In the 1960s, Ferrari had developed mid-engined cars for the three major championships which they contested with flat twelve engines. These were effectively V12s but with a 180 degree angle between banks of cylinders, creating a horizontally opposed cylinder configuration. The light alloy casting of 4.4 litres capacity with double over head cams per bank of cylinders produced 380 bhp at 7700rpm.
Launched at the Turin Show of 1971 it was only to be expected that this ‘Boxer’ engine would be incorporated into their ultimate production road car. The body and the space frame chassis were made of steel with the opening panels of aluminium, this dramatic looking coupe being unmistakably the work of master stylist Pininfarina. Ferrari claimed a maximum speed of more than 180mph for their new car, which eventually made it into production in 1973, in the process beating rival Lamborghini’s launch of the Countach, which was to be the 365 Berlinetta’s Boxer’s main sparring partner.
