CURRENT CLASSIC PROFILE: 1972-76 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 made its debut at the Paris Auto Show in 1972 and was immediately met with the skepticism that remains with it and its successors, the 400 and 412, to this day. In many—but not all—cases, skepticism can mean opportunity. That, I believe, is the case with the 365 GT4 2+2. The numbers tell the story: 4.4 litre v12 putting out 320 bhp; 525 produced. If the figures are at all familiar, it is because the motor is the same as the legendary 365 GTB/4 (Daytona), albeit slightly detuned (less 30 bhp). While it is 300 kg heavier, it does have room for a couple toddlers and a sack of groceries. Its limited numbers, however (estimated half to a third of the Daytona’s total production) make this a no-brainer.



True, its successor, the Ferrari 400, was recently named #18 on the BBC’s Crap Car list, but this should not deter the 365 GT4 2+2 from ascending as a true collectible. Here’s why: 1.) The 365 GT4 2+2 shares the 365 moniker with the Daytona and is often categorized as its close relative; 2.) The 400/412 series are predominantly driven by a GM automatic transmission, which is geared so poorly it discouraged spirited driving. I think much—if not all—of the “crap” label can be attributed to this. The 365 GT4 2+2, on the other hand, is a proper 5-speed, carbureted car that behaves like a Ferrari; 3.) The 400 and 412, for whatever reason, fell prey to a lot of aftermarket customization (including chopping the top to make a convertible, replacing the TRX/wheel package to a 308/328 setup, etc.). The 365 GT4 2+2 seems to have garnered a little more respect, perhaps because of the 365 name, and remain largely original; 4.) While 1500 kg is not svelte by any definition, the emissions-stifled 400 blimped to 1700 kg while its output was substantially less (the 412i regained horsepower, but at an expense of an additional 100 kg). Again, the numbers tell the story.

Perhaps the most significant number is that of price. Well-documented, quality examples are fetching $35K-$40K (USD), while decent project cars can be seen in the low $20Ks. If it’s true that this is what many refer to as a four-seat Daytona, then the 365 GT4 2+2 is surely one of the collector world’s most remarkable values at roughly 10% of its more exotic cousin’s asking prices (we’re talking Coupés here; not even going to touch the million-dollar Spiders). If we use that as an index, it’s quite foreseeable that the 365 GT4 2+2 will climb to $50K within two years. Hold for 10 and who knows, it could be a quater-million dollar car.