“We would never obey…!”

The 1972 Ferrari 312 PB was a pearl of a machine, and it came powered by Ferrari’s new flat-12 Formula One engine which offered power and torque in abundance.

Even in detuned long distance specifications, it gave 440 bhp at 10,600rpm, which was way more than what the V8’s Alfa Romeo or Cosworth could deliver.

Ferrari drew upon the best drivers available at the time: during 1972 the 312PB would be raced by amongst others, Jacky Ickx, Brian Redman, Clay Regazzoni, Ronnie Peterson, Arturo Merzario and Mario Andretti.

The result was total dominance as Mario Andretti once made clear, commenting on rival teams, “They were just there. We never considered them opposition. The only competition was within the team. We gave (team manager) Peter Schetty grey hairs. The only pit board he ever held out were ‘slow’ and ‘hold’. We would never obey…!”

Picture here-under: Brian Redman leads Ronnie Peterson in the late stages of a race.