Offered from the collection of Bernard Fornas
1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2

• Owned by Mr Fornas since December 2014
• Maintained by Ferrari specialists Dino Sport
• Engine rebuilt in August 2017 (bills and photographs available)
• 26,652 kilometres recorded


By the mid-1960s, 50 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 330 GT 2+2 in January 1964. The newcomer's steel tube chassis was 2" longer in the wheelbase than that of its predecessor and featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle. Beneath the 330's more-spacious Pininfarina coachwork was a 300bhp, 4-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 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 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 drivetrain in rubber bushes to insulate the car's occupants from noise and vibration, and offering 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 fine handling and a supple ride, the 365GT 2+2 was rated by Car magazine as "the most civilised Ferrari yet". Impressed by the car's build quality, Car & Driver reckoned it, "prototypical of the new Ferraris where everything fits and falls together accurately, as needs must if Ferrari is to survive in the US market". The respected American motoring magazine found the overall effect to be "one of a very real and serious, ultra luxurious, high-speed touring machine," yet no compromises had been made in the handling department: the 365 GT 2+2 remained very much a driver's car in the traditional Ferrari manner. Road & Track agreed: "Out on the open road this car really comes into its own, as does any Ferrari; the power steering makes it seem light on its feet and the giant Michelin XVR tyres furnish high cornering power with little fuss."

This elegant Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 was purchased by Mr Fornas in December 2014 from the well-known French classic car specialist, Cecil Cars (see bills on file). Since purchase Mr Fornas has had the car regularly maintained by Ferrari specialist Dino Sport in Bezons, France (bills on file). At 23,410 kilometres the following components were replaced: rear shock absorbers; fuel pumps; fuel lines; electrical wiring (for the fuel pumps); and radiator fans. In September 2016, the gearbox was overhauled, and a new clutch installed. In August 2017, the engine was dismantled for a full overhaul, in the course of which new pistons were fitted, for a total of €46,781.96 (bills and photographic record on file). Also, some minor cosmetic work was undertaken by Cecil Car's workshop with some attention to the wiring. Since then, the car has been regularly maintained by Mr Fornas' local specialist. The current odometer reading is 26,652 kilometres. As well as the aforementioned documentation, the Ferrari comes with a detailed and copiously illustrated Rapport d'Expertise from Michel Gicquel, which was commissioned by Mr Fornas in November 2016. A wonderful opportunity to acquire a very well cared for example of this highly desirable Ferrari Gran Turismo.