Lot 108: 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS Spyder
Coachwork by Pininfarina

A rarity produced only during the 1969 season, the Ferrari 365GTS was in essence the preceding 330GTS with its engine further enlarged to 4.4 litres. This particular line of luxurious Ferrari spyders had commenced in 1964 with the arrival of the 275GTS, succeeding models retaining the same basic underpinnings while undergoing subtle re-styling courtesy of their creator, Pininfarina. All three employed the same short, 2400mm-wheelbase chassis: a multi-tubular spaceframe tied together by oval main tubes in the Ferrari tradition, but breaking new ground in its adoption of independent rear suspension - the latter a double wishbone and coil-spring arrangement similar to that of the 250LM sports-racer - and a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle combining the gearbox and differential in a single unit.

Stylistically, the 330GTS combined the rear of the 275GTS with a lengthened, more penetrative nose reminiscent of the 500 Superfast’s frontal treatment, and this was retained for the 365GTS, though with the engine cooling vents re-located to the bonnet, an alteration which also characterised the last of the 330s. Mechanical changes were few; the most significant being the adoption of torque tube enclosure of the prop shaft with the advent of the 330GTS, a development which eliminated criticism of the handling of early 275s. Progressive enlargement of the Columbo-type 60-degree V12 brought with it commensurate improvements in performance, maximum power increasing from the 275’s 260 to the 365’s 320bhp, and top speed from 140 to over 150mph.

The need to accommodate the demands of the increasingly important United States market meant that by the mid-1960s Ferrari road cars were becoming more luxurious, and by 1966 electric windows and a heated rear screen were standard equipment on the 330GTS, and air conditioning an option. But however much it tailored its cars to American tastes, Ferrari found it less easy to accommodate the US Government’s increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation as the 1970s approached. The 365GTS was an early casualty, production ceasing after less than one year during which time a mere 20 cars had been completed.

The car we offer is the 8th of the 20 examples built, so a rare motor car indeed. Originally finished in Azzuro (blue), ‘12269’ was sold new in Italy via official Ferrari dealer M G Crepaldi and in April 1984 passed into the ownership of banker Araldo Fantini, a resident of Zurich, by which time it had been repainted red. The engine was refurbished by Autofficina Sauro, of Bologna at this time and the car registered on Swiss plates ‘ZH 182924’. In 1998 ‘12269’ was sold to the current (third) owner and fully restored. The car is currently black with a matching hood and a pale sage green interior, which makes for a stunning colour combination. It is currently fitted with Borrani wire wheels shod with incorrect Dunlop Racing tyres, but the latter can easily be exchanged for the correct Michelin XWXs. Apart from that, the car is fitted with a ‘state of the art’ CD Hi-Fi system that is discreetly installed in the boot, with an original radio in the dashboard. There is also a rally Tripmaster installed and a Ferrari tool roll is included in the sale. Currently the property of a private collector, ‘12269’ has been regularly serviced and driven on occasional touring rallies rather than on more demanding motor sport events. The restoration shows some minor signs of age but is still very presentable, reflecting the work’s high standard. The car remains in very good condition overall and performed very satisfactorily the last time a member of staff road tested it.




Cette voiture, le 8e des 20 exemplaires construits, est d’une absolue rareté. Peinte à l’origine en bleu, « 12269 » fut vendue neuve en Italie par l’agent Ferrari M. G. Crepaldi. En avril 1984, elle devint la propriété du banquier Araldo Fantini de Zurich, époque où elle était peinte en rouge. Le moteur fut révisé par Autofficina de Bologne et la voiture fut immatriculée en Suisse « ZH 182924 ». En 1998,
« 12269 » fut vendue à son propriétaire actuel (le troisième) et totalement restaurée. La voiture est actuellement noire, capote noire et intérieur vert sauge, une combinaison de couleurs inhabituelle. Elle est équipée de roues à rayons Borrani chaussées incorrectement de pneus Dunlop Racing mais ces derniers peuvent être facilement remplacés par des Michelin XWX originaux. Elle comporte aussi un système audio avec changeur CD discrètement installé dans le coffre et sa radio d’origine à la planche de bord. Elle possède en plus un Tripmaster installé et une trousse d’outils Ferrari. Actuellement propriété d’un collectionneur privé, « 12269 » a été régulièrement entretenue et conduite à l’occasion de rallies touristiques plutôt que dans des manifestations plus éprouvantes. La restauration montre quelques signes de fatigue, mais l’état général de sa présentation est bon en raison de la qualité de sa restauration. Son fonctionnement, lors d’un récent essai, s’est aussi révélé extrêmement satisfaisant.