Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Ferrari 365 GTS
s/n 12473, engine no. 12473
Grigio Fumo with Cuoio Leather

Widely regarded to be one of the best driving and most collectable open cockpit classic Ferraris, the 365 GTS is among the rarest production-built front engine V¬-12s. Highly sought after today by elite collectors, just 20 examples of the 365 GTSs were made, making it one of the rarest and most enjoyable classic Ferraris in existence. The cars are extremely nice to drive, even in today’s traffic, because of the wide torque band provided by the 4.4 litre V-12, excellent five-speed transaxle, and independent rear suspension with Löbro halfshafts of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, as these components were sufficiently up to the task of the higher-horsepower 365 engine and were considered to be a substantial technical improvement over the 330 GTS. Ten-hole alloy wheels were standard, but the always-desirable Borrani wire wheels were available as options. Because of its elegant understated lines, and classic front engine V12 Ferrari layout, these cars have a timeless appeal that has caused values to skyrocket in recent years.

This particular car is the 17th of the 20 cars constructed. Completed in May of 1969, it was delivered to German Ferrari importer Auto-Becker in June of 1969, and sold by Auto-Becker to its first owner, Thomas Teves. Mr. Teves was the heir to the Alfred Teves brake manufacture fortune, and as evidenced by his purchase here, had a propensity for exceptional motorcars. Mr. Teves kept the car at his home in Bad Homburg, Germany until which time he sold the car to the Etienne Aigner Leather Manufacturing Company, in Munich, Germany in 1975. Retaining the car for an equally long time, Etienne Aigner sold the car to Peter Lorenz, of Koblenz Germany in 1980. In 1985, the car sold a third time, this time relocating to neighboring Switzerland, when Josef Brunlehner became an interim custodian, selling s/n 12473 to well-known collector Erich Traber of Toffen, Switzerland that same year. By way of an auction in Geneva, Switzerland, Mr. Traber sold the car in 1989 to long-term owner and well-established collector Fritz Kroymans, of Hilversum, Netherlands. Mr. Kroymans enjoyed the car as part of his expansive collection of important Ferrari’s through 2009, at which point the current owner acquired the car by way of a multi-car transaction involving several other similar Ferraris of great historical importance.

s/n 12473 is offered today following a fresh restoration, and it is in excellent condition. It has been comprehensively sorted by the current owner’s private mechanic, who paid great attention to detail on every component. The engine and gearbox were both fully stripped and rebuilt, using new parts where necessary. The brakes and suspension received a similar treatment, receiving new brake lines and a master cylinder, as well as new bushings, ball joints, and wheel bearings for the suspension, amongst other items. The fuel tanks were cleaned, the car was fitted with new electric fuel pumps, the radiator was rebuilt with a new core, a replacement wiring harness was installed, along with a new voltage regulator and alternator, and a new exhaust system was fitted. All parts were sourced from Ferrari specialists, who used replacement parts only if NOS parts could not be sourced.

The car’s current Grigio Fumo finish and chrome were completed by Images Autobody in Campbell, California, and its brilliant Cuoio upholstery was completed by the Franzini brothers in Novato, California. Following its restoration, the car was shown twice at The Quail, once in 2012 and once in 2013. It is important to note that Ferrari Classiche certification for this car has been applied for and is currently pending.

One of the rarest and most desirable Ferraris of its era, the 365 GTS is considered by many to be one of the greatest drop-top Ferraris ever built. Five times as rare as the 330 GTS, and mechanically more sophisticated and refined than all of the California Spiders, they are excellent drivers that are ideal for long runs down the California coast and through European mountain ranges. Ferrari’s two-seater V-12 convertibles have been the last word in sporting elegance. Ownership of a V-12 convertible Ferrari was ownership of one of the finest driving machines made available to man, and they were often cherished fixtures in the garages of tycoons of industry, celebrities, and even heads of state.

Beautifully restored and twice shown at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, s/n 12473 is accompanied by its matching spare Borrani wire wheel, spare tire hold down, select historical documentation, owner’s manual, and a Marcel Massini historical report verifying it to be matching numbers engine, transaxle, body, and chassis. It would be an ideal acquisition to pair with any significant collection of Ferraris, not only for its rarity but for its wonderful mechanical and cosmetic condition.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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