Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2
s/n 12509, engine no. 12509
Black with Red Leather

For decades, astute collectors have sought Ferraris that can be driven enjoyably with friends and family members either for personal outings or as part of touring events hosted all over the world. During the 1960s, this same sentiment had allowed Ferrari to capture a larger market share with the addition of rear seating capacity accompanied by more luxurious driving amenities. Beginning with the successful 250 GTE, the 330 GT 2+2 followed in 1964, eventually succeeded by the 365 GT 2+2, Ferrari set a tradition of excellent four passenger touring cars. Debuting at the 1967 Paris Auto Show, the beautifully elongated Pininfarina body, influenced by the limited production 500 Superfast and 330 Speciale, had dramatic front and rear overhangs, beautiful side glass, and handsome if not stately proportions. The 365 GT 2+2 not only offered tremendous performance, it was truly a superlative grand touring car, readily impressing both sportscar enthusiasts and the motoring press.

With its 320 bhp 4.4 Liter V12 engine and five-speed gearbox, 0-60 times were achieved in a remarkable 7.0 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph. Girling four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, independent suspension all round, and Koni's hydro-pneumatic self-leveling system (to aid in weight balancing for rear passengers), delivered engaging performance with refined driving manners. Interior noise and vibration were vastly improved using isolating rubber drive-line mounts and, with variable ratio ZF power-assisted steering, power windows and air conditioning as standard equipment, comfort and performance were beautifully coupled together in a Ferrari fit for royalty. Which is partly the impetus for the nickname these cars earned when first reviewed by Road & Track as the “Queen Mother of Ferraris”. With a wide track and increased trunk capacity, the 365 GT was larger than previous Ferraris, but its size did not diminish the performance capacity or nimble road characteristics so highly desired by Ferrari owners.

This particular 365 GT was built in May 1969 to US specifications and reportedly delivered new to US Ferrari dealer Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports Inc. According to accounts from a previous owner, shortly after delivery, the car was reviewed by well-known Ferrari author and noted historian Stan Nowak who personally viewed the car at Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports Inc. in July 1969. At that time, Nowak’s notes indicated the car was black with red interior, bearing chassis number 12509 and engine number 12509. Numero Interno was listed as #A1194. Ferrari author Hillary Rabb and Gerald Roush (Ferrari Market Letter) have since both concurred that Pininfarina records support the car as a black with red interior factory car. The headlight covers were reportedly installed by US Ferrari importer Chinetti-Garthwaite Imports Inc. when the car was first delivered. Though past ownership records are scarce, the car is reported to have been in the ownership of a Japanese collector who had the red leather interior refinished and a bare metal repaint performed on or around 2016. By 2017 various mechanical details were tended to, including the rear shocks and load leveling suspension. By the end of 2017, the car was very well sorted including a compression and leak down test performed with approximately 70,000 miles with results ranging from 155-170. In January 2019 the car was consigned at Fantasy Junction showing 71,193 miles and sold to the current owner, a respected sportscar collector and restoration expert. During his ownership all new tie rod ends, steering, and front suspension were serviced, new leveler shocks were installed in the rear, and four new mufflers were installed along with other exhaust items which were repaired or replaced as needed.

Today this beautiful 365 GT 2+2 exhibits a handsome, cohesive visual appearance with very good quality paint showing consistent and deep gloss throughout. Panel fit is quite good overall, owing to what appears to be original factory body panels. The doors exhibit excellent crisp closures while the hood and trunk open and shut properly. There are minor paint blemishes on the exterior and in some inner surface areas, however none of such prominence to take away from the clean and dramatic visual presentation. The exterior chrome is in very good condition even under close inspection, with just a few minor imperfections visible on the inner grille surround. The trim and emblems are nicely finished and detailed. The Borrani wire wheels and triple ear knock-off hubs, shod with correctly sized Michelin XWX tires, are in excellent condition, offering a delicate accent to the vivid black body finish. The lighting and lenses are all very nicely preserved with excellent red and orange color. Glass and surrounding trim are in very good condition with only minor road marks evident on the windshield. In all, the elegant stance and curvaceous design come together in a remarkably powerful package, typifying this decade of brilliant Pininfarina designs.

The red leather interior has been properly maintained since restoration some years ago. The front seats offer excellent support and comfortable headrests. Overall, the interior is handsomely composed with black and red material contrasts echoing the performance heritage of this refined car. The dashboard and instruments are beautifully maintained exhibiting excellent color, clarity, and bright contrasting numeric indication. The inlaid wood dashboard is in very nice condition, draping downward into the center console, which features secondary instruments, a factory Blaupunkt radio, air conditioning vents, and all four electric window switches. The wood rimmed steering wheel is beautifully finished with a warm feel to the rim and satin black low glare hub and spokes. The headliner, door panels, and dash pad are clean and tidy delivering an overall visual appearance of luxury materials – a hallmark of fine Italian craftsmanship. Throughout the interior, a range of delicate and refined switches, handles, interior components, and details have been addressed with thoughtful considerations toward originality, composed with an honest blend of carefully restored finishes and original elements. The trunk compartment remains in excellent overall condition housing a Borrani spare wire wheel and jacking bag.

Under the hood, the original matching numbers engine delivers a very satisfying visual impression, with correct factory type finishes and very good presentation. Correct features include the proper hoses, lines, and correct fasteners, as well as correct air cleaner, correct black textured cam covers, with some modest considerations for modern updated elements. While the engine compartment has not been prepared to concourse show level, and some finishes show signs of age, the engine and engine compartment can be enjoyably displayed at any local car event with confidence and pride.

The car starts on command and settles into a smooth idle as operating temperatures rise to optimal levels. Gentle blips of the throttle reveal crisp 4.4 Liter V12 sounds and a sonorous exhaust note. Once seated inside, it’s immediately evident why these Ferraris have become favorites for those who enjoy taking their cars on events. The combination of excellent visibility, comfortable seating position, ample interior room and trunk space, combined with air conditioning and other comfort amenities make for a truly refined Gran Turismo experience. The gearbox is easily engaged with good synchros, and the clutch has a very nice feel without the heaviness experienced in earlier Ferraris. There is a light and precise feel to each gear change and plenty of torque in third or fourth gear to allow minimal shifting should one decide to tour at a more leisurely pace. Braking is excellent overall, with firm pedal pressure even coming down from higher speeds. The responsive and recently serviced suspension delivers wonderful cornering in harmony with the variable ratio power steering. As the exhaust system was recently replaced, the car currently appears to be blowing fine particulates, likely attributed to the internal muffler material. The underside of the car is clean and well-tended with no visual evidence of structural compromise. Though the underside is not prepared for show, the components support the original and undisturbed structure and mechanical integrity of the car. The car comes with a jacking bag with tire changing tools, and full sized Borrani spare wheel and tire, and a spare set of hex nut knock offs.

This Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is a wonderfully prepared car featuring a quality cosmetic presentation and excellent mechanicals. Offering a combination of performance and luxury, with one of the most stunning Pininfarina 2+2 bodies ever conceived, the elegant black finish and contrasting red interior truly make a refined and memorable design statement. Though Ferrari has long enjoyed success in F1, racing, and sportscar production, a big part of their heritage awakens in their GT offerings. Having been recently serviced and prepared for enjoyable use, this beautiful Ferrari is ready for club events, tours, or enjoyable drives through lush mountain roads, continuing to deliver on the traditions of Gran Touring excellence equally embodied in the Ferrari name.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608