1972 Ferrari 312 PB (gmp 1/18)

[1959scudetto]

My second 1/18 racing car model:

In 1971 Ferrari tested, developed and raced (without much luck) their new 3 –ltr. prototype, the 312 PB, and in 1972 the preparation finally paid off:  they  won all races they participated but left out Le Mans, thinking their car which was more or less a F 1 car with a slightly detuned engine in a sportscar body could not stand the stress of a 24 hr. race (Daytona was shortened from 24 to 6 hrs. that year).

So Matra had their first Le Mans victory, everything else was won by Ferrari (2 or 3 works cars took part in each race) with a team of world-class drivers: Mario Andretti , Jacky Ickx, Clay Regazzoni, Ronnie Peterson, Brian Redman, Arturo Merzario, Tim Schenken and even rally ace Sandro Munari who took the laurels at the Targa Florio together with Arturo Merzario where Ferrari only entered a single car beating a whole armada of Alfa Romeos.

Some years ago, I could buy one at a sale – it is the 1000 km Monza winning car of Jacky Ickx/Clay Regazzoni  - highly detailed model with perfect proportions, but gmp sometimes overdid it a bit: the tire markings – less would have been more, and the fabric of the seats is out of scale (similar to CMC). They truly strived for perfection:  the damaged “Ferodo” decal  is no mistake, but looks exactly like on the real car (I have a pic in one of my books showing this).

Anyway, enjoy the pics of the last great Ferrari prototype.

Edited September 14, 2022 by 1959scudetto

[Gramps46]

Beautiful for sure.  I know it is 1/18 and the level of detail is fabulous.  The Ferodo decal is a nice touch.

[1959scudetto]

Thanks, Gary - here is the " Ferodo decal photo" I mentioned above (from Alan Henry's book "Ferrari Prototypes 1962 - 73):