In 1968, Ferrari and Pininfarina teamed up to create a car that would blow everyone away. The Ferrari 250 P5 Pininfarina Concept was first unveiled at the 1968 Geneva Motorshow, and to say it turned heads would be an understatement. Despite some whispers of discontent from Ferrari purists who thought it strayed too far from the brand’s traditional design, the P5 captured the imagination of many with its groundbreaking, futuristic look.
Built on the chassis of the Ferrari 250 P4, the P5 was a stunning two-seat coupe. Under its tail was a powerful 3-liter V12 engine that helped propel it to the cutting edge of design and performance. The exterior was a true work of art—an interplay of convex and concave surfaces that merged perfectly into the aerodynamic body. Its brilliant white color (which was later repainted red) gave it a pristine, otherworldly aura.
Walk around it, and you’d see a low, concave front fascia with a narrow ventilation slot, designed to keep the radiator cool. Integrated into the hood were a set of headlamps, designed to be sleek and futuristic. Flanking the front were pontoon-like fairings that housed the front wheels, creating a flowing, uninterrupted body. But perhaps the most striking feature was the teardrop-shaped canopy—a transparent roof that allowed you to peer directly into the minimalist cabin. Inside, the cabin was stripped back to the basics—two seats, essential controls, and not much else. The headrests were seamlessly integrated into the firewall, separating the cockpit from the engine compartment.
Though this design was ahead of its time, it was clear the P5 wasn’t built for comfort or luxury—it was made to look ahead, to push the boundaries of automotive design. And while it wasn’t intended for production, it left a lasting impression that would influence future Ferrari models for years to come.
Specs & Performance
- Engine: V12
- Valvetrain: SOHC, 2 Valves / Cylinder
- Displacement: 2953 cc / 180.2 in³
- Bore: 73 mm / 2.87 in
- Stroke: 58.8 mm / 2.31 in
- Compression: 9.8:1
- Power: 223.7 kW / 300.0 bhp @ 7800 rpm
- Specific Output: 101.59 bhp per litre
- Bhp/Weight: Not available
- Driven Wheels: Front Engine
- Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
- Top Speed: ~275 kph / 170.9 mph
The Ferrari 250 P5 Pininfarina Concept may not have made it to full production, but it certainly marked a bold new direction in Ferrari’s design philosophy. Even today, it remains one of the most admired concept cars ever built.
