1973 Ferrari 365GT4 2+2 Berlinetta Project

Coachwork by Pininfarina

Footnotes

'Most important was the double overhead cam engine. Like Rolls-Royce, no horsepower figure was quoted, but surely it was at least 320. More important was its massive amount of torque. Taken together with the turbine-like characteristics of the V12 engine, it mattered little which gear one was in or at what speed.' – Stanley Nowak on the 356GT4 2+2, 'Ferrari on the Road'.

Introduced towards the end of 1972, the 365GT4 2+2 was the biggest and best equipped four-seater Ferrari so far. Flagship of the Maranello range, it reaffirmed Ferrari's determination to compete with the world's finest luxury saloons. Based on the preceding 365GT 2+2, albeit lower, longer and wider, the newcomer was fitted with a four-cam version of the 4.4-litre V12 engine while retaining its predecessor's mechanical underpinnings. Only 524 had been completed by the time production ceased in 1976.

This rare, right-hand drive example of the ultimate Ferrari of its day was first registered on 11th October 1973 and was originally finished in Verde Seabird with Beige interior, its colour scheme today. Noteworthy features include power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, self-levelling suspension, and under-seal protection. From 1987 to 1996, the car was owned by Ferrari Owners Club chairman, Colin Biffa, and was then bought by Sir Roger Hervey, UK Ambassador to Mexico and Vice Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps. At some point subsequently it was sold to an owner in Ireland and registered there. The current vendor's husband purchased the Ferrari from the Irish owner, and the car was registered in the UK on 13th October 2013. Previous UK registrations were 'AUR 37M' and '82 VFM'. In 1991 the mileage total was recorded as circa 50,000 miles, while the current odometer reading is 61,817 miles.

When purchased, the engine appeared to be smoking, so it was stripped for rebuilding with the intention of replacing the piston rings, etc. Unfortunately, the project was put on the back burner and ultimately stalled when the owner's husband passed away. By time of sale, the engine will have been loosely reassembled and put in a Perspex-lidded crate together with the gearbox. The history file contains numerous bills for works carried out, assorted correspondence, a V5 registration document, and expired MoT certificates dating back to 1985. An exciting and potentially most rewarding project for the Ferrari enthusiast.