1966 365P Berlinetta Speciale
On loan courtesy of the RQ Collection
Wow! Just Wow!!!...is the most common reaction to this stunning example of Ferrari engineering and Aldo Brovarone design for Pininfarina. The Speciale is a prototype to demonstrate the thinking and possibilities for Ferrari automobiles going forward, anchored to the practice of race derived technology. This prototype is also linked to the engineering and design of two other cars in this exhibition, the Dino and the Daytona.
This mid-rear engine machine was introduced in Gardenia White at the 1966 Paris Motor Show, featured by Pininfarina. Nick-named Tre Posti and Guida Centrale for it’s innovative central driver position. Italian manufacturer, Lamborghini, brought to market its own idea for a mid-rear engine design in the Miura that same year. After its worldwide show tour concluded in 1967, Tre Posti was sold to US Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti. He sold and bought back the car twice, it was in the Chinetti family until 2014 and was even on loan at the Saratoga Auto Museum in 2009. The other example was built for Gianni Agnelli, the head of FIAT which in 1969 would acquire 50% of Ferrari.
The unique coachwork covered a 365/P2 type racing chassis, powered by a 60 degree V-12 Colombo designed engine fed by 3 Weber 40DFI carburetors. This 4.39-liter engine remains in racing tune and produces 375 hp, which is enough for an estimated speed of 150+ mph. And like the race version, the engine featured a dry-sump lubrication system; the better to keep oil flowing no matter the engine’s deviation from up-right or g-forces. The mid-rear engine placement broke new ground for Enzo Ferrari and these innovations and evolutions can be seen in 2 other machines on display. He had been uncertain that his buyers could safely manage a 375 hp mid-rear engine road car. The Dino, seen in the other gallery, tested and proved that there was a market for mid-rear engine cars. Tre Posti paved the way for a future of powerful flat 12-cylinder engines in the mid-rear position. It was followed into the 1973 market by the 365 GT/4
Berlinetta Boxer and ultimately the 1994 512 Testarossa, seen to the right of the Dino. Shared ideas and origins can be seen in these 3 machines. This car reminds us of a time when prototype automobiles were eagerly anticipated as harbingers of future models. Tre Posti was a prophetic messenger of Ferrari design and engine placement for the ensuing two decades.
