1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2

Coachwork by Pininfarina

4,390cc SOHC V12 Engine
3 Weber Carburetors
320bhp at 6,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Beautifully presented example of the classic Touring Ferrari
*Elegant Pininfarina-built coachwork in Rosso Corsa
*Retains original matching-numbers engine
*Great Ferrari for high-speed rallies such as the Copperstate 1000


THE FERRARI 365GT 2+2

By the mid-1960s, fifty percent of all Ferraris produced were being built with four seats. Following on from the success of its first such model, the 250 GTE of 1960, Ferrari introduced the 330 GT 2+2 in January 1964. Its replacement, the 365 GT 2+2, was launched at the Paris Auto Show in October 1967. Sleekly styled in the manner of the limited edition 500 Superfast, the 365 GT 2+2 was the most refined Ferrari to date.

Based on that of the contemporary 330 GTC, the chassis was made up of Ferrari's familiar combination of oval and round steel tubing, and in addition to featuring independent suspension all round (for the first time on a Ferrari 2+2) the car boasted Koni's hydro-pneumatic self-leveling system at the rear. Further refinements included mounting the engine and drivetrain in rubber bushes to insulate the car's occupants from noise and vibration, and providing ZF power-assisted steering and air conditioning as standard equipment.

Developing 320bhp in its 365GT incarnation, the well-proven 4.4-liter V12 engine was coupled to a five-speed gearbox. The car's blistering performance - top speed 150mph, 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds - was restrained by Girling ventilated discs all around. Endowed with that unusual combination of fine handling and a supple ride, the 365GT 2+2 was rated by Car magazine as 'the most civilized Ferrari yet.' According to the article written by Davide Marchi, in The Official Ferrari Magazine, Vol 32, Enzo Ferrari's most favorite car to be used as a daily driver was the 365 GT 2+2.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Maranello Ferrari works during July of 1969, the fine example of the 365 GT 2+2 offered here - chassis number 12793 - had been constructed, painted, and trimmed at the Pininfarina factory during the spring of 1969, before the final assembly and powertrain installment took place at Ferrari. According to noted Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini, 12793 was painted in Grigio Ortello (code 2.443.813), trimmed with Nero VM 8500 Interior, and was the 498th example of the approximately 800 365 GT 2+2's made between 1968 and 1971. 12793 was equipped as a left-hand drive car and destined for the US market, with miles-per-hour instrumentation.

12793 was delivered new to William Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Nevada, who sold the Ferrari to its first owner on the West Coast. Records show that the car was owned by Dr. C. R. Oliphant of San Diego, California by the mid 1970s, who is also believed to have been the first owner and sole caretaker of 12793 until 2016, when the car was sold to its current owner. The old blue and yellow California license plates remained with the car at this point, dating back to the 1970s. 12793 has been professionally maintained in the current ownership by Mr. Patrick Soares, a renowned Ferrari Mechanic and owner of Fiorano Motor Sports based in Doral, Florida. The Weber carburetors has been refurbished, serviced and adjusted, the hydraulic air shock absorbers serviced and repaired, and fluids and battery replaced. A compression test was done in 2017, and all 12 cylinders ranged consistently between 130 and 144.

Finished in the elegant and classic Rosso Corsa red color over a black leather interior, 12793 is a wonderful and well-kept example of these classic touring Ferraris. Importantly, 12793 retains its matching numbers engine. The roomy passenger cabin features air conditioning, power windows, correct Veglia gauges and a classic Blaupunkt radio. Chrome Borrani wire wheels are fitted, giving the Ferrari GT its classic, period-correct look. Owner's manuals, jack, and a set of 2 Koni shocks accompany the sale of the car.