Ferrari’s 312 PB is a legendary machine. Dubbed by Goodwood’s own Andrew Frankel as ‘the best sportscar never to win Le Mans’ and ‘Ferrari’s single most successful sportscar design’, it featured advanced design and Ferrari’s flat-12 Formula 1 engine.
Putting out in the region of 450PS at 10,600rpm, the 3.0-litre powertrain could propel the 665kg car to a blistering 199mph. And coupled in 1972 with some of the finest drivers of the era – Ronnie Peterson, Jacky Ickx, Brian Redman, Clay Regazzoni, Arturo Merzario and Mario Andretti – Ferrari should have been on to a sure-fire Le Mans winner, right? But alas, despite winning every race it entered, the 312 PB never made it to Le Mans. Why? Well, you’ll have to read Frankel’s article…
But rest assured, it wasn’t for lack of performance – as we can clearly see here. Take five today to watch, courtesy of Belgian Motorsport, as the iconic sportscar takes on Spa-Francorchamps, on various occasions between 2013 and 2017. Enjoy in wonderful close-up detail as it warms up, before taking on the 4.3-mile circuit, its V12 screaming in enjoyment.
Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Supercross racing is intense
Elevenses
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Ferrari
312 PB
Spa Francorchamps
V12