1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2

When Ferrari introduced its 365 GT 2+2 at the Paris Salon in 1967, it represented its largest, best-equipped, and most luxurious model to date. Serving as the successor to the 330 GT 2+2 and wearing styling by Pininfarina, the V-12 Grand Tourer became a great commercial success, accounting for about half of total Ferrari production during its brief three-year run.

The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 rested on a 2,650-millimeter wheelbase platform, based on the contemporary 330GTS, and was created using the company's traditional combination of oval and round steel tubing. It was the first Ferrari to be equipped with standard ZF power-assisted steering and power brakes, and the company's first 2+2 model with a hydro-pneumatic self-leveling independent rear suspension (by Koni). This setup allowed it to maintain a constant ride height regardless of passenger and luggage load. The fully independent suspension system was another first for a Ferrari 2+2 model and provided excellent handling. While its stablemates including the 365 GTB/4 received rear transaxles, the five-speed gearbox of the 365 GT 2+2 was mated to the engine with power transmitted via torque-tube drive to a frame-mounted rear-differential assembly. Further refinements included mounting the engine and drive-train in rubber bushes to insulate the car's occupants from noise and vibration. Girling ventilated discs at all four corners provided the stopping power.

Beneath the long and graceful bonnet was a 4.4-liter Tipo 245 twelve-cylinder engine fitted with a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank with induction via triple dual-choke Weber carburetors. Ignition was a Marelli-Dinoplex system with twin coils and distributors. Output was rated at 368 bhp (American SAE) and 320 bhp (DIN) at 6,600 rpm, making it an ideal Grand Touring car with enviable speed and long-distance performance. Complimenting its advanced mechanical setup with an equally impressive luxurious interior with plush leather upholstery, veneered wooden trim panels, and standard power-operated window lifts. The 2+2 seating accommodated up to four passengers.

The frontal styling was reminiscent of the 365 California with a rounded nose with recessed headlamps and an elliptical egg-crate grille. Side markers and turn-signal lamps were carefully incorporated into the front quarter-bumpers, and the gently sloping roofline was slightly longer than that of the 330 GT 2+2, flowing into a nearly flat deck lid and aero-efficient Kamm tail. The Ferrari factory in Modena assembled and installed the mechanical components while Pininfarina in Turin constructed the bodies and the upholstery.

The Ferrari 365GT 2+2 was capable of sprinting from zero-to-sixty mph in 7.0 seconds and had a top speed of approximately 150 mph. A total of 800 (as many as 801) examples were built by the time production ended in 1971.

Production
Production: 1967 to 1971 with 800 examples built
Styling: The 2+2 coupe was designed by Aldo Brovarone at Pininfarina

Specifications
Engine: 4.4-liter Colombo-designed Tipo 245 V-12

The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 rested on a 104.3 inch wheelbase with an overall length of 195.8 inches, a height of 53 inches and a width of 70.3 inches.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2022