Vehicle Description
It is perhaps impossible to define the most distinguished period in
Ferrari's history, but if one were so inclined to try then surely
the decade from 1958 to 1968 would be a compelling candidate.
During this time, Scuderia Ferrari secured three Formula 1 World
Drivers' Championships and two Constructors' titles, while at Le
Mans the cars from Maranello enjoyed a remarkable seven wins in
eight years. Over the same period, road car production went from
being incidental to integral to the company's success, with sales
increasing almost fourfold from 183 cars in 1958 to some 729 in
1968. Instrumental in Ferrari's expansion through the 1960s was a
succession of four-seat, front V-12-engined grand touring cars, the
first of which-the 250 GT 2+2-appeared in 1959. The car used the
same 3.0-litre V-12 engine and 96.5-inch wheelbase as the standard
two-seat 250 GT-albeit with its driving position moved forward 12
inches and its body extended by the same amount-while relocation of
the fuel tank and only a modest weight increase ensured that the
driving experience remained undiminished. Some 957 examples were
sold, more than double that of the 250 GT Coupe Pinin Farina,
hitherto Ferrari's most numerous design. In 1963 Ferrari launched
the interim 330 America model, which showcased its new
4.0-litreTipo209 engine. This afforded an increase of some 60
horsepower over the 3.0-litre unit-to 300 horsepower-and would go
on to feature in the new-for-1964 330 GT 2+2. Exhibiting a markedly
different appearance to its two predecessors, the 330 GT 2+2
utilized heavily revised Pininfarina coachwork and, on second
series cars, a five-speed gearbox in place of the previous
four-speed-with-overdrive unit. Significantly, power steering and
air conditioning were offered as optional extras to maximize the
car's appeal to the US market. The production of 1,087 cars between
1964 and 1967 underlined its subsequent popularity. By 1967 it was
evident that the 330 GT 2+2 was ageing in both technical and
aesthetic terms. In response, Ferrari introduced its all-new 365 GT
2+2 model at that year's Paris Motor Show. This featured a new 320
horsepower, 4.4-litreTipo245 derivative of Colombo's original V-12
design and, crucially, all independent suspension on a Ferrari GT
2+2 for the first time. Hailed by many as the spiritual successor
to the standard-bearing 500 Superfast, it was generously specified,
with power steering, servo-assisted brakes and air conditioning all
fitted as standard. At almost five meters long, it offered a
commodious cabin and a generous luggage compartment-the comfort of
its occupants being prioritized by the fitment of an innovative
hydro-pneumatic self-levelling rear suspension system. However,
despite the proliferation of creature comforts, the 365 GT 2+2
offered spirited performance, with 100 km/h being achieved in just
over seven seconds with a top speed of 246 km/h. Furthermore, the
flexibility and lightning-fast throttle response of its engine-not
to mention its four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and superb
steering-ensured that it remained a true driver's car. This Ferrari
365 GT 2+2, chassis 12957, was delivered new in 1969 to a Chicago
resident who soon relocated to Florida, where the vehicle was
driven sparingly. The Ferrari briefly changed ownership again
before being acquired in 1986 by a New York-based collector of
Italian cars. He kept the 365 in a darkened underground garage, and
during his 29 years of ownership he added just 1,000 miles. As a
result, the lustrous Blu Chiaro paint, which is believed to be
largely original, appears astonishingly well preserved despite
being 55 years old. The penultimate owner acquired the 2+2 in 2015
with less than 25,000 miles on the clock and treated it to an
extensive mechanical service by a marque specialist. It then earned
a well-deserved First in Class in the 1949-75 preservation category
at the 2016 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Florida. Acquired by
the most recent owner in 2017, the interior was beautifully
restored with new leather and carpeting, however due to its unique
preservation state, the original upholstery and carpets were
carefully removed and preserved and are included with the car. A
modern stereo, with controls located in the ashtray location on the
console was also fitted, and again the original ashtray has been
retained should the next custodian wish to go back to original.
Included with the car are the aforementioned components, as well as
the original jack, owner's manual, some vintage photos of the car,
and scores of original wear items such as shocks and ignition wires
etc. that were saved as parts were renewed. Following the end of
365 GT 2+2 production in 1971, Ferrari opted for a more angular
appearance for its GT cars, with models such as the 365 GTC/4 and
365 GT4 2+2 sporting a distinctive, contemporary look for the new
decade. As such, the 365 GT 2+2 represented the end of an era:
arguably the last great, classically styled 1960s Ferrari GT car.
Presented today essentially as it was first delivered, this
remarkable 365 GT 2+2 now displays less than 28,000 miles. With a
fabulous color combination, gorgeous Pininfarina lines, and a
powerful V-12 under the hood, chassis number 12957 offers a
definitive Ferrari experience fully befittingRoad & Track's"Queen
Mother of Ferraris" declaration from 1969. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7713-1969-ferrari-365-gt-22/
