In 1966, when sports car races commenced on Canadian and American tracks, Luigi Chinetti requested a suitable car from Ferrari. In response, Ferrari chose a P3/4 series chassis, equipping it with a slightly larger engine than the original four-liter unit for the 1967 racing season. However, given the substantial displacement and torque difference compared to the American cars, which were fitted with 7- and 8-liter engines, Ferrari built a second, more competitive model for the 1968 season.