Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1967, the 365 GT 2+2 was the largest and most luxurious Ferrari model to date, carrying forward the growing demand for high-speed transport with accommodations for up to four passengers. Designed and constructed by Pininfarina, it had a low-slung fastback design and was the first Ferrari to be equipped with standard power steering and power brakes. The 365 GT 2+2 was also the company’s first 2+2 with a self-leveling independent rear suspension.

The 4.4-liter single overhead camshaft V-12 engine was fitted with three Weber carburetors and produced 320 horsepower. Such performance was combined with a luxurious interior to make a most impressive grand tourer. Plush leather, luxurious veneered trim panels, the last wood-rimmed steering wheel in a production Ferrari, air conditioning, a stereo, and standard power windows completed the interior appointments. By the time production ended in 1971, Ferrari had built approximately 800 365 GT 2+2s, accounting for half of Ferrari production in its three-year run.

This particular 365 GT 2+2, chassis 13795, is a European market car that was imported to the U.S.A. by Thomas Crohman in the late-1970s. Located in Southern California by the mid-1980s, the car received an engine and transmission overhaul by Modena Sport Cars Inc. in West Hollywood, California, in 1985, at which time the odometer showed 91,000 kilometers. In 1992, still under the same ownership, the front suspension was also rebuilt. In 2000, the carburetors were rebuilt, as was the starter.

The previous owner acquired chassis 13795 in 2003, at which point additional maintenance was performed on the car, including rebuilding the alternator, tuning and balancing the carburetor, a distributor service and tune, the replacement of the spark plug wires and voltage regulator, the replacement of select front and rear suspension bushings and the rear shocks (a conversion to coil over units), servicing of the CV joints, the replacement of window motors and fuel pumps, a re-coring of the radiator, and the replacement of the ignition switch, as well as the starter. Accordingly, the car starts readily and operates well, including the air conditioning.

Cosmetically, the car is a very “nice driver” example. The paint, believed to be the original color, is in good condition throughout. Likewise, the brightwork is in good condition, as is the window glass. The car sits on correct Cromodora wheels, with a matching spare. Original leather upholstery remains in the interior, which shows a lovely patina, but it is nicely preserved. The dash wood is nice and presents beautifully, as does the headliner. The engine bay is largely original and correct, including the battery hold down and air cleaner housing. The trunk is attractive in its original condition.

Nicely presented and a true delight to drive, this 365 GT 2+2 represents one of the most readily accessible ways of owning and enjoying Ferrari’s classic front-engined grand touring cars from the 1960s. As 12-cylinder Ferraris continue to escalate in value, these still affordable 365 GTs should get a closer look. All indications say that these still affordable Ferraris will soon be out of reach for many buyers, as the cost of entry to these great cars keep going up and up.