1972 Ferrari 365 GT4

Ferrari established its dominance of the sports car market during the 1950s and 1960s with groundbreaking and elegant models such as the 250 GT and 365 GTB/4. They offered all-around performance, iconic styling, and powered by the classic front-engine V12 Ferrari engine. By the close of the 1960s, the importance of 2+2 models had steadily increased, particularly in North America were the only type of Ferrari available was the classically styled 365 GT 2+2. Catering to evolving trends, Ferrari introduced a new flagship model, reaffirming its determination to compete against the world's finest luxury saloons. Based on the preceding 365 GT 2+2, the new 365 GT4 2+2 was longer, wider, and lower and powered by a four-cam version of the 4.4-liter V12 engine coupled with its predecessor's mechanical underpinnings. Production continued until 1976 with 524 examples produced. They were followed by similar front-engined V12 2+2 grand tourers called the 400 and 412 and remained in production through 1989. The total production of all 365 GT4 2+2, 400, and 412 models reached 2,907 units.

Chassis

The chassis was made from tubular steel and based on that of the GTC/4, stretched by an additional 200 mm to 2,700 mm. The floor was made of fiberglass and the bodies from steel. The suspension used double wishbones, anti-roll bars, and coil springs coaxial with shock absorbers. A hydraulic (hydro-pneumatic) self-leveling system by Koni was installed on the rear axle. The steering was servo-assisted and stopping power was provided by discs on all four corners. Five-spoke alloy wheels were mounted on Rudge knock-off hubs. Buyers were able to order Borrani wire wheels as optional equipment. Further refinements included mounting the drivetrain and engine in rubber bushes to insulate the occupants from vibration and noise.

Engine

Power for the 365 GT4 2+2 was provided by a lightweight, 24-valve, Tipo F 101 Colombo V12 engine with an alloy head and block, wet-sump lubrication, and four overhead camshafts. It displaced 4390.35cc (4.4 liters), with a bore of 81mm and a stroke a 71mm, and breathed through six side-draft Weber 38 DCOE 59/60 carburetors. It produced 320 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and was backed by a five-speed, all-synchromesh manual transmission with a single-plate clutch that was coupled directly to the engine with a driveshaft connecting it to the rear limited-slip differential, sending power to the rear wheels.

The '365' name was in reference to the single-cylinder displacement size of 365cc, the 'GT4' was for the four overhead camshafts, and '2+2' for the seating configuration.

Styling

Ferrari entrusted the styling to Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, who created a modern design that was a clear departure from the traditional Ferrari image. Along with an airy greenhouse, the lines were bold and angular, with a swage line that separated the lower and upper portion of the body. It was a departure from the styling of its predecessor, the 365 GTC/4 fastback, but followed a similar theme used on Fioravanti's Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, being the second Ferrari to utilize the swage line.

The bodies were formed and fully trimmed at Pininfarina studios in Turin before being shipped to the Ferrari factory in Maranello for the installation of the mechanical components.

Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2

Ferrari introduced its newest 2+2 at the Paris Motor Show in 1972. The well-equipped luxury four-seater came with power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, leather upholstery, air conditioning, and power windows. While it maintained similar exterior dimensions to its predecessors (the 365 GT 2+2, 365 GT C/4), the interior space had increased providing greater comfort for its occupants. The 4.4-liter engine helped propel the car from zero-to-sixty mph in 6.4 seconds and was capable of a top speed of 155 mph, making it the world's most potent full four-seater at the time.

The 365 GT4 2+2 was distinguished from its stablemates - the 400 and 412 series - by its knock-off alloy wheels, the lack of a front spoiler, and the six rear tail lights.

Ferrari 400

The Ferrari 400 followed the 365 GT4 2+2 in 1976 and remained in production until 1979. It made its debut at the 1976 Paris Motor Show and was available in two models - the 400 Automatic (with a GM THM400 3-speed automatic transmission) and the 400 GT (with a five-speed manual transmission). The engine powering the 365 had been enlarged to a 4.8-liter displacement and, with the help of six 38 DCOE 110-111 Weber carburetors, now developed 340 horsepower. styling remained similar to its predecessor, with five-stud wheels replacing the prior knock-off hubs. A lip was added to the front spoiler and double circular taillights replaced the prior triple light setup. The interiors were revised for its modern appeal and improved usability.

Ferrari produced a total of 502 examples of the 400 including 355 with automatic transmission and 147 with the manual.

In 1979, Ferrari replaced the carburetors with a Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system resulting in the 400 i. Power decreased to 306 horsepower however complied with strict U.S. emission standards. Styling and mechanical configuration initially remained similar to the carbureted 400, distinguished by the 'i' badge on the tail. Production continued through 1985 with 422 examples receiving manual transmissions and 883 with automatics.

In late 1982, the engine received new exhaust headers and camshaft profiles that added a slight increase in power of about 5 bhp. New upholstery was used for the interior, along with new door panels, center console, and new electronic switchgear. The exterior received new body-color vents on the hood (replacing the prior silver color units), a narrower grille that left the foglights exposed, and new wing mirrors with a small Ferrari shield. Lower profile Michelin TRX tires were added to all four corners.

Ferrari 412

Ferrari increased the engine's bore by 1mm resulting in a displacement of 4,942cc and a name change to 412, in reference to the single-cylinder displacement in cubic centimeters. Still visually and mechanically similar to its 400 model predecessors, the 412 continued to be offered with both the manual and automatic transmissions, however, the exterior badging no longer referenced the transmission installed. Bosch ABS brakes were now offered, a first for Ferrari. Pininfarina made minor updates to the exterior body design, raising the rear deck slightly to allow for additional luggage space. Additional changes included a deeper front spoiler, a black valance at the rear the incorporated the exhaust pipes and foglamps, flat-faced wheels were wrapped with TRX tires, the prior chrome side window trim was changed to black, and the bumpers were the same color as the body.

Production of the Ferrari 412 lasted from 1985 through 1989 with 576 examples built, including 270 with manual transmission (GT) and 306 with the automatic (A).

When production of the 412 ceased, the only remaining 2+2 Ferrari was the mid-engined Mondial. Customers would have to wait for three-years before a classic front-engined V12 grand touring Ferrari with 2+2 seating would appear - the 456.

by Dan Vaughan

The 365 Series was introduced in the late 1960's and stayed in production until the early 1970's. The 365's were often powered by a Columbo SOHC 4390 cc V-12 engine with three Weber carburetors capable of producing around 300 horsepower. The front and rear suspension for most of the series was independent with double wishbones and coil springs. The 365 GT4 2+2 had an independent with transverse parallelograms and coil springs suspension. The 365 California had a live axle with coil springs rear suspension. The chassis was an oval tube ladder-type frame layout.

Disc brakes were standard on all the vehicles, as was the five-speed manual gearbox. Many of the series received standard options such as power steering and air conditioning, uncommon at the time. When most manufacturers such as Lamborghini and DeTomaso were creating vehicles with mid-engined design, Ferrari continued to use their tried-and-true front-engined, rear-wheel design.

In 1967 Ferrari dominated the Daytona 24 Hours race with a first, second, and third-place finish. At the 1968 Paris Auto Show, the public and press were expecting Ferrari's new Berlinetta to be dubbed 'Daytona'. They were proven wrong when Ferrari dubbed the vehicle the 365 GTB/4, however, the name Daytona is a common reference to the vehicle even to this day. Ferrari had intended on using 'Daytona' but it was revealed prematurely so the traditional Ferrari naming sequence was used.

During its production lifespan lasting from 1968 through 1974, 1383 examples of the Pininfarina designed 365 GTB/4 Daytona vehicles were created.

The famous coachbuilder Pininfarina was tasked with creating many of the designs for the 365 Series. The designs were not new, rather they borrowed many of the styling cues of the prior 330 GTC and 275 GTS models. The headlights were courtesy of the 500 Superfast. The result was a visually stunning automobile with proven Ferrari mechanics and performance.

GT represented Gran Turismo. GTB represented Berlinetta or coupe. GTS stood for open models which were either a Targa roof or a full convertible. '4' represented four-cam engines. 'C' represented 'Competizione' or 'Corsa' meaning 'to race'.

365 California

In 1966 Ferrari introduced the 365 California at the Geneva Auto Show as a replacement for the Ferrari 500 Superfast. The famous coachbuilder, Pininfarina, had been tasked with creating the body for the vehicle. The result was a two-door, two-seat, convertible. The 365 borrowed many of the mechanics of its predecessor including the five-speed manual gearbox, chassis, and suspension. The front of the vehicle was similar in design to the 500 with the remaining portions all new. With a top speed of 240 km/h, it was the fastest convertible in the world at the time. Disc brakes provided excellent stopping power for the 1300 kg vehicle. Production continued for only a year with a total of fourteen examples being created.

365 GT2+2

In 1967 Ferrari introduced the 365 GT2+2, only its second production four-seater vehicle. The vehicle would stay in production until 1971 during which around 800 examples being created.

The rear passengers had limited headroom but there was sufficient legroom for most passengers. The purpose of the vehicle was to provided performance and comfort. As a result, the vehicle was outfitted with electric windows, leather interior, power-assisted brakes, full carpeting, and optional air conditioning.

365 GTC

Near the close of 1968, Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC which stayed in production until 1970. During the production lifespan, 168 examples were produced. The 365 GTC was basically a 330 GTC with a SOHC 4390 cc V-12 engine. Visually, the vehicle was very similar to its predecessor except for the air vents in the front wings had been removed. In their place were black vents placed in the back corners of the hood.

365 GTS

The 365 GTS was a replacement for the 330 GTS. It featured a 4390 cc SOHC engine and had its cooling vents removed in favor of vents in the hood. Only twenty examples were created.

365 GTC/4

In 1971 Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC/4 as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2. It sat atop a Daytona chassis and given an independent suspension. The same Daytona ventilated disc brakes were used. The gearbox was mounted in the front and the engine was the 4390 cc V12 but with six side draught Weber carburetors and wet-sump lubrication resulting in 340 horsepower.

The design was once again handled by Pininfarina. The two-door, 2+2 coupe had pop-up headlights and five-spoke alloy wheels. During its production lifespan lasting until 1972, around 500 examples were produced. Strict American safety and emission regulations were partly responsible for the demise of the GTC/4.

365 GT4 2+2

The 365 GT4 2+2 was debuted to the public at the 1972 Paris Auto Show as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2 and the 365 GTC/4. It sat atop an enlarged 365 GTC/4 chassis and given the same mechanics. The larger chassis meant more interior room for the passengers, especially the rear passengers, and their luggage. The styling was once again assigned to Pininfarina. The design was different from the prior 365 models.

During its production lifespan lasting until 1976, 524 examples were created.

365 GT4 BB

The 365 GT4 BB, meaning Berlinetta Boxer, was introduced to the public at the 1971 Turin Auto Show. Its styling was similar to the P6 show car built in 1968. The engine was a flat-12 cylinder power-plant mounted longitudinally. The gearbox was mounted under the engine. This was a great design but ultimately created an unbalanced weight distribution with most of the weight over the rear axle. The weight distribution problem and the fact that the engine was mounted high in the vehicle resulted in a car that had poor handling and never achieved successful racing status.

The 365 GT4 BB was replaced by the 512 BB in 1976. The 512 BB was similar in design but featured a five-liter engine.

by Dan Vaughan