1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 Coupe

By the second half of the 1960s, Ferraris were becoming ever more sophisticated, refined, and easier to drive. This was particularly true of the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, which catered to an older audience less inclined to compromise. It is revealing that the four-seat models were in fact Ferrari's best-selling cars throughout the 1960s. The decade's final touring car was arguably the best yet. Introduced at the 1967 Paris Auto Show, the attractive Pininfarina coachwork of the 365 GT resembled that of the Princess Lilian 330 Speciale shown earlier in the year, but with a longer wheelbase , different rear roofline and modified tail treatment.

Compounding the advancements in styling, its 4.4-liter V-12 was a bored-out version of the 330 GT's Colombo 4.0-liter; this powerplant would also be used in the Ferrari 365 GTC & GTS. All variants featured 320 brake horsepower at 6600 RPM. The chassis was similar to that of the 330 GT, but featured a wider track for an even more greatly-increased interior and trunk. Additionally, the Ferrari 365 GT replaced the prior year's 330 GT's live axle with an independent rear suspension to match that of the front, following the lead of the 275 GTB, 275 GTS and 330 GTC. To complement this advanced design for Ferrari, the car's rear wishbones, coil springs, Koni shocks, and anti-roll bar were supplemented by a hydro-pneumatic self-leveling system later often copied by other marquees and suppliers. The Koni-developed setup was designed to compensate for the weight of rear seat passengers and their luggage.

There would be only 801 365 GT 2+2's produced during the production run from 1968 until 1971, securing their place in collectability. With the same engine and same Pininfarina designed coachwork as Ferrari's selling for well over twice their full market value, they feature the same mechanicals including the engine, 5-speed transmission, rear differential and the essential suspension and chassis design. From a driver's perspective, these GT models are also equipped with power steering, air conditioning, power windows and more, making the GT infinitely more fun to drive for pleasure, if not sport. While these cars were once scavenged to provide parts for more valuable examples, their resulting rarity frequently cause Ferrari trend spotters to predict an accelerated appreciation of the 12 cylinder front engine models because of their low production numbers and the ever-growing market of buyers who appreciate the car for what it is. With such predictions, it seems almost logical that there won't be any 12 cylinder Ferraris obtainable for less than $200,000 in the next couple of years.

Following a recent two-year comprehensive restoration in black over black leather interior by a marque specialist, the US specification 365 GT offered here has reportedly had 3 owners and was once part of the DuPont collection. Unlike most of these cars, it has always been a solid example and having been serviced by a Ferrari mechanic and shop owner during most of the last 20 years of personal ownership it continues to run and drive very well. Recently, a new clutch was installed a little over 3,000 miles ago and it is notable that the transmission and V12 engine remain very strong. There is zero smoke from the exhaust - even on start-up - and the usual 2nd gear synchronizer is not an issue on this car. With well-balanced Weber carburetors and a fresh tune, the car always starts right up, idles well and runs cool even in hot desert temperatures. While inside, this car can sit in the carpeted garage without the usual leaks under the engine, transmission or differential; the vendor has had numerous freshly-restored examples of iconic Ferraris which leaked as many did on the showroom floor.