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It seemed as though the V12-powered Ferrari might be dead. Electrification, hybrids, SUVs; it is enough to deal with let alone trying to market a V12 in these times. But now it looks like Ferrari will give it one more shot. It is finishing up development on a modern version of the incredible Ferrari 330 P4.

The popular Ferrari Chat forum is loaded with information about the upcoming car. But that’s the thing; there has been nothing officially from Ferrari. So, unfortunately, right now these are only rumors. But what fantastic rumors they are.

If it happens this latest V12 will be a mid-engine Ferrari convertible

1967 Ferrari 330 P4 V12
Ferrari 330 P4 at Le Mans, 1967 | GP Library/Universal Images Group via Getty

A modern 330 P4 based on the current LaFerrari Aperta is what this mystery car would be. It is known as F251 internally according to the forum. It will be a sibling of the Monza SP1 and SP2. That platform hasn’t been in production for at least three years. 

It is believed that all of Ferrari’s V12s will get turbocharging, but also a reduction in displacement, according to Carbuzz. The current V12 is 6.5-liters. So no more naturally aspirated V12s, but that’s a very minor sacrifice. Both the 488 GTB and F8 Tributo already have turbos spinning on V8s. Right now, its most powerful V12 is powering the 812 Competizione, with 819 hp.

It would arrive at the Finali Mondiali at Mugello this November if it is true. That’s just around the corner. Images of a heavily camouflaged Ferrari in Spain could be this car. Spain’s Foro Coches posted the images.

The 330 P4 was an iconic endurance race car from 1967

1967 Ferrari 330 P4
La ‘Ferrari 330 P4’ de l’équipage belge au stand pendant les 24 Heures du Mans, France, le 12 juin 1967 | KEYSTONE-FRANCE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Design-wise F251 would take major cues from the 330 P4. This was produced in 1967 for endurance races like 24 Hours of Daytona and 1000 Kilometers of Monza. They’re curvaceous, yet meant for business. Unfortunately, only one has survived. Ferrari placed 1-2-3 at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.

This Daytona win is known as Revenge of Il Commendatoré. It is rumored that Enzo himself had the picture of the 1-2-3 win by his bedside until he died. Some say the best endurance racer ever made by Ferrari was the 330 P4. Now you know why what might be Ferrari’s swan song to the V12 may be inspired by it. 

Ferrari has been hard at work on its GTB hybrid with V6 power. And come 2025, it will debut an all-electric supercar as Europe inches closer toward the internal combustion engine ban.

Related: The Top 5 Most Expensive Ferraris Will Blow Your Mind

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Thom Taylor

Thom Taylor is a celebrated automotive journalist. He was awarded the Top 100 Most Influential People in Hot Rodding from Hot Rod Magazine, and was inducted into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. He’s a member of SEMA and the NHRA.

Thom has authored a number of books, including Hot Rod & Custom Chronicle and several guides for drawing vehicles like a pro, which pull from his distinguished ventures as an automotive illustrator.

Thom joined the MotorBiscuit team in 2019, and focuses his coverage on new vehicle releases, design, and the latest features and tech in the industry. His tenure of 25 years writing about the industry gives him a unique context for the auto news he covers, whether it’s part of the Rusty Monday series or the latest news from Chevy. Thom has built two complete cars from the ground up and driven vintage roadsters at the Indy 500.