$12.3 million ($7.25m euro) Australian dollars. That is how much one punter forked out for this amazing 1967 Ferrari 330 P4.

One of only three built, this particular example (chassis number 0858) was sold by RM Auctions at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passion held at the Maranello factory grounds back in May.

Ford’s GT40 MkII victory at Le Mans in 1966 against the Ferrari P3 was the catalyst for the creation of the Ferrari P4. Acting under orders from the Commendatore, the Technical Director at Ferrari’s Maranello Racing Department, Mauro Forghieri,  was told a to get to work and build “whatever car you like”. “All I want”, stated Ferrari “is for your sports prototype to win”.

Forghieri’s engineering efforts and Enzo Ferrari’s competitive drive paid off as Ferrari’s Ford fighters finished 1-2-3 at Daytona, followed by a win in the Monza 1000 Kilometers.

However, victory eluded Ferrari in the contest  that really mattered, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with a third place finish by the Belgian pairing of Willy Mairesse and Jean Blaton.

The heart and soul of the P4 was its stunning  450 hp, 4 litre, V12 engine, about which Enzo Ferrari said “I have always given preeminence to the engine, striving to achieve maximum performance since I am convinced that it counts for more than fifty percent of racing success”.

It looks pretty good too Enzo.

Tags: 1960s, Auctions, Classic Racing Cars, Historic Car Racing, Le Mans, Sports Cars