1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2

Coachwork by Pininfarina

4,390cc SOHC V12 Engine
3 Weber Carburetors
320bhp at 6,600rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission (see text)
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Delivered new to Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno
*Elegant color scheme
*Converted in period to an automatic transmission
*One of Ferrari's premier GT car


THE FERRARI 365GT 2+2

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

Based on that of the contemporary 330GTC, the chassis was made up of Ferrari's familiar combination of oval and round steel tubing, and as well as featuring independent suspension all round (for the first time on a Ferrari 2+2) boasted Koni's hydro-pneumatic self-leveling system at the rear. Further refinements included mounting the engine and drive-train 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, while the car's blistering performance - top speed 150mph, 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds - was restrained by Girling ventilated discs all round. 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.'


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed in the latter half of 1969, the example offered here, chassis number 12317, was the 397th example built in the series. The new Ferrari was finished in the same livery it sports today, Celeste Gainsborough light blue over a Nero black interior and was delivered new through West Coast distributor Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno.

Little is known about the interim history of this example, but early in its life it was converted to an automatic transmission. Although six 356GTs were originally fitted with automatics, this example was not one of them. By the late 1990s the Ferrari was on the East Coast and found its way into the present collection in August of 2006.

Having been off road for some time prior to purchase, it has been on static display since acquisition and as such recommissioning is recommended prior to use. A legendary grand routier, the addition of a automatic makes it even more comfortable.