Forgotten Ferrari P6 Pininfarina: 1970s Wedge-Shaped Icon

Almost Forgotten - Among Ferrari's many illustrious sports car models, one stands out for its beautiful wedge style typical of the 1970s, yet it remains almost forgotten today. This car is the Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale, designed by Pininfarina and first unveiled at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. This unique design was inspired by the Berlinetta Boxer and the 308/328 series and was originally presented as a model without an engine.

The 1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina first unveiled at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

The Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, who explored the idea of placing Maranello’s legendary V12 engine behind the cockpit instead of in the front. This concept mirrored the successful mid-engine designs of contemporaries like the Lamborghini Miura, De Tomaso Mangusta, and their successors, such as the Countach and Pantera, along with the Maserati Bora. Fioravanti's vision resulted in a car with strikingly tapered lines and a futuristic appeal.

The 1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina posed along with its designer Leonardo Fioravanti and the inspiration sources Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. (Picture from: WheelsAge.org)

The design of the P6 Berlinetta Specialle was almost flawless, with the exception of the rear section. The car's stubby tail, recessed headlights in the lower section, and massive upper section created a somewhat disharmonious look from the back. 

Despite its initial design quirks, the Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina maintained a conservative yet elegant appearance, hinting at the future of sports car design. (Picture from: WheelsAge.org)

Fortunately, these design elements were significantly refined in subsequent models. Despite these initial design quirks, the car maintained a conservative yet elegant appearance that hinted at the future of sports car design.

The 1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina is the first Maranello's model carries a mid-mounted V12 engine. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

This sparkling white vehicle was equipped with a 2,989 cc V12 engine capable of producing around 400 horsepower, a notable achievement for its time. Unlike other prototypes labeled with the letter 'P.' the P6 Berlinetta Speciale was nearly ready for production. However, despite its potential, the P6 Berlinetta Speciale did not receive the green light for mass production and was temporarily shelved.

The 1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina is powered by a 2,989 cc V12 engine capable of spewing out around 400 hp. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The P6 Berlinetta Speciale’s design did not fade into obscurity. Instead, it became the foundation for the Ferrari 365 GTB/4, commonly known as the Ferrari Daytona, which was launched in 1971. This new model also featured a mid-mounted 60° V12 engine, and its prototype was built on the chassis of the original P6 Berlinetta Speciale concept. The transition from the P6 to the Daytona demonstrated Ferrari’s commitment to innovation and design excellence.

The 1968 Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale by Pininfarina used as the basis for the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 which was launched in 1971. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)

Ferrari’s P6 Berlinetta Speciale may not be widely remembered today, but its influence on the brand’s subsequent models is undeniable. The car's innovative design and engineering paved the way for future successes and cemented its place in Ferrari’s storied history. The legacy of the P6 Berlinetta Speciale lives on through the Ferrari Daytona and the continued evolution of Ferrari’s sports car lineup.😔

In the ever-evolving world of automotive design, the Ferrari P6 Berlinetta Speciale stands as a testament to bold experimentation and forward-thinking engineering. Its story reminds us that even the most fleeting prototypes can leave a lasting impact on the automotive landscape. As we look back on this nearly forgotten gem, we gain a deeper appreciation for the visionaries who push the boundaries of design and performance, ensuring that the spirit of innovation continues to drive the automotive industry forward.*** [EKA [24112021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTA5P.EU | SUPERCARS.NET | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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