Description
This car is Lot 112 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Bond St Sale on Thursday December 11th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday December 10th from 13:00 until 20:00, and Thursday Dcember 11th from 09:00 at 101 New Bond St.
Lot 112
The ex-Earls Court Motor Show
1968 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 Coupé
Registration no. TNJ 308G
Chassis no. 12025
Formerly part of Ferrari UK's private heritage collection
Known ownership history from new
Original colour combination
Fastidiously maintained regardless of cost (bills available)
Classiche certified
Matching chassis and engine numbers
By the mid-1960s, 50 percent of all Ferraris produced were being built with four seats, and following on from the success of its first such model, the 250GTE of 1960, Ferrari introduced the 330GT 2+2 in January 1964. The newcomer's steel tube chassis was 50mm longer in the wheelbase than that of its predecessor and featured independent front suspension and a live rear axle, while beneath the 330's more-spacious Pininfarina coachwork was a 300bhp, 4. 0-litre V12 coupled to a four-speed overdrive gearbox. Its replacement, the 365GT 2+2, was launched at the Paris Salon in October 1967. Sleekly styled in the manner of the limited edition 500 Superfast, the 365GT 2+2 was the most refined Ferrari to date.
Based on that of the contemporary 330GTC, the chassis was made up of Ferrari's familiar combination of oval and round steel tubing, and as well as featuring independent suspension all round (for the first time on a Ferrari 2+2) boasted Koni's hydro-pneumatic self-levelling system at the rear. Further refinements included mounting the engine and drive-train with rubber bushes to insulate the car's occupants from noise and vibration, and providing ZF power-assisted steering and air conditioning as standard equipment. Developing 320bhp in its 365GT incarnation, the well-proven 4. 4-litre V12 engine was coupled to a five-speed gearbox, while the car's blistering performance - top speed 150mph, 0-60mph in 7. 0 seconds - was restrained by Girling ventilated discs all round. A total of 800 cars had been completed by the time production ceased in 1971, only 50 of which were right-hand drive. Endowed with that unusual combination of fine handling and a supple ride, the 365GT 2+2 was rated by Car magazine as 'the most civilised Ferrari yet.'
Right-hand drive chassis number '12025' was delivered new in the UK to Colonel Ronnie Hoare CBE, head of Ferrari importer Maranello Concessionaires, and displayed on the company's stand during the 53rd International London Motor Show at Earls Court (see supporting dealer/ factory correspondence on file). In 1969 Maranello Concessionaires sold the car to one B F Bird, who traded in his Ferrari 330GT as evidenced by a copy of the original invoice and other correspondence on file. In 1977, the Ferrari was acquired by one M K Watsham, who kept it until 1983 when it was purchased by a Mr Samen. That same year, the car went to marque specialists DK Engineering for an engine rebuild and other restoration work.
Between 2000 and 2002, '12025' resided in Ferrari UK's private heritage collection before being purchased from the immediately preceding owner by our vendor at Bonhams' Goodwood Revival sale in September 2009 (Lot 214). At that time the Ferrari was registered as 'MUD 200'. The purchaser in 2009 was Martin Kenwright, an interactive Academy Award winner and the creator of some of the world's biggest driving games, including the official WRC franchise on PlayStation alongside the other Sony PlayStation launch titles of MotorStorm and Drive Club.
The Ferrari was bought as a genuine usable classic and has been driven only on short pleasure trips around the local village in beautiful North Wales, seeing relatively little use since acquisition. Stored in a heated private garage, the car has been exceptionally well looked after, receiving regular services and maintenance, including an engine overhaul. All minor mechanical and electrical jobs have been done, with comprehensive tweaks and fixes made over the years. The radiator has been reconditioned and the tyres are brand new, while one particular point of interest is the specially devised and developed shock absorbers, adjusted via a simple tyre hose in the boot.
Between 2010 and 2013 the car was serviced by the JMH Automotive, and between 2015 and 2023 by Trevor Farrington in Knutsford. More recently, over £10, 000 was spent on service and maintenance at specialist restorers Ramsport in Wales.
One of the best-known Ferrari 365s in the UK, and the subject of numerous internet articles, '12025' is featured in A Guide to Ferrari Road Cars and comes with an extract from that publication. Fully documented, the car also comes with a Certificato d'Autenticità; all service records and expired MoTs dating back to 2002; and the all-important Ferrari Classiche certification.
Finished in its original colour scheme of Tourbillon Blue with beige leather interior, this is a fully documented and properly maintained 365 GT 2+2, well suited to continued enjoyment and ready to please its fortunate next owner. In the vendor's own words: "I'll miss this car, it drives and looks great, and it's as honest as they come..."
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
