Amalgam Ferrari 330 P4 - 1967 Le Mans - 2nd place - Class winner 1:8 - 1/8

Description

Amalgam Ferrari 812 GTS 1:8.

• Limited edition of 199 pieces
• Customised models can be created according to the owner's specifications
• Each model is handmade and assembled by a small team of craftsmen
• 1:8 scale model with a length of over 58 cm
• Made from the best materials
• Over 3000 hours spent developing the model
• Over 300 hours to build each model
• Thousands of precisely designed parts: Castings, photo etchings and CNC machined metal components.

One of the most revered Ferrari race cars of all time, the 330 P4 was one of the last Ferrari prototypes that still resembled a sports car and was on the world stage during one of its most exciting eras. The 330 P4 improved on its already successful predecessor, the 330 P3, and gave Enzo Ferrari one of his proudest moments with a stunning 1-2-3 victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967. While the GT40 brought raw power and strength to the race tracks of the world, Ferrari stuck to its formula of smaller-engined prototypes, trusting that this package of technical refinement and superior handling would ultimately outperform the American manufacturer's torque.

Battling against the corporate might of Ford's GT40 programme, which had beaten them at Le Mans in 1966, Ferrari's engineers had a daunting task: beating the Americans while maintaining their commitments in the World Sports Car Championship, Formula 1, Formula 2 and their road car business. Added to these pressures were labour unrest and parts shortages. To encourage a return to success, Enzo Ferrari gave Technical Director Mauro Forghieri a largely free hand in development.

Building on the knowledge gained from racing with the 330 P3, the P4 was fitted with a new 4-litre V12 engine, radically redesigned by Franco Rocchi and introducing a three-valve cylinder head modelled on the Scuderia Formula 1 cars. Fuel was still supplied by a Lucas injection system, resulting in 450 hp, an extra 30 hp over the P3. The P4 had a shorter chassis but retained the shape of its predecessor, and a new suspension system improved road-holding. A new 5-speed gearbox was developed to replace the unreliable Tipo 593 ZF gearbox, while the car was also fitted with cast magnesium Campagnolo wheels and wider Firestone tyres to replace the Dunlops.

The 330 P4 chassis scored several victories, but the undisputed highlight was the 1-2-3 finish at Daytona in February 1967. Two P4s and a 412 P crossed the finish line together to respond to Ford's own photo finish victory at Le Mans the previous year. It is said that he kept a photo of the winning trio on their final lap to victory until Enzo Ferrari's death, so much did this result mean to him.

This fine 1:8 scale model is based on chassis number 0858, as Ludovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes drove it to second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe on 11 June 1967. Qualifying in seventh place, Ferrari was initially cautious and drove within its capabilities to get through the distance. After the first pit stop lap, the Ford GT40 Mk IV of Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt took the lead for the first time and maintained a pace in the race that the Italians thought was a fatal mistake. They were almost proved right when an overnight chain collision at Tertre Rouge destroyed three of their rival Fords and catapulted the #21 Ferrari into second place. Unfortunately for the duo, the Ford lead was already five laps and when the signal was finally given to push on, it was too late. Ford took the win, but Ferrari saved the pride with Scarfiotti and Parkes in second and the privateer 330 P4 of Willy Mairesse and Jean Blaton in third. Half a century later, this edition of Le Mans is still celebrated by motorsport historians and fans alike.

This model was handcrafted and finished in our workshops with the collaboration and support of Ferrari in terms of original paintwork, materials, archive images and drawings. The use of highly accurate digital scans of the original car has allowed us to perfectly replicate every detail in scale. In addition, it has undergone detailed scrutiny by both engineering and design teams to ensure complete accuracy of representation.

The Ferrari 330 P4 is limited to just 199 1:8 scale models.
Item number: 330p4