The 365 California was the first 365 model, with a 4.4 L (4390 cc/267 in³) V12 based on the 330's 4.0 L Colombo unit but with an 81 mm bore. The 365 California used the same chassis as the 500 Superfast but with an evolutionary cabriolet body by Pininfarina. Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, just 14 examples were produced (including 2 in right hand drive) before production ended in 1967. Whilst the prototype was built on a 330 GT 2+2 type 571 chassis, production cars featured type 598 chassis.

The most popular 365 model was 1968's 365 GT 2+2, replacing the 330 GT 2+2. Like the car it replaced, the GT 2+2 had independent rear suspension rather than the live axle of the 365 California. The 365 GT 2+2 was a luxurious car with leather seats, power steering and brakes, electric windows, and optional air conditioning. It quickly became the company's top-selling model with about 800 produced in four years, 52 of which were right hand drive.

We discovered this very original 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 in a garage in West Vancouver BC about 6 years ago. The owner, whose health was failing, owned several Ferrari's including a 365 Daytona Coupe, an early Dino 246 and an original and rare alloy-body 275 GTB/4. We sold all three of those cars for the family in short order, but this 365 2+2 had been partially disassembled to be painted red (it was originally dark blue) in the early 1980's and had never been reassembled, just parked. Being the least valuable of all 4 cars, they decided to just hold off selling it at the time and keep it.

Fast forward 3 years, when we were contacted by the family again and they were ready to sell. A small group of Ferrari enthusiasts from the Seattle area bought it in order to reassemble and get this "garage find" running again after some 30+ years in storage. The car was carefully inspected by Gerber Motorsports in Seattle and lovingly reassembled using all original parts whenever possible. A new exhaust, shocks and steering parts were fitted. The engine was removed and completely rebuilt using OEM parts by a very experienced shop in Seattle named Autosport. A new clutch was installed and the gearbox was inspected and reinstalled. The mag/alloy rims were totally refurbished and new, period-correct Michelin radial tires were fitted, along with new brakes. The interior was lovingly brought back to life and new carpets were fitted. The car shows only 31,500 original miles and runs and drives like a new car. This is an all-matching numbers “barn find” car in very good "driver” condition, with some minor interior wear and a few small paint blemishes on the lower fender wells.

This car can be inspected in Seattle, WA by appointment with dominic@devnet1.com/dobson.

1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 "Garage Find"

Year:
1969
Color:
Rossa
Style:
2 Door 2+2 Coupe
Chassis#:
11881