Photo: Mutari · Public domain
The Ferrari 312 F1 was the Formula 1 car powered by a 3-liter V12 (hence 312) that Ferrari campaigned from 1966 to 1969. Under the direction of Mauro Forghieri, two fundamentally different versions were created: that of 1966 and those from 1967 to 1969. When the regulations allowed 3-liter engines in 1966, Ferrari was ill-prepared and adapted the V12 from the 275 P2 sports prototype, scaled down to 3000 cm³. The engine was heavy and produced less power and torque than in the sports car; John Surtees raced it at Monaco without success.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- The designation 312 stands for 3 liters displacement and 12 cylinders; with 250 cm³ per cylinder, the engine returned to the dimensions of a Ferrari 250.
- Following the victory in Belgium in 1966, John Surtees left the team: one week later at Le Mans, a row erupted with team manager Eugenio Dragoni.
- In 1967, Lorenzo Bandini died following his fiery crash at Monaco; Mike Parkes suffered career-ending injuries shortly thereafter in Belgium.
- In the summer of 1968, Enzo Ferrari negotiated the sale of his road car business to Fiat for 11 million dollars.
Learn moreOrigins · Two versions · Difficult years
Origins
The regulations suddenly allowed 3-liter naturally aspirated engines in 1966, and the teams were poorly prepared. Ferrari carried over the chassis and suspension from the final 1.5-liter car, the 1512. Its flat engine gave way to the classic 60° V12 of the 275 P sports prototypes, reduced from 3.3 to just under 3.0 liters via a shorter stroke. The engine featured twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank, two valves per cylinder, and Lucas fuel injection into centrally located intake trumpets. Displacing 2989 cm³, it produced around 330 PS (243 kW).
Two versions
Two fundamentally different cars go by the name 312: the 1966 car and the 1967 to 1969 cars. The 1966 cars continued the chassis numbering sequence of the previous year's 1.5-liter models, while the 1967 cars began a new series with "0001." To avoid confusion, they are usually referred to as the 312 F1-66 and 312 F1-67. The designer was Mauro Forghieri, who led development on both versions.
Difficult years
In 1967, Ferrari replaced team manager Dragoni with Franco Lini; Chris Amon drove alongside Bandini. The season went without a win, yielding only fifth place in the constructors' championship. At the same time, the Ford-Cosworth DFV debuted in the Lotus 49, an engine that would dominate Formula 1 for 15 years. In 1968, Jacky Ickx won a wet French Grand Prix, but little else went right; Ferrari finished fourth in the constructors' standings, and both Lini and Ickx left the team.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 312 F1
When was the Ferrari 312 F1 raced?
The Ferrari 312 F1 was raced from 1966 to 1969.
How much power does the Ferrari 312 F1 have?
Power of the Ferrari 312 F1: approx. 330 PS (1966 version).
What engine does the Ferrari 312 F1 have?
Engine of the Ferrari 312 F1: 2989 cm³ 60° V12 naturally aspirated. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
Who engineered the Ferrari 312 F1?
Engineering of the Ferrari 312 F1: Mauro Forghieri.
Who drove the Ferrari 312 F1?
Drivers of the Ferrari 312 F1: Lorenzo Bandini, John Surtees, Ludovico Scarfiotti, Chris Amon, Jacky Ickx.
How many races did the Ferrari 312 F1 win?
The Ferrari 312 F1 took 3 wins in 38 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 312 F1?
Predecessor: 246 F1-66. Successor: 312B.
Enjoying the site? How to support it.
