Historical Context

When Enzo Ferrari died in 1988, he was one of the best-known people in the world. Dubbed “The Pope of the North”, this man of humble origins built one of the world’s most iconic automotive businesses and brands in history — Ferrari

The 365 GT Series was launched at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. These were more luxurious replacements for the 330 GT Series (1964-1967) and 500 Superfast (1964-1966). Initially offered in California styling, the 2+2 following in 1967 and the 2-seater GTC/GTS from 1968.

The 365 GT 2+2 soon became a top seller for the Maranello-based firm, with 801 produced over four years, 52 of which were Right-Hand-Drive (RHD).

Being a luxury Grand Tourer, the 365 GT 2+2 came to market with leather upholstery, electric windows and optional air conditioning (standard in the US). This was also the first Ferrari to feature power steering and was fitted with self-levelling independent rear suspension. 

This was a golden age for Ferrari at a time when its run of success in sports car endurance racing had passed first to the Shelby Daytona, then the Ford GT40 and the Porsche 917.

History of this example

1969 Ferrari 365GT 2+2 (RHD) in South Africa

This rare right-hand-drive 365 GT 2+2 came off production at Maranello in 1969 and was delivered to a South African businessman via the United Kingdom.

A Car Distributors Assembly (CDA) Plate in its engine bay indicates the car may have been imported as a semi-knock down (SKD) unit for final commissioning in East London. The car was first registered as new in 1970 with Transvaal Registration. 

CDA had assembled Mercedes Benz vehicles under license since 1958, as well as marques such as Fiat and Alfa Romeo, and is today Mercedes Benz South Africa.

Well-known car enthusiast Stuart Bromfield and his friend Bill Brennan acquired the car in 1976, but it wasn’t driven much.  The 365 GT was purchased by Belgian national Robert Kriek in 1986 who in the late 1990’s commissioned a full body-off restoration by Ferrari importer TAK Motors.

The car was released back to Mr Kriek in 1999. During this period, Mr Kriek had allowed its registration to lapse while the vehicle was held as a curated investment asset in long-term storage alongside other investment vehicles.

One of these vehicles was a 1982 Lamborghini Countach with just 3 000 km’s in factory original condition. Word got out and a leading international auction house came to inspect the vehicle. On seeing the Ferrari, it was suggested it be shipped to the United Kingdom and placed on auction.

Through a process of pure chance, the 365 GT came to the attention of Brian Bruce who quickly intervened and secured the car in a deal that included a restored 1957 Fiat 500 Nuovo. 

Bruce had been looking for a 1960’s Ferrari to represent that marque alongside his racing vehicles from the era of Jaguar, Ford and Shelby.

After an 18 month commission by Carlo Viglietti at Pablo Clark Racing, this Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 is close to 100-point perfection.

If you’re interested in finding out more, please Contact Us.

Also see: 

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda 

1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 OTS