1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2

Details

The mid 1960’s were a fabulous time for Ferrari and one of its best sellers was the 330 GT 2+2. This model was a great success capturing the true essence and tradition of a Ferrari whilst offering the practicality of four seats and good size boot. Just over 1000 of these cars were built from 1964 – 1967 and Enzo was very keen to continue the theme into a new model. Enter the 365 GT 2+2. First shown at the 1967 Paris Motor Show the Pininfarina designed 365 GT 2+2 took styling cues from 500 Superfast and 330 GTC. The car was built on a modified version of the 330 chassis, but what mattered most was that its engine was the new 4.4 litre version of the Columbo V12 engine. From a performance perspective the 365 GT 2+2 was all Ferrari, however, this model also offered creature comforts including power steering, air conditioning, electric windows and overall a more luxurious finish in the cabin.

Often referred to as ‘the Queen Mary’ this model is now recognised by enthusiasts and collectors as one of the most practical of the classic front engine V12 Ferraris. Of the 800 cars built from 1968 – 1970 it is estimated circa 70 were factory RHD.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer another stunning vintage Ferrari, this time a very original and well cared for 365 GT 2+2.

This particular factory RHD example is ‘matching numbers’ and was imported into Australia from Singapore in 1981 by its then owner a Mr H Somic. It is understood Mr Somic was working in the oil & gas industry based out of Singapore at the time. The car was then sold by Melbourne based prestige car dealer Brents to a very long term Melbourne based owner in circa 1984. His ownership of the car lasted more than thirty years until it was recently acquired by Oldtimer Australia.

The car’s previous owner recalls that the car was not running quite right when he bought it and he immediately took it to respected Ferrari technician John Allen who had the V12 ‘singing’ in a matter of hours. There is thick file of receipt, the first of them for maintenance work undertaken by Graeme Vincent is dated 25/10/1985 and at that time the car had travelled 18,775 miles. In the mid 1980’s the door skins were replaced. The car was regularly used throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s and always serviced by Graeme Vincent and by 30/6/1998 the odometer was at 31,423 miles. Subsequently the car was less regularly used and today the odometer reads 33,847 miles. Whilst the car has only travelled some 2,500 miles in the last 17 years it has been regularly maintained and serviced by specialist Ferrari technicians.

In the mid 2000’s the car was taken off the road for a period of some four years and given a bare metal repaint. The previous owner reports that car was structurally ‘very good’ with minimal rust repairs required. The jacking points (a noted weak spot on these cars) were replaced, the front quarter panels behind the front wheels required repairs as did the sills and fuel tanks. At the time the owner opted to have the colour changed from gold to dark blue.

Today the car presents and drives beautifully. The colour scheme is striking against the contrast of the freshly refurbished Borrani wheels. The paintwork presents well and has high gloss, however, there are a few small stone chips and the odd paint blemish evident. All of the chrome, trim and glass are in very good condition. The body is arrow straight and the panel gaps are excellent. The interior looks to be totally original and the seats have ‘cracking’ in the leather, but there are no rips or tears and importantly the foam is in excellent condition. In reality they are showing just the right amount of patina for a car that is not too far short of 50 years old! The door cards, centre console, dash and instruments are all in very good condition.

The car drives really well and the engine pulls strongly through the rev range. The car has good oil pressure and a recent compression test showed an even result across all cylinders. The gear change, often a weak point on these cars, is excellent once warm and the car handles as it should. The brakes are good and the car pulls up in a straight line.

The car has just been serviced by a Ferrari specialist and had the engine oil and filters changed, the coolant flushed and changed, the brake fluid flushed and changed and the gearbox and differential oil changed. A worn tie rod end was also replaced, a new rear half exhaust fitted and exhaust hangars replaced. The car has also been fitted with new Michelin XWX tyres.

The car has books, a partially complete tool kit and jack kit. A set of period correct 10 hole alloy wheels in excellent condition also accompanies the car.

In summary this car is best described as “ . . . just a really nice old car that is very original, unmolested and overall in excellent condition.” It’s certainly not a show car, rather a car that has aged gracefully and is a driver in excellent condition that would be welcome at any classic car show.

 

 

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