Descrizione
For sale in our forthcoming auction during our sale Automobiles sur les Champs, on 22 October 2023:
French title
Chassis n° 12053
Engine n° 12053
- Delivered new by Franco Britannic automobiles
- Delivered new to John Frankenheimer, film director of the movie "Grand prix" in 1966
- Recent restoration by an enlightened amateur
- Original engine
- Superb presentation
This car was sold new by Franco-Britannic in Paris to John Frankenheimer, the famous Hollywood film-maker, known above all for his film Grand Prix, which came out in 1966. When it was delivered, the car was finished in "Grigio" with a black leather interior and grey carpets. It was equipped with a radio and air-conditioning. Originally from New York, Frankenheimer is understood to have specified instruments marked in imperial units, which would explain their presence today. The speedometer is in kilometres per hour and may be original, as Frankenheimer intended to drive the car in continental Europe. It appears that it changed hands twice during the next few years before it was stolen in 1975 and then recovered shortly afterwards. After this, the car was laid up without being used for several decades until 2013, when its current owner bought it. As it was only driven for six years at the start of its life, it is quite plausible that it has covered a low mileage from new.
A Ferrari enthusiast, the owner of this 365 began collecting the cars from Maranello more than 30 years ago. A member of the ACF and a true enthusiast, he maintains and restores his cars himself, with the restoration of four Colombo engines under his belt! He made a meticulous note of all the work carried out during the restoration of his car from 2015-2021, with numerous bills for parts and for work done by various specialists in the car's file.
The owner stripped down the engine himself and then sent it to his machining specialist for work on the cylinder liners and crankshaft bearings, as well as the precise measurement and balancing of its internal components. The cylinder heads were also restored and all the valve seats and exhaust valve guides replaced to allow the use of unleaded fuel. The engine was rebuilt in a thoughtful manner, replacing parts which showed evidence of wear, but keeping those which were still serviceable. The gearbox was restored by a specialist who had previously worked as a technician for Pozzi. The body was completely stripped bare and rebuilt by a craftsman, using tin for the preparatory work. A few ingenious technical improvements were made during the restoration, including fitting electronic ignition and Roelofs-type rocker arms. As the original self-levelling system can no longer be found today, the owner fitted a relatively similar and reliable system developed by Superformance in the UK. The front seats were too worn and have been remade, while the rear bench seat has been kept in its original condition. The air-conditioning was also stripped down and is now working, thanks to a recent re-charge.
The car is in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition today, following a painstaking restoration over six years under the direction of an enthusiast, and has covered only 1500 km. When you consider the time and investment needed to achieve such a result, you are sure to fall for this beautiful GT, which belongs to the great tradition of 2+2 Ferraris. And since it is a 2+2, its lucky owner will be able to enjoy its timeless lines and amazingly modern handling together with his family.
Photos © Alexis Ruben
Estimation 170 000 - 210 000 ?
