Footnotes

By the mid-1960s, 50 percent of all Ferraris produced were being built with four seats, which demonstrates just how important this particular market sector had become for Maranello. 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. The newcomer's steel tube chassis was 50mm longer in the wheelbase than that of its predecessor and featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle, while beneath the 330's more-spacious Pininfarina coachwork was a 300bhp, 4.0-litre V12 coupled to a four-speed overdrive gearbox. Its replacement, the 365 GT 2+2, was launched at the Paris Salon in October 1967. Sleekly styled in the manner of the ultra-exclusive limited edition 500 Superfast, the 365 GT was the most refined Ferrari to date.

Based on that of the contemporary two-seater 330 GTC, 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-levelling 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 365 GT incarnation, the well-proven 4.4-litre 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. A total of 800 cars had been completed by the time production ceased in 1971. Endowed with that unusual combination of fine handling and a supple ride, the 365GT 2+2 was rated by Car magazine as "the most civilised Ferrari yet".

Autosport's Patrick McNally was equally impressed, finding the 365 GT 2+2, "a refined and sophisticated automobile by any manufacturer's standards. There is enough torque for the car to be driven in a very lazy fashion if one doesn't feel inclined to play tunes on the gearbox. The flexibility of the 365 is its finest single feature". He also remarked on the 365 GT's outstanding roadholding in both wet and dry conditions, and its generously sized boot.

Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire one of Ferrari's finest Gran Turismos, the car offered here comes with the bill of sale relating to its purchase by the vendor in May 2008 from dealer Mario Bernardi of Hann. Münden, Germany. This is a well presented example of a 365 GT 2+2 in an interesting colour that suits the car and is a matching numbers car. It would require some attention to the running gear after a long period in storage. Please note import taxes will be liable if the car is to remain in the EU.