Ferrari

Ferrari’s legendary V12

Racing's most respected engine evolves

Rex McAfee

The Ferrari V12, a marvel of engineering, has always held a near-mythical status. Renowned for its exceptional performance and precision, it has powered some of the most iconic cars to roll out of Maranello, earning them a place among the greatest automobiles ever crafted.

Photo © Ferrari S.p.A.

1947 Colombo V12

But while this fabled powerplant is well-known as the beating heart of Ferrari’s classic GT cars, the history of the Ferrari V12 engine goes back a little further. Indeed, the marque’s very first car, the 1947 Ferrari 125 S, boasted a Colombo V12 with a front-engine layout, but its capacity was limited to 1.5 liters, and it put out just 118 cvs. Engine capacity and power grew over the following 15 years as the V12 unit was tirelessly developed – becoming an essential ingredient as Ferrari became ever more successful in sports car racing – but it was with the 1962 debut of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO that the V12 gained its true status as the flagship engine for Ferrari’s top-end performance models.

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Rex McAfee
Published photographer and writer for several Porsche and Ferrari magazines. I currently reside in Southern California and I am very grateful for all of the opportunities the local car culture presents me with. Currently the editor of the 356 Club of Southern California. Sharing the car's history through the club's magazine is a true privilege.
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