Ferrari is traditionally known for manufacturing some of the most desirable ultra-performance supercars and sports cars. However, this has not always been the case. Even the mighty Ferrari has had periods in its history when it had to change tact to stay afloat or relevant, and one of those times was when it made the Ferrari 365. In the mid-1960s, Ferrari was on the brink of bankruptcy, so it needed to make a car that would sell in significantly higher numbers than its current offerings. Ferrari chose to make a car that would appeal to the American market to achieve this. Americans were more inclined to use practical cars that could be used for long-distance drives. Ferrari set out to do that with the Ferrari 365, and it succeeded. Instead of designing a tight-fitting, driver-centric sports car/supercar it normally would for Ferrari, Pininfarina designed a large, comfortable, and luxurious four-seat grand tourer – the Ferrari 365. The Ferrari 365 was introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show and was built to replace the Ferrari 330 and 500 superfast. The most popular Ferrari 365 model was the 1967 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, which is the focus of this review. Ferrari quotes the 365 GT horsepower as approximately 235 kW, so the car is no slouch. When new, the 365 GT price stood at $18,900. Today, it is worth much more. This 365 GT review reveals why this is so.
The Ferrari 365 GT was manufactured at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy. Its models were manufactured between 1966 and 1971, totaling 1002 cars. The first models of the Ferrari 365 were the 365 California models; they were to replace the Ferrari 500 Superfast. Only 14 365 California units were produced between 1966 and 1967, two of which were right-hand drive models. First came the 1966 Ferrari 365 California prototype, based on the 330 GT 2+2 type 571 chassis. After that, the 14 365 California models that rolled off the production lines utilized a different chassis with the designation 598/129. They had a distinct convertible body design. 801 of the 1002 Ferrari 365 models are 365 GT 2+2 models. Fifty-two of them are right-hand drive. The 365 GT 2+2 differs from the 365 California in several ways. For example, the 365 California is a convertible grand tourer. It is available in 2-seater or 2+2 configuration models. At the same time, the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, on the other hand, has a coupe body style with a fixed top and is also only available with a 2+2 configuration. The 365 California is also designed for laid-back, open-top drives in the California sun, unlike the 365 GT 2+2, which focuses more on offering a unique balance of performance and practicality for long-distance touring with four occupants. The Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is fondly referred to as the “queen mother of Ferraris” on account of an article about it that was published in the Road & Track magazine around that time (the late 1960s). This was because the 365 GT 2+2 is longer than all Ferraris of its time. It was over 16 feet long, which put it at par lengthwise with large luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz S Class.
The Ferrari 365 GT has a 4390 cc V12 engine with a total power output of 315 horsepower (235 kW) at 6600 rpm and 417.6 Nm (308.0 lb.-ft.) of torque at 5000 rpm. This V12 engine is based on the 330 GT 2+2's 4.0 L Colombo engine that was upgraded with an 81 mm bore, three Weber carburetors, and a two-valve tappet system with a single overhead camshaft. This engine has a compression ratio of 8.8:1 and a 71 mm/2.8-inch stroke, and transfers power to a five-speed manual transmission.
The 365 GT offers a leather-swathed, pleasantly designed interior with fine materials and excellent fit and finish. The seats are plush and comfortable with their fine stitching and substantial cushioning, and they also offer ideal seating positions. Unlike most cars of its time, the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 comes with power steering, which makes for almost effortless steering. Also standard are electric windows, rear window heating, a wooden steering wheel, and air conditioning, all of which contribute to a premium driving experience. Also, as mentioned above, the 365 GT 2+2 offers ample interior accommodations due to its long wheelbase and well-proportioned cabin. Its back row is spacious enough to accommodate adults of average height – a unique trait among 2-door sports coupes. The 365 GT 2+2’s trunk can also carry much vacation luggage.
The 365 GT 2+2 left the factory fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tires. These full-profile tires have a classy retro look and benefit from a tough fabric belt weaved between the tire carcass and the tread. The car also has an elegant body with imposing lines. Its front end resembles the 500 Superfast, with revised headlight styling and chrome front bumper bars with incorporated parking lights. The 365 GT 2+2’s rear features brake, indicator, and reversing lights placed in a retro, horizontal sequence, and quad exhaust pipes that announce its potent V12 engine. The chassis frame is made of tubular steel designed to withstand the pressure generated by the engine’s gearheads during spirited driving.
One noteworthy innovation in the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is its power steering system. Unlike most cars with a rack and pinion steering system, this car has a recirculating ball steering system. This system comprises a set of steel balls in a steering spindle. The balls transmit the rotary motion of the steering wheel to the pistons, and the movement of these pistons subsequently translates to the swiveling of the front wheels through the segment shaft and steering linkage. This robust steering system delivers responsible and highly communicative steering, creating a fun and engaging driving experience. The 365 GT 2+2 was the first 2+2 Ferrari with independent rear suspension and coil springs – an upgrade from the leaf springs and live rear axle of the 330 GT 2+2. This independent rear suspension delivered better ride handling and handling than that of the 330 GT 2+2. Another tech feature worth noting in the Ferrari 365 GT is its self-leveling, telescopic shock absorbers. Ferrari collaborated with British engineering company Koni to develop advanced shock absorbers that automatically adjust themselves to maintain a level ride height regardless of the car’s weight distribution or load. So, regardless of how many people are riding in the car or how much luggage it carries, the 365 GT 2+2 maintains its level stance on the road. This helps with traction when cornering and driving composure.
The Ferrari 365 2+2 costs between $145,000 and $375,000, depending on the chosen model year. The price is worth it because the car offers plenty of performance and features despite its age. The average price for the 1968 Ferrari 365GT 2+2 is $258,500. Other models, like the 1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, can be sold for as high as $363,000, but prices may change depending on mileage and location. The 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 has been noted to sell between $280,500 and $374,000. The lowest recorded sale price in early 2023 was $101,365 for a 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2.
The Ferrari 365 GT may not be as popular or as sporty as many of its older or younger siblings, but it is still a worthwhile acquisition. It combines performance car attributes (the marvelous symphonies of a naturally aspirated V12 engine, near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution, and performance-focused suspension) with luxury, practicality, and comfort in a way that few cars of its time can deliver. Its technology is way ahead of its time, and because of its solid engineering, many of its models are still in good working condition today. Exotic Car Trader is a perfect destination for people looking to buy or sell cars. We have a streamlined process to ensure transparency for our customers and make car buying and selling easier in the modern world. Exotic Car Trader aims to offer you the perfect ride that matches your preferences and solves your daily commuting needs. What’s unique about us? The Exotic Trader’s Car buying process is well outlined for in-person and online buying. We also have optional financing methods and trade-in services for customers who need a different taste from the car models they own. For instance, we can replace your older Ferrari with the latest Ferrari models on our website. Plus, we can help you sell your used car for top dollar.
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