Towards the end of the 1960s, Ferrari was in a transition phase. With the introduction of the mid-engine Dino in 1968, the model lineup would forever include a mid-engined sports car in the lineup. Also, more creature comforts began to filter their way into Ferrari road cars, such as the case with this 365GT 2+2. This was the first Ferrari to feature power steering and air conditioning, which was standard equipment for US customers. With its familiar Columbo 4.4 liter V12 delivering 320 horsepower, this touring machine was capable of a run to 60 in just over seven seconds. Over 800 copies were produced from 1967 through 1971, giving way to the 365 GTC/4. This 365GT 2+2 for sale in California is a European market car in eye catching Fly Yellow replete with California black plates.
1968 Ferrari 365GT 2+2
1968 Ferrari 365 GT. Excellent Matching Numbers Euro Model. The Ferrari 365 GT was designed by Pininfarina and followed in the vein of the 500 Superfast, bearing a striking resemblance to it. Sometimes referred to as the "Queen Mother" of Ferraris, it was the last of the front engine, wood dash cars unfettered by DOT and EPA regulations. It continued a wonderful legacy of awesome road cars that began in the 1950s with the Columbo engined 166 and 250. The example here is a Euro version 1968 model that has not been offered for sale in over 20 years. It has been in the careful custody of its current owner since the 90s. A Ferrari/Maserati collector and enthusiast, the current owner has fastidiously maintained the car and recently has reluctantly decided to part with it.
I had the pleasure of owning this very car prior to the current owner. It was my wife's daily driver. It provided us years of pleasurable and reliable (exciting) "transportation" and completed several (fast) trips up the coast to the Monterey weekends in August. IT IS AN AWESOME CAR ON THE ROAD! With 12 cylinders up front, 5 speeds, quad exhaust, Borrani wires, leather interior, wood dash and wheel, and super svelte styling, the car literally has it all. Just 800 examples were built between 1968 and 1971. (Compare that figure to 1284 Daytonas...)
This Ferrari is a matching numbers example. Here is the original chassis plate. Chassis # 11853. The wheels are original Borrani wires, including the spare. Tires are correct and extremely rare Michelin XWX. The tires have plenty of tread, but are a bit aged. For any high mileage driving, it is recommended that newer tires be fitted. The body on this Ferrari is excellent. It has never suffered an accident or damage. All the lines are nice and crisp, just as original. In 1998, the car was repainted professionally in fly yellow, and the bumpers were re chromed. New window rubbers were installed and and the trim around the windows was re anodized as per original.
The paint has held up extremely well and needs no attention. The car appears large from the outside, but once inside, it's just right. Visibility is superb in all directions with no blind spots. The seats and interior are in excellent condition. The leather shows little wear and is nicely patina’d. It has factory air conditioning, although it has gone unused for years. It worked previously and may just need some freon. The electrics all work as they should, including the crazy motorized front 1/4 vent windows, controlled by the switches shown here, just forward of the window switches.
The odometer shows 93,173 kilometers (57,767 miles) and although unverifiable, is believed to be original. The condition of the car supports it. The early cars such as this one, came with this gorgeous wood rimmed steering wheel. It's literally a work of art. This one is in excellent condition. The 365 GT is a true 2+2. The leather is all in nice shape. The very nice original headliner is shown here.
The car runs beautifully. All three Webers, both distributors, and everything else that matters-all in fine fettle. The correct original plate is still intact on the air cleaner, as well as the correct yellow fuel line. The underside is rust free. Original rockers seen here. This is the right rear underside. The left rear underside. The 365 GT is such a beautiful piece of machinery. The classic design elements characteristic of early Ferraris are all here, like the famous egg crate grill. Really, words are not necessary when the photos herein aptly represent this Ferrari's impeccable beauty. The original correct leather tool rolls are present. The original jack is here, but most of the tools are non-original replacements. A parts manual (reprint) and an original owner's manual are included.
This is a GRAND OPPORTUNITY to own an excellent example of a classic front engined V12 Ferrari that you can actually drive. And drive it you will. When the current owner and long-time friend of mine called me to say he was selling, I was a bit saddened. Having enjoyed owning this very car myself, and seeing the joy it has brought him, it will be bitter sweet to see it go. Ferraris do that to you. There is a very reasonable reserve on this auction. It is not available for sale anywhere else.
Interestingly, these late sixties 2+2 Ferraris are some of the more affordable pieces of hardware to emerge from Maranello. Entrance into this club starts around $60,000 to $70,000 and for the most well restored or original examples, look to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of around $120,000 to $130,000 or so. I’d wager to say this particular car’s reserve may be hovering somewhere around $90,000 to $100,000 or so. This 365GT certainly looks sharp in yellow, but I would prefer a more subtle color, such as a dark gray metallic or deep burgundy or brown. If it’s a classic V12 Ferrari you seek, these sleek machines offer relatively good bang for the buck.
-Paul
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