The Ferrari 365 P, introduced in 1965, was a factory-built prototype sports racer designed to compete in endurance events during a critical transitional period in Ferrari’s mid-engine development. Powered by a 4.4-liter V12, the 365 P featured advanced aerodynamic bodywork and engineering innovations that influenced later models like the 330 P3 and 412 P. 365 P was the exception to the 4-litre rule for the official works cars.
In fact, it was built for dealers’ teams, and the smaller output was made up for by the larger displacement and greater construction simplicity – a fact not to be underestimated considering the cars had to be maintained outside the factory’s racing department.
The engine had a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank and single-plug ignition while the chassis was similar to the P2’s.
Ferrari 365 P Technical Specifications
| ENGINE | ||
| type | rear, longitudinal 60° V12 | |
| bore/stroke | 81 x 71 mm | |
| unitary displacement | 365.86 cc | |
| total displacement | 4390.35 cc | |
| compression ratio | 9.1 : 1 | |
| maximum power | 279 kW (380 hp) at 7200 rpm | |
| power per litre | 87 hp/l | |
| maximum torque | – | |
| valve actuation | single overhead camshaft per bank, two valves per cylinder | |
| fuel feed | six Weber 38 DCN carburettors | |
| ignition | single spark plug per cylinder, two coils | |
| lubrication | dry sump | |
| clutch | multi-plate | |
| CHASSIS | ||
| frame | tubular steel | |
| front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | |
| rear suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar | |
| brakes | discs | |
| transmission | 5-speed + reverse | |
| steering | rack-and-pinion | |
| fuel tank | capacity 140 litres | |
| front tyres | 5.50 x 15 | |
| rear tyres | 6.50 x 15 | |
| BODYWORK | ||
| type | two-seater spider | |
| length | 4260 mm | |
| width | 1675 mm | |
| height | 1040 mm | |
| wheelbase | 2400 mm | |
| front track | 1400 mm | |
| rear track | 1370 mm | |
| weight | 850 kg (dry) | |
| PERFORMANCE | ||
| top speed | 300 km/h | |
| acceleration 0-100 km/h | – | |
| 0-400 m | – | |
| 0-1000 m | – | |
Ferrari 365 P Valuations
Built in extremely limited numbers—only a few factory race cars were made—the 365 P is one of the rarest and most valuable Ferrari prototypes. Depending on originality, race history, and provenance, valuations can exceed $20 million, with some examples considered effectively priceless due to their place in Ferrari’s racing legacy.