The Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale, or as some like to call it, the Berlinetta Tre-posti, is one of those cars that immediately captures your imagination. Designed and built by Pininfarina and Ferrari in 1966, this concept sports car pushed the boundaries of design and engineering. It wasn’t just a Ferrari—it was a vision of what a mid-engine, road-going Ferrari could be.
This was a major departure from Ferrari’s usual formula. The 365 P Berlinetta Speciale featured a mid-engined layout and a three-seat configuration, with the driver sitting in the center—a layout that was later made famous by the McLaren F1. This innovative design set the stage for future Ferrari creations, especially the 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer that would emerge years later. But this car was far ahead of its time.
Pininfarina’s role in this project can’t be overstated. It was Sergio Pininfarina who saw the potential of such a radical design, even when Enzo Ferrari himself was hesitant to break from tradition. The idea was intriguing enough that Luigi Chinetti, the U.S. Ferrari importer, and Gianni Agnelli from Fiat were both keen on having one. It was clear that the demand for a Ferrari like this was there, but Ferrari didn’t immediately pursue a production version. However, the Berlinetta Speciale became a major influence on Ferrari’s future styling direction.
Design: A Car Ahead of Its Time
The Berlinetta Speciale might have been inspired by the Dino 206 GT design, but it was far more than just a scaled-up version. Its unique three-seat layout was the standout feature, with the driver sitting front and center while the two passenger seats were arranged slightly behind. This was groundbreaking stuff back then!
The body was made of lightweight aluminum, mounted on a mid-engine competition chassis. The use of aluminum was both a practical and aesthetic choice—giving the car a sleek, clean look while keeping it as light as possible. The central windshield wiper was borrowed from the racing car chassis, and the Perspex sunroof added a touch of luxury. Inside, luxury touches like leather seats, chrome bumpers, and carpets gave the car a refined feel.
If Ferrari had gone ahead with production, the 365 P Berlinetta Speciale would have changed the way people viewed Ferrari road cars forever. But instead, it remained a rare and valuable concept, influencing Ferrari’s later designs like the 365 GT/4 Berlinetta Boxer.
Specs & Performance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4 L (4390.35 cc) Colombo V12 |
| Power Output | 380 PS (375 hp; 279 kW) |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4,400 mm (173.2 in) |
| Width | 1,890 mm (74.4 in) |
| Height | 1,190 mm (46.9 in) |
| Curb Weight | 1,020 kg (2,249 lb) |
The Ferrari 365 P Berlinetta Speciale was a perfect blend of advanced engineering and cutting-edge design. Its V12 engine, coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission, made it a true driver’s car. Although it didn’t make it to production, it paved the way for Ferrari’s future road cars and gave us a glimpse into the brand’s innovative vision. If only it had made it to the streets, it would have been an instant classic.
