SPECIFICATION

Engine:
60-Degree V12; 81 x 71mm, 4390cc;
Twin OHC;
Max power, 353 bhp At 7500rpm;

Transmission:
Five speed manual gearbox.

Suspension:
All-independent, with double wishbones, coil springs and shock absorbers

Brakes:
Disc brakes

Dimensions:
Wheelbase, 94 in (240 cm);
Track, Front, 56.7 in (144 cm);
Rear, 56 in (142 cm)

Max speed:
Approx 174 mph (280 kmh)

This was the supreme front-engined road Ferrari and the fastest supercar of it's day. On a mundane level, it had a chassis carried over from the 275 GTS/4 and a Quad-cam engine that had it's origins carried over from a 1951 design by Lampredi. But beyond that it had exemplary body styling by Pininfarina, comfort, and a genuine 170 mph/274 kmh plus top speed.

Balanced layout

It followed the 275 in having it's engine well forward in the chassis and the rear-mounted gearbox was combined with the differential. The chassis itself was stiff which with the all-independent suspension gave neutral handling in most conditions (the mass front and rear could lead to oversteer). The V-12 was a Dry-sump twin-OHC unit, with outright power and torque qualities, making for rocket-like acceleration.

Grand Tourer

This refined GT car was not flawless as it did gain a reputation for being difficult to drive at it's limits, but below those most sensible drivers could enjoy handling it. Visibitity and accommodation for two people and there luggage was good (qualities by no means found in every "Supercar"). Just over 1400 were built, 127 of them open spyders. There were also 20 racing versions.

Side veiw shows off top advantage Pininfarina's sleek lines.

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 02-19