1968 FERRARI 365 GT 2+2

This 1968 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is a remarkably original grand touring car, and a straight and solid project for a passionate enthusiast or restorer. Chassis number 11557 is a left-hand drive example of the marque’s handsome four-seater, which left the Maranello factory finished in Argento Metallizzato paintwork with a light blue Connolly leather interior. It retains its original engine, the 4.4-litre ‘Tipo 245’ Colombo V12, producing around 320hp, with rear-wheel drive via a five-speed all-synchromesh gearbox.

The 365 GT was Ferrari’s first model to feature power-assisted steering and air-conditioning as standard, and with larger proportions compared to its 2+2 predecessors, it could genuinely seat four adults in comfort as well. The other notable feature was Koni self-levelling independent rear suspension, which helped to counteract the effects of passenger and luggage weight at the back of the car.

After its bodywork, paint and interior trim were completed at the Pininfarina works, this particular example came off Ferrari’s hand-built production line in July 1968. It was delivered new within its home market, supplied via Perugian dealer, Romeo Pedini, to its first private owner. The car stayed in Italy for just four years, being exported to the US in 1972.

In February 1979, it was advertised for sale by a private seller in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a reported mileage of 60,000 km (37,282 miles), and still in its original factory colours. A complete new clutch assembly had recently been fitted, and the engine had received a major service.

Over the next 20 years, it is understood that an additional 28,000 km (17,398 miles) were added, before the car was taken off the road and stored in 1998. In January 2017, the car had been pulled out of its 19-year slumber and inspected by a local restoration company. The body shop team found it to be in exceptionally rust- and damage-free condition, and had got the car running and driving. It was marketed as needing fresh paintwork, an interior re-trim, and a mechanical overhaul.

Within the last couple of years, the car was purchased by a collector in Italy, with the intention to conduct a total restoration. The body was partially prepared for paintwork, and a few items were removed to be replaced, including the rear section of the exhaust. However, the collector subsequently found a Ferrari 330 GTC project that he wanted to prioritise, and subsequently traded in this car to acquire it.

This Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is now offered as an approachable project for an enthusiast who appreciates the style of this glorious 1960s V12 grand tourer. It may also appeal to professional restorers; perhaps a paint specialist who can tackle the cosmetic work, while commissioning a trusted workshop to handle the mechanical refurbishment.

Its body is in remarkably straight and solid condition, with excellent panel gaps, and perfect apertures around the doors, bonnet and boot. They all open and shut cleanly, and lock into place. There are a few minor dents and scratches that have been highlighted on the panels already, but no evidence of any accident damage at all. The body number of '614' is still visible on the panels around the car.

The door jambs, sill covers, and the rain gutters around the bonnet and boot are in great shape, with no signs of corrosion. While the rubber seals around the windows are aged, they remain very presentable, and the brightwork around the frames retains an impressive shine with very little pitting.

There is a complete set of original 10-hole magnesium alloy wheels, which are chipped in places and have flaking paint, and with three-eared spinners that have varying degrees of surface rust and pitting. All of the light lenses appear to be the original Carello items, and are in very good condition. The plastic vents near the bonnet and around the rear quarter glass are all present and correct.

In the cabin, the upholstery is 50-year-old Connolly leather, and will require a full re-trim. The hide has a terrific patina in places, but is cracked and perished on the front two seats in particular. The smart wood panels across the dashboard and centre console are undamaged.

Ahead of the driver, the original speedometer remains in the instrument binnacle, along with all of the other Veglia Borletti gauges. The wood-rimmed steering wheel has been preserved by a black leather cover, and the gloss black gear knob is also original. It retains its ignition barrel and key, and all of the other controls and switchgear are also present and correct. There is some tarnishing around one of the air vent bezels, but all of the hard-to-find plastic components are complete. A period Grundig radio cassette deck is fitted in the dashboard.

The boot lid opens and closes as it should, with a working release lever in the cabin and functional locking mechanism. The black carpet lining would benefit from a deep clean, but all of the material sections are present. Under the floor is a full-size spare wheel and aged Pirelli tyre. Accompanying the car is an original jacking kit, including the yellow scissor jack, wheel chock and ratchet.

This 365 GT 2+2 retains its original, numbers-matching 4.4-litre Colombo V12 engine. While components under the bonnet are dusty and tarnished in places, the car has been up-and-running as recently as 2017. The air-conditioning system is currently disconnected, and the York compressor has been removed and stored in the boot.

Just over 800 examples of the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 were built between 1967 and 1971, making it significantly rarer than either the 365 GTB/4 Daytona or Dino 246 GT, which it shared showroom space with in period. Its elegant styling captured some of the magic of the 500 Superfast and 365 California, while its interior boasted four-seater luxury. It is undoubtedly one of the most ‘grand’ tourers of its era, and this particular car is a compelling project that deserves to be taken on by a true Ferrari enthusiast.