1974 Ferrari 365 GT4/2+2

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 was Pininfarina’s answer to a design brief that moved the marque away from the more traditionally-styled Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, provided more rear-seat space than the Ferrari GTC4 and introduced aerodynamic body-styling that was destined to become a feature of the seventies.

A purple patch for Ferrari, riding the waves of success of the 246 Dino and Daytona, launched at the Paris Motor show in 1972, the 365 GT4 2+2 was a straightforward ‘three-box’ design based on a long wheelbase version of the Ferrari 365 GTC4 chassis, the ‘2+2’ sharing a number of design features from this, its immediate predecessor, including the Daytona-style, ‘pop up’ twin headlights and adding 6 characteristic rear lights and wheels with a central nut.

Its 4.4litre quad cam V12 engine with six Weber side draught carburettors produced an impressive 320hp and was capable of propelling the car from 0-100 km/hr in a very healthy 6.4 seconds onto a top speed in excess of 250 km/hr.

A total of just 524 production models in both left and right-hand drive were built and trimmed by Pininfarina and finally assembled at Maranello between 1972 and 1976.

In period, the car was well regarded though, the oil crisis of the 1970′s made it somewhat difficult to sell leading to the small numbers remaining in circulation today keeping interest and prices ever buoyant.

The incredibly rare car offered here is Australian delivered, sold new on October of 1974 by CHAMPIONS Pty Ltd in Adelaide.

Coming out of a large fastidious collection, the big 12-cylinder classic has been revived with a restoration and the result delivered a world class 365 GT4/2+2 and one of, if not the finest 365 GT4/2+2 in the county. The exterior finish is something of a mix between Blu Sera & Blu Ribot but with a twist. This was too the collector’s choice. The interior is of original colour specifications and has been to an excellent high standard.

Today, the car is absolutely on the button mechanically and cosmetically. A testament to the way in which it has been maintained, important finer details are all correct from the Carello light lenses, “mouse hair” dash with its factory matte finish, the small leather strap and hook in the boot for giving access to the original spare wheel and tool-kit and the period Michelin XWX tyres. There wouldn’t be a better example in the country.

With power-steering, air conditioning and power brakes, the drive is also sensational with power delivered so linearly throughout the rev range. Gear changes are accurate, the pedal feel is well weighted and in just a short stint behind the original MOMO wheel, you get the sense that this car is just as Ferrari intended.