Chassis No. 12793 | Engine No. 12793GT | 7,606 Miles Indicated

During Ferrari's formative years, many of the company's grand touring automobiles were closely related to its competition machinery, offering improved comfort while retaining much of their sporting character. As demand grew for more accommodating road cars, Ferrari introduced the 250 GTE in 1960, establishing a successful formula for combining twelve-cylinder performance with genuine four-passenger practicality. The subsequent 330 GT 2+2 further developed this concept, leading to the introduction of the 365 GT 2+2 at the Paris Motor Show in October 1967.

Representing the final evolution of Ferrari's traditional four-seat grand touring cars of the 1960s, the 365 GT 2+2 offered increased refinement, improved passenger accommodations, and more sophisticated engineering than its predecessors. Its Pininfarina-designed bodywork drew inspiration from the exclusive 500 Superfast, featuring a long hood, flowing fender lines, and an elegant fastback profile. The result was a grand touring automobile equally suited to spirited driving and extended continental journeys.

Power is supplied by a 4,390cc Colombo-derived V12 engine, equipped with three Weber carburetors and producing approximately 320 horsepower at 6,600 rpm. Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the engine delivers the distinctive sound, smooth power delivery, and engaging driving experience associated with Ferrari's classic twelve-cylinder automobiles. Four-wheel disc brakes and power-assisted steering contributed to the model's reputation as one of Ferrari's most refined touring cars of the period.

The 365 GT 2+2 received considerable praise from contemporary automotive journalists. In its November 1969 road test, Road & Track described the model as a remarkable combination of performance, luxury, and practicality, highlighting its ability to deliver exceptional high-speed touring performance while comfortably accommodating passengers and luggage.

Historical documentation indicates that this Ferrari was constructed, painted, and trimmed at Pininfarina during the spring of 1969 before final assembly and drivetrain installation at Ferrari's Maranello factory in July of that year. Originally finished in Grigio Ortello (paint code 2.443.813) over Nero VM 8500 leather upholstery, this Ferrari was configured for the United States market with left-hand drive and miles-per-hour instrumentation. Identified as the 498th example produced, it was delivered new through Modern Classic Motors in Nevada, which subsequently sold the car to its first owner on the West Coast.

Historical records place this Ferrari in San Diego, California, by 1974, where it is believed to have remained under the care of the same owner until 2016. This extended period of ownership represents a significant part of its provenance.

An inspection conducted in 2016 provided further supporting evidence of this Ferrari's mechanical originality. Both the chassis stamping and engine number 12793GT were examined and reported as appearing correct and original. During the inspection, the specialist also located and documented the Ferrari internal engine number A1392, which was reported to correspond with the appropriate production sequence for the model. These findings provide additional support that this Ferrari retains its original matching-numbers V12 engine.

This Ferrari was refinished in Rosso Corsa early in its life, replacing its original Grigio Ortello exterior finish. Today, the red coachwork is complemented by Black leather upholstery, classic Veglia instrumentation, factory air conditioning, power-operated windows, and a Blaupunkt radio. Chrome Borrani wire wheels complete its traditional grand touring appearance.

Under subsequent ownership, this Ferrari received professional mechanical attention from Fiorano Motor Sports in Doral, Florida, including refurbishment, servicing, and adjustment of its Weber carburetors, along with replacement of fluids and the battery. A compression test performed in 2017 recorded readings ranging from 130 to 144 psi across all twelve cylinders.

With its historically recorded factory specifications, long-term California ownership history, original matching-numbers V12 engine, and elegant Pininfarina coachwork, this 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 represents an appealing example of Ferrari's classic twelve-cylinder grand touring tradition. Combining the performance of a 4.4-liter V12 with the refinement and practicality of a four-passenger cabin, this Ferrari captures the character and craftsmanship that have made these sophisticated grand touring automobiles increasingly appreciated among collectors and enthusiasts.