Description
The Ferrari 330 P2 was unveiled in 1965 as the direct evolution of the 330 P, designed to meet the growing challenge of international endurance racing as competitors such as Ford, Porsche, and Chaparral were raising the stakes. Built as a mid-engined sports prototype, the 330 P2 refined nearly every aspect of its predecessor, introducing more advanced aerodynamics, improved handling, and a stronger engine, making it one of the most competitive racing Ferraris of its era.
Power came from a 4.0-liter V12 engine derived from the Colombo family but heavily reworked to produce about 410 horsepower. This powerplant was paired with a five-speed gearbox and mounted in Ferrari’s tubular spaceframe chassis, which was clothed in sleek new bodywork sculpted by Pininfarina and built by Carrozzeria Drogo. Compared to the 330 P, the P2’s body was longer, lower, and more aerodynamic, with smoother lines and a closed cockpit option designed to enhance stability and reduce drag at high speeds. These refinements gave the car superior performance on fast circuits, while the mid-engine layout ensured balanced handling on technical tracks.
The 330 P2 made its competition debut in the World Sportscar Championship, where it faced strong rivals but quickly demonstrated its capabilities. In 1965, Ferrari fielded the P2 in endurance events such as the 1000 km of Monza, the Targa Florio, and the Nürburgring 1000 km, with victories helping Ferrari secure the International Championship for Makes that year. The P2’s combination of power, reliability, and nimble handling made it a formidable contender across different types of circuits, from high-speed tracks to demanding road courses.
Despite its success, the 330 P2 was built in very small numbers, with fewer than a dozen examples completed. Each car was slightly different, reflecting Ferrari’s practice of continual refinement during active racing seasons. The P2’s design also laid the groundwork for the subsequent 330 P3 and P4 models, which would become some of the most iconic sports prototypes Ferrari ever produced, culminating in the legendary battles with Ford at Le Mans later in the decade.
Today, the Ferrari 330 P2 is remembered as a transitional masterpiece, combining the raw speed of the early 330 P with the aerodynamic sophistication that would characterize later prototypes. Its rarity, competition pedigree, and sculpted beauty have made it one of the most valuable Ferrari racers of the 1960s. More than just a stopgap between the 250 P and the later P3 and P4, the 330 P2 represents Ferrari’s determination to stay ahead in one of the most competitive eras of endurance racing history.