Ferrari started off the season with the latest evolution of the V6 engine that had proven so successful in 1961, but was now outclassed by the Coventry Climax and BRM V8s. With the monocoque Lotus chassis setting new standards in rigidity and lightweight, Ferrari required a powerplant that was more than on par with the Brits. Launched a few races into the season the all new 1.5 litre V8 proved to be just that. In the hands of multiple motorcycle World Champion John Surtees, the ‘158’ was a frequent winner and brought Ferrari their second world championship of the decade. To this day Surtees is the only rider/driver to score World Championships both on two and four wheels.

Despite the successes scored with the V8, it became clear late in the season that it was just a stop-gap before an all new 12 cylinder racer was to take over. Designed by young engineer Mauro Forghieri, the V12 engine had an angle of 180 degrees, but should not be confused with a boxer engine, which features a completely different crankshaft design. It was extremely compact and despite having four more cylinders it fitted in a 158 chassis. With 24 plugs, four distributors and four coils it was a very complex engine, initially good for around 220 bhp. Its biggest advantage was the low centre of gravity of the flat configuration, which positively affected the handling.