1975 Ferrari 365 BB

Unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motorshow as the first mid-engine road car to bear the Cavallino Rampante badge and the replacement for the wildly successful Ferrari Daytona, the 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer set the tone for 12 Cylinder Ferrari’s for years to come.

After the release of the Lamborghini Miura and then later the Countach it took Ferrari engineers many years to convince Enzo to adopt the mid-engine layout on his road cars, finally with the stamp of approval the challenge was not to go unanswered. Whilst the Lamborghini Countach boasts plenty of showmanship the Berlinetta Boxer outweighed it in athleticism.

Accompanying the new chassis would be an all new version of Ferrari’s 4.4 litre Flat-12 Cylinder engine longitudinally mounted breathing through four enormous Weber carburetors which produced 360HP to the rear wheels.

Just 387 examples of the 365 Berlinetta Boxer was built worldwide and would be succeeded by its boxer offspring, the 512BB, Testarossa and the 512TR. The resulting rarity of the 365 BB has made it increasingly desirable among enthusiasts around the world, especially as the meaty sounding carbureted engine was later phased out and replaced by fuel-injection technology. The first Berlinetta Boxer was, and remains, the lightest, purest and rarest of the Berlinetta Boxer family.

Being one of just 88 right-hand drive cars produced we are proud to offer this astonishing numbers matching 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer delivered new in October of 1975 by Maranello Concessionaires, Sydney ordered in Rosso Chiaro over Pelle Nera leather trim accompanied with Ferrari Classiche Certificazione di Autenticita.

Originally sold to a Sydney-based collector from new the Berlinetta remained under long-term single ownership from 1975 to 2003. It changed hands to another enthusiast who then on-sold it just 2 years later.

The next custodian subjected the vehicle to an extensive nut and bolt restoration from the ground up ensuring it was to be concours ready. The masterful restoration took 4 years to complete finishing in 2010 and claims overwhelming originality and factory certification.

The attention to detail and craftsmanship of the restoration is uncanny, the Rosso Corsa paintwork carries a perfected glass-like finish and the matte black finish is even, unmarked and smooth to the touch. The correct Carrello rear taillights and Cromodora 15-inch alloys remain and are tell-tale signs of a detailed restoration.

Continuing this theme of originality, the interior presents much the same, the original Pelle Nera Italian leather seats are immaculate extending to the doors and dash. The interior chrome remains polished and unscathed as well as all the switchgear presents as new. The gauges are all perfectly functional and even the original Voxon stereo remains.

Once you manage to stop looking at it and finally get behind the wheel, only then can you truly understand what the is fuss all about.

The drive is sensational, the steering is incredibly direct and lightweight yet provides plenty of road feel due to its now engineless front end. The suspension is firm and keeps your planted in corners yet manages to absorb most of the imperfections on the road.

Upon ignition, thanks to its enormous Webers the throttle response is sharp yet graceful and when you slide down to second to the sound of the “clink” of the metal gated transmission and plant the accelerator unleashing all 360HP the speedometer not only climbs rapidly but you are immersed in the unique and symphonic sound of that carbureted Ferrari Flat 12.

In accompaniment with the sale is the original Ferrari books wrapped in its leather wallet, original jack, toolkit and Ferrari Classiche Authenticity Certification documentation. It also comes with an impressive swathe of documented history that tracks the car from its earliest moments throughout its restoration to mechanical works carried out only recently.

Highly sought after, both for their incredible looks and impressive driving characteristics this example is no exception. Beautifully restored, Australian delivered and numbers matching this 365 Berlinetta Boxer boasts a fascinating history and would be an exciting addition to any collection.