashed fatally in the opening stages of the race. The best result in a Championship event was a second in the fourth round of the season at Brands Hatch. Reliability problems and misfortunate dogged the new Ferrari for most of the remainder of the season. The first victory came at the non-Championship Kyalami 9 Hours race towards the end of the season.

Over the winter, the 'PB' was further modified. The performance of the engine was increased from an output of 450 bhp to 460 bhp. Various body styles were also tested, with special attention paid to the rear aerodynamics. Winning the 1972 World Championship was the absolute priority, so Ferrari left nothing to chance. A total of six cars were built to the latest specification, so three could be at a race while the others could be prepared in Maranello for the next event. Additionally the very best drivers were hired, including Jacky Ickx, Brian Redman, Arthuro Merzario, Tim Schenken, Mario Andretti and Ronny Peterson.

Round one of the championship was the Buenos Aires 1000km race, where the 'PB' took its maiden World Championship victory in the hands of Schenken and Peterson. All other championship races of the season were subsequently won, with exception of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. No 'PBs' were entered at Le Mans, as it was considered by the works team as a 1000 km racer and not a 24 hour endurance racer. The Scuderia saw no need to enter it, fearing it would not complete the full distance. Only eight of the ten races counted towards the championship so the absence at Le Mans did not affect their standings. Ferrari won outright with 160 points (the maximum score), Alfa Romeo was a distant second with 85 points.

In 1973 Ferrari constructed a 12cm longer wheelbase version of the 'PB'. It also featured a further revised engine, which was now good for 475 bhp. Unfortunately for Ferrari, the rock-solid reliability record of 1972 was rarely matched in '73. The 'PB' shined only once, at the 1000 km of Monza race in April. One car finished at Le Mans, but a distant second behind the Pescarolo/Hill driven Matra. In the championship the Scuderia was also beaten by Matra, by a mere 9 points. At the end of the season Ferrari decided to focus completely on Formula 1, resulting in three driver's championships with the flat V12 engine. Ferrari has yet to return to sports car racing with a Works effort.

Chassis: 0880

This, the earliest surviving 312 PB was originally constructed in 1971 as chassis 0878. Halfway through the year it was renumbered to 0880. It was debuted during the Sebring 12 Hours by Mario Andretti and Jacky Ickx. The two highly talented drivers were let down by the car's poor reliability. It was the first of many 'DNFs' for 0880 that year. When it did finish, it recorded a second at Brands Hatch and a victory during the Kyalami 9 Hours race late in the season in the hands of Clay Regazzoni and Brian Redman. Chassis 0880 was not raced in 1972 and eventually ended up in the hands of prominent collectors like Albert Obrist and subsequently Bernie Ecclestone.
Still wearing the original 1971 style, it is today owned by an American historic racer. He is seen here in action during 2007 and 2008 Monterey Historic Races.

Chassis: 0882

One of the new cars built for the 1972 season, chassis 0882 scored two major wins that year. Jacky Ickx and Mario Andretti drove it to victory in the Sebring 12 Hours and shortly after Ickx was joined by Clay Regazzoni to record a win in the Monza 1000 km race. It was subsequently crashed at the Nurburgring and repaired with the frame from 0884. Despite the full repair chassis 0882 was not raced again. Eventually it ended up in the fabulous Setton Collection. In the early 1990s the car was sold and today it is part of an equally impressive collection in Germany.

Chassis: 0888

In all of its contemporary outings, chassis 0888 was piloted by Jacky Ickx. The Belgian legend was joined by Mario Andretti, Brian Redman and Clay Regazzoni on one occasion. With Andretti, Ickx won at Daytona and Brands and with Redman, he took victories at Zeltweg, Monza and in 1973 at the Nurburgring. The final outing for one of the most successful 312 PBs came at the 1973 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ickx and Redman were forced to retire from the race in the final hour with engine problems.
In 1980 Swiss collector Albert Obrist bought the car direct from the factory. It was acquired by the current owner in 1996 and was actively raced for several seasons in the Ferrari Historic Challenge by one of his sons.

Chassis: 0890

Chassis 0890 was debuted by Brian Redman and Clay Regazzoni during the Daytona 6 Hours race in February of 1972. Later in the year Arturo Merzario drove the car to its maiden victory at the Imola 500 km and 'Little Art' was joined by Regazzoni to win the Kyalami 9 Hours. In the 1973 season, another third and two seconds were added to the 0890's tally.
For most of the 1980s and 1990s, it was part of the Rosso Bianco collection. Since then it changed hands several times and is now part of the impressive collection of a British historic racer. It is seen here during the 2003 Modena Motorsport days in the hands of 1988 Le Mans winner Jan Lammers.

Chassis: 0892

Built new for the 1972 season, chassis 0892 was first raced during the Daytona 6 Hours by Tim Schenken and Ronnie Peterson. They finished second behind the sister car driven by Jacky Ickx and Mario Andretti. That result was repeated by Carlos Pace and Arturo Merzario during the 1973 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That was the best ever result in the classic for the 312 PB.
After its racing career, it has been part of the Albert Obrist collection and in new ownership was regularly demonstrated by Jacky Ickx a few years ago. Its most recent owner acquired the car in 2005.