1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB Coupe

The Ferrari 512 BB, successor to the 365, had increased engine displacement yet was slightly less powerful and a bit heavier than its predecessor. This was due to the imposition of more stingent government regulations, making it a notably slower car.

In 1971, Ferrari introduced the mid-engine replacement for its 365 GTB/4 Daytona and was positioned to compete against the Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Bora supercars. The car was all new from the ground up; the low, wide Pininfarina design was built by Scaglietti and powered by a mid-mounted 4.4-liter boxer twelve-cylinder engine. It had a five-speed gearbox and a rear-mounted transaxle. The new model was designated the 365 GT4 BB, for 'Berlinetta Boxer', and in 1975 it was proclaimed 'the fastest road car we've ever tested' by American magazine Road & Track. It was a bona fide supercar and an enduring stylistic icon, and would remain in production through 1976, before being succeeded by the 512 BB. IN total, Ferrari built just 387 examples of the 365 GT4 BBs.

Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer with chassis number 18553 was completed at the Ferrari factory on May 28th of 1975, making it one of the last examples produced before the introduction of the updated 512 Berlinetta Boxer. It was finished in Grigio Ferro with a beige leather interior. The car was delivered to Campagnano Automobili S.p.A. where it was sold to its first owner, Sig. Germani. In 1976, it was exported to the United States where it was fitted with extended front and rear bumpers to comply with EPA and DOT regulations. It was sold to actor and Ferrari enthusiast Clint Eastwood in December of 1977. While in his care, it was converted to a 'targa top' configuration.

The car would then pass through several West Coast owners before it was sold to a dealer in Nagoya, Japan, who retained it in his personal collection of classic cars for many years. It remained in Japan for many years, before recently returning to the United States. While in the Far East, the bumpers were returned to their original European configuration.

The current odometer reading is 27,171 miles and is believed to be accurate.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $180,000 - $210,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $211,750 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011