Lot 232: Ferrari 365GT 2+2 Coup�

By the mid-1960s, 50 percent of all Ferraris produced were being built with four seats, and following on from the success of its first such model, the 250GTE of 1960, Ferrari introduced the 330GT 2+2 in January 1964. The newcomer's steel tube chassis was 50mm longer in the wheelbase than that of its predecessor and featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle, while beneath the 330's more-spacious Pininfarina coachwork was a 300bhp, 4.0-litre V12 coupled to a four-speed overdrive gearbox. Its replacement, the 365GT 2+2, was launched at the Paris Salon in October 1967. Sleekly styled in the manner of the limited edition 500 Superfast, the 365GT 2+2 was the most refined Ferrari to date. Based on that of the contemporary 330GTC, the chassis was made up of Ferrari's familiar combination of oval and round steel tubing, and as well as featuring independent suspension all round (for the first time on a Ferrari 2+2) boasted Koni's hydro-pneumatic self-levelling system at the rear. Further refinements included mounting the engine and drive-train in rubber bushes to insulate the car's occupants from noise and vibration, and providing ZF power-assisted steering and air conditioning as standard equipment. Developing 320bhp in its 365GT incarnation, the well-proven 4.4-litre V12 engine was coupled to a five-speed gearbox, while the car's blistering performance - top speed 150mph, 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds - was restrained by Girling ventilated discs all round. A total of 800 cars had been completed by the time production ceased in 1971. Endowed with that unusual combination of fine handling and a supple ride, the 365GT 2+2 was rated by Car magazine as 'the most civilised Ferrari yet.' This well-preserved example of one of Ferrari's finest luxury GTs is an original right-hand drive UK-market car that has spent part of its life on display in the Mus�e Automobile at La Clavette, France. Upon the collection's dispersal, the Ferrari returned to the UK around December 1999/January 2000 having been in France for, it is believed, some 13 years. The car had been in the immediately preceding owner's possession for three years and displayed a total of circa 84,000 miles on the odometer when it was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' Silverstone Sale in July 2005 (Lot 215). Lightly re-commissioned at time of acquisition by a British Ferrari specialist, it has benefited from regular improvements since then, including new carpets throughout and a carburettor overhaul, while two of the wheels have been rebuilt. A highly original example, the car is finished in blu chiaro (light blue) with beige leather interior, and is offered with sundry invoices, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5 document.