Ferrari 312 P(diecast 1:43, Best)
- Ferrari 312 P (from 1969)
- Best
- 1:43
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- red
- locale dealer
- In near mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Prototype: Technology and placement of the Ferrari 312 P
This pictured model is based on the sports prototype Ferrari 312 P, which was developed for the 3.0‑liter (183.1 cu in / 0.79 US gal) class of the then World Championship for Makes. The generation in question is called the 312 P Spyder/Coupé – first series and was used from 1969 onward. The direct predecessor in Ferrari’s program was the large‑capacity 4.0‑liter (244.1 cu in / 1.06 US gal) prototype 330 P4, but the Ferrari 312 P followed the new regulations with smaller displacement. Chief engineer Mauro Forghieri was responsible for the technical concept; the open spyder bodywork was built by Fantuzzi, while the closed berlinetta came from Pininfarina. Under the low body sat a transversely mounted 3.0‑liter (183.1 cu in / 0.79 US gal) V12 with four valves per cylinder, dry‑sump lubrication and mechanical injection. Power was — depending on the tune — around 420 PS (about 414 hp) at over 9,000 rpm. A five‑speed gearbox sent the power to the rear wheels; the front axle used double wishbones with torsion bar springs, and the rear had a sophisticated multi‑link setup. Braking was handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. Aerodynamically notable are the flat headlight covers, the low front intake and the raised rear fenders with upper cooling outlets — all elements aimed at low drag and sufficient cooling for brakes and engine.
The Best 1/43 scale model — details for collectors
The pictured item is a 1/43 scale model by Best and belongs to Modelly member “Fred.” The miniature is made from diecast metal; the sturdy build shows in the thin‑walled yet solid body shell and the neat fit of the small parts. The photos show the typical proportions of the Ferrari 312 P well reproduced: the low nose with the oval headlight covers, the small front opening with two narrow air intakes and the flowing fender bulges. On the side the model shows the recessed air intakes and the subtle bonnet fasteners, plus a single seat with a small racing mirror mounted on a stanchion. The paint matches classic Rosso Corsa; the white number circles with the “1” are cleanly applied. Especially noticeable are the gold‑colored center‑lock wheels with treaded tires; the side “Firestone” lettering is legible. At the rear there are two short tailpipes and an indicated cooling outlet, underscoring the model’s precise miniaturization of the Ferrari 312 P. This 1/43 scale model by Best is thus a factual reproduction that shows many of the prototype’s shape details.
Racing entries and well‑known drivers of the Ferrari 312 P
The Ferrari 312 P was campaigned in 1969 both by the factory and via the North American Racing Team (NART). In the then World Sportscar Championship it faced the Porsche 908/917 and the Ford GT40. Drivers included Mario Andretti, Chris Amon, Pedro Rodríguez and Peter Schetty. Early on the 312 P showed competitive qualifying times and fast stints in races, mainly thanks to the high‑revving V12 and good traction. Depending on the track the car scored podiums; at the same time some retirements were the price for the strict light‑weight and high‑rev concept. The particular car the miniature represents carries number 1 and the usual period sponsor decals like Firestone, Shell, Ferodo and Magneti Marelli, which also appeared on many real factory and NART cars.
Sporting record and development
The sporting record of the Ferrari 312 P was marked by strong individual results and ongoing development. The car scored podiums in several endurance races during the 1969 season, set best times in practice and led race stints before technical issues or strategy calls intervened. The aerodynamically different open spyder and closed berlinetta versions allowed setups for high‑speed circuits and twistier tracks. Continued pressure from upgraded Porsche prototypes eventually pushed Ferrari to redesign, leading to the 312 PB. Many solutions tested on the Ferrari 312 P — like the high‑mounted rear cooling, the weight distribution from the transversely mounted engine, and the wide rear tires — fed into that successor. Drivers such as Mario Andretti and Chris Amon contributed a lot with setup work and test miles, while Pedro Rodríguez and Peter Schetty ran steady stints on endurance events to evaluate durability.
Appearance of the Best model and collector tips
Visually the miniature is painted in a calm, authentic red tone that matches Rosso Corsa. The clear shapes of the nose cover, the small air vents on the bonnet and the small hump behind the cockpit are neatly reproduced. The white number panels are slightly raised and show the “1” in black type with a small Ferrari shield at the bottom. On the sides you can see the sponsor decals Firestone, Ferodo, Magneti Marelli and at the rear Shell; the yellow Ferrari scuderia badges sit correctly behind the front wheel. The gold wheels with center nut, the slightly domed headlight covers and the two short exhausts give the shape a coherent look without overdoing the detail. For collectors: this is a diecast 1/43 scale model by Best. The robust build makes it easy to handle, while the paint and printing quality stay close to the original. In Modelly member “Fred”’s display the piece stands out thanks to its flat silhouette and red color, and it reads as a clear time capsule from 1969. For themed collections like “Ferrari prototypes,” “endurance racing” or “V12 race cars,” the miniature is a solid addition that conveys the design traits of the Ferrari 312 P well.
- Write a first comment about this model now!Any comment can be discussed by all members. It's like a chat.Mention other Modelly members by using @ in your message. They will then be informed automatically.
- Write a first comment about this model now!Any comment can be discussed by all members. It's like a chat.Mention other Modelly members by using @ in your message. They will then be informed automatically.