1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, Coachwork by Pininfarina

1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2
Coachwork by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 13139
Engine no. 13139 GT
4,390cc SOHC V12 Engine
3 Weber Carburetors
320bhp at 6,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*US-delivered, matching numbers example of the classic Touring Ferrari
*Few owners and less than 26,700 miles since new
*Offered with books, tools, jack and Marcel Massini's history report
*Finished in the original livery or Amaranto over black leather interior

THE FERRARI 365 GT 2+2

Intended to extend Ferrari's appeal to a sector of the market previously uncharted, the 250 GTE 2+2 was first seen in prototype form at the 1960 Le Mans 24-Hour Race. Here, it served as the Race Director's car, and had its official world premiere later that year at the Paris Salon.

Maranello's first series-production four-seater featured independent front suspension, a live rear axle, all-round disc brakes, and a four-speed manual/overdrive gearbox. Furthermore, the compact, Colombo-designed Tipo 128E outside-plug V12 engine's 240bhp ensured that there was no compromise in performance. The 250 GTE progressed through three series before production ceased in 1963, by which time fifty percent of all Ferraris produced were being built with four seats. Continuing on from the success of the 250 GTE, Ferrari introduced the 330 GT 2+2 in January 1964. Its replacement, the 365 GT 2+2, was launched at the Paris Auto Show in October 1967. Sleekly styled in the manner of the limited edition 500 Superfast, the 365 GT 2+2 was the most refined Ferrari to date.

Based on that of the contemporary 330 GTC, the chassis was made up of Ferrari's familiar combination of oval and round steel tubing and, in addition to featuring independent suspension all around (for the first time on a Ferrari 2+2), the car boasted Koni's hydro-pneumatic, self-leveling system at the rear. Further refinements included mounting the engine and drive-train in rubber bushes to insulate the car's occupants from noise and vibration and providing ZF power-assisted steering and air conditioning as standard equipment.

Developing 320bhp in its 365 GT incarnation, the well-proven 4.4-liter V12 engine was coupled to a five-speed gearbox. The car's blistering performance (top speed 150mph, 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds) was restrained by Girling ventilated discs all around. Endowed with that unusual combination of fine handling and a supple ride, the 365 GT 2+2 was rated by Car magazine as, "the most civilized Ferrari yet."

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Finished in its as-delivered Amaranto dark red exterior and still retaining much the original factory-installed black leather interior, this elegant 365 GT 2+2 is a beautifully presented example of Ferrari's potent V12 Tourer. Chassis no. 13139 was hand built at the Ferrari Maranello works during the last weeks of 1969, then completed in January of 1970 and equipped for the US market featuring instruments in miles and left-hand drive steering arrangement, as well as air conditioning and power windows. The Amaranto 365 GT would soon after ship stateside, where Eastern US distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, CT is recorded as having been the selling agent. A Dr. Peter Kirsch of Louisville, KY is recorded as having been the Ferrari's first owner, with whom the car would remain until 1979. At this time, Dr. Kirsch sold it to a D.G. Whitney of Roswell, GA. By the 1980s, 13139 was in the hands of Clinton, NC-based FCA member, Mr. Don Croutcher. About a decade later, Mr. Croutcher sold the car to fellow FCA member, Mr. Duane Dunwoodie of Los Altos, CA. Dunwoodie would show the beautiful 365 GT on several Concours events, including the 1994 FCA International Meet and the 2002 Concorso Italiano.

The consignor—a prominent Ferrari collector and racer from the Mid-West—purchased the highly original and well-kept Ferrari from Bonhams 2007 Quail Lodge Auction, at which point the car had just over 26,000 miles recorded on the odometer. While in his care, the car has been kept in his heated collection facility and kept in good fettle. A close inspection of 13139 today, reveals a highly original car, retaining much of the original factory-installed black leather interior, trim and headliner, all of which carries an inviting patina. Outside, the original chrome and brightwork, glass, and Borrani wire wheels remain as beautiful, and the exterior bodywork appears to have seen just one repaint in the original Amaranto color. The odometer displays just 26,659 original miles at the time of cataloging, and the car's original engine remains intact up front.

Offered with Marcel Massini's history report, a comprehensive history file with many old receipts, tools, jack, and owner's manuals, this 365 GT 2+2 really has the feel of a car which has been cared for and spared from abuse and neglect. This fine example of Ferrari's best-selling 2+2 features creature comforts such as power windows and power steering, air conditioning, and a classic Blaupunkt radio, making it an ideal car to use on drives and tours.