1974 Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2

Details

The late 1960’s and early 1970’s were a fabulous time for Ferrari. Its flagship 365 GTB/4 Daytona was a resounding success and Enzo’s ‘big risk’ the Dino 246 was also selling very well. At that time Ferrari wanted to continue with his tradition of producing high performance ‘Grand Touring’ cars with a 2+2 configuration and the 365 GTC/4, which was a successor to the 365 GT 2+2 and 365 GTC, filled that niche. The early 1970′s were a time of innovation and Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati et al continued to introduce new models in an endeavour to trump the other. The 365 GTC/4 was only in production in 1971 & 1972 and its successor the 365 GT/4 2+2 was first shown in October 1972 at the Paris Motor Show. This car, designed and built by Pininfarina, featured unique styling and whilst the sharp angular lines were ‘very new’ for Ferrari is did share the characteristic design feature of a swage line dividing the body into an upper and a lower half with the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Unlike the GTC/4 the GT/4 2+2 could seat four people in relative comfort. Mechanically the 365 GT/4 2+2 was almost identical to the 365 GTC/4 and its 4390 cc quad cam V12 engine with six Weber 38DCOE side draught carburettors put out an impressive 320 bhp was capable of propelling the car from 0-60 mph (0-100 km/hr) in a healthy 6.4 seconds and a top speed in excess of 150 mph (250 km/hr).

In period the car was well regarded though the oil crisis of the 1970′s made the car somewhat difficult to sell and only 524 examples were built from 1973 to 1976.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale this 1974 Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2.

This particular car is an Australian delivered, factory RHD example, that is confirmed to retain its original ‘matching numbers’ engine. The car has books, including the original warranty card and jack kit.

According to the Maranello Concessionaires Archives this car was delivered new in ‘Avorio the Tetrarch’ (ivory) with Beige 846 hide interior.

The car was collected new from the Ferrari factory in Maranello by its first owner a Mr John Carroll Kelleher from Melbourne, Victoria on the 5^th April 1974. This is confirmed by the original Italian registration documents that accompany the car. Mr Kelleher enjoyed his car in Europe for a short time, as evidenced by the stampings in the warranty card booklet, before it was imported into Australia. The car’s subsequent early history is not known, however, it was acquired by a well known Melbourne based Ferrari collector in the late 1980’s / early 1990’s who enjoyed the car for a few years before restoring it. It is understood at that time the car was repainted red. The car changed hands in the mid 1990’s and its next owner kept the car for almost twenty years before trading it on a Ferrari Testarossa. The car was then acquired by its next owner in April 2013, a well known classic car enthusiast / collector based in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. The car was used on a number of classic Ferrari rallies where it performed admirably.

Today the car presents and drives beautifully. This 365 has obviously been very well cared for throughout its life, evidenced by the condition of the interior of the car which looks to be original.

Finished in the fabulous colour combination of classic Ferrari red with a beige interior this car has a real presence about it. The paint work still retains a great depth of colour and high gloss. There are some stone chips and imperfections evident, but overall the paint work is in very good condition. The underside of this car is also excellent and consistent with the car’s overall condition and presentation. Similarly the external trim, lenses and glass are all in really good condition. The cabin is just a lovely place to be, presenting with just the right amount of patina. There are no rips or tears in the upholstery. Overall the car’s condition belies its age of 40 + years.

Whilst this car looks the goods it really gets exciting when you turn the key. The engine starts easily and it soon settles into a smooth idle once it starts to warm up. Buckle up and away you go . . . on the move you realise that the car is tight on the road with no rattles or squeaks. It steers, handles and stops as you would expect. The gearbox is firm and the sycnhros are good, though second is a little notchy, particularly when cold. The big engine revs willingly and the car pulls strongly through the rev range. The oil pressure is good and the V12 sounds ‘just right’.

The car has its original ‘matching numbers’ engine and it has books, including the original owner’s manual, warranty card, dealer directory and Voxson stereo instructions. There is also a jack kit.

We have had the pleasure to handle a number of 365 GT/4’s over the last few years and this is one of the better ones.

The Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2 has to be the last of the relatively affordable classic front engined V12 Ferraris and this example now needs a new owner to use it and enjoy it!

The odometer reads 83,143 miles which is believed genuine.

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