1976 Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2

Details

Apple, Coco Cola, McDonalds and Nike are brands recognisable the world over. So is Ferrari and interestingly the iconic Italian luxury sports car manufacturer was named ‘The World’s Strongest Brand’ in the 2019 Brand Finance Global 500 Report.

Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1939 out of Alfa Romeo’s race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni the company built its first car in 1940. The Second World War halted Ferrari’s dream, which was finally realised in 1947, when the first car bearing his name, the Ferrari125S, was built. From that day on Ferrari race cars dominated the world over, winning race after race and many world championships in Formula One, sports car racing and endurance racing. Ferrari built exclusive sports cars for the road too, but in the early days, this was primarily to fund his motor racing!

The Cavallino Rampate or ‘prancing horse’ was the symbol chosen by Ferrari and like the ‘golden arches’ it is recognised by just about every man, woman and child on the planet!

The Ferrari road cars built in the 1940’s and early to mid-1950’s were built in very small numbers and it was not until the introduction of the 250 series cars that production numbers increased. Almost 1,000 Ferrari 250 GTE’s were built from 1959 – 1963. The 250 Series also contained some of the most special Ferraris ever built, including the Ferrari 250LM, 250 SWB, 250 California Spider and of course the 250 GTO. The 250 Series cars were superseded by the 275 Series cars, the 330 series and cars and later the 365 series cars. The nomenclature designated the cubic capacity of each cylinder. So a Ferrari 275 GTB was powered by a 12 cylinder engine of 3300cc capacity.

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 the 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 it 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 and 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 1976 Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2.

This particular car is an Australian delivered, factory RHD example that was delivered new to Canberra in the ACT. The car has books, including the original warranty card, brief case style tool kit and jack kit. The Australian compliance plate is dated 6/76.

The Warranty Card and Owner’s Service Book notes the first owner as Brian Pollock Motors Pty Ltd from Phillip (Canberra) in the ACT and that the car was delivered on the 23rd June 1976. The service book notes the first service was carried out by Maranello Concessionaires on the 9th July 1976 at 880km. Its next service (4000 km) carried out by Maranello Concessionaires on the 24th September 1976. The odometer reading was not noted. There is a service book entry for the car’s 10,000 km service (not dated) and the 15,000 km service dated 9th August 1978 from Scuderia Veloce Motors in Sydney.

The car changed hands in the late seventies and remained with its Sydney based owner for a decade. The car is recorded in the very first Ferrari Owner’s Club of Australia Member’s Register from 1986/87 and it has known ownership since. It was acquired by a very well-known Ferrari enthusiast in c1998 and shortly thereafter had its gearbox, differential, suspension and brakes overhauled. It was also repainted at this time. The odometer was noted as 82,264 km in April 1998. The car changed hands in 2002 and it was purchased as a 70^th birthday present. Unfortunately, the car ended up in storage and not used before being acquired by its current and only fifth owner in late 2013.  The current custodian of the car is a long term Ferrari and classic car owner and very particular with his cars. This car has lived in the ACT (Canberra) and Sydney (NSW) before heading north to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland in 2002, which is where the car resides today.

Oldtimer Australia has had the privilege to sell a number of Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2’s and this car is one of the very best examples we have seen. These cars a very colour sensitive and whilst colour is obviously a personal choice, blue with a beige interior is just about as good as it gets . . . it is STUNNING! This is just a beautifully presented and driving car. Whilst the car carries an older repaint, it still retains a great depth of colour and high gloss. There are some very minor stone chips and imperfections evident, but you have to look hard. All of the exterior trim, lenses, chrome work, bumpers and the glass are also in very good condition. The underside of this car is also excellent and consistent with the car’s overall condition and presentation. 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. 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, the dash is excellent and the instruments are all crisp and clean and importantly all are in working order. The steering wheel shows some light wear as does the timber veneer in the centre console.

Whilst this car looks the goods it really gets exciting when you slip in behind the wheel. Prime the Webers, turn the key and the 4.4 litre V12 engine bursts into life. It starts easily and idles smoothly from the get-go. Buckle up and away you go . . . on the move, you realise that the car is really tight on the road with no rattles or squeaks. Like all Ferraris, it gets better and better as it warms up. It steers, handles and stops as you would expect. The gearbox is firm and the synchros are good, including second, even 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’.

This Ferrari 365 GT/4 2+2 ticks all the boxes.

Highlights:

– an Australian delivered, factory RHD example.

– finished in a fabulous colour scheme of metallic blue with a beige interior.

– a well sorted example that is ready to be used and enjoyed.

– books, including the original Warranty Card and Owner’s Service Book, Operating Maintenance and Service Book, Spare Parts Catalogue, Dealer Directory in the correct and most likely original leather pouch.

– tool kit and jack kit.

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 and enjoy it!

The odometer reads 96,302 km which is believed genuine.