One to Buy: Concours Restored 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
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Famously, Enzo Ferrari had been a reluctant adoptee of the mid-engined layout, initially believing “the horse should pull the cart, not push it”. However, after a brace of promising outings with experimental mid-engined single seaters during the 1960 F1 season, Scuderia Ferrari campaigned the iconic shark nosed 156 throughout 1961 and secured both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ championships.
The ‘61 season also saw Scuderia Ferrari begin to race mid-engined Sports Prototypes alongside its more traditional front-engined Testa Rossas. The diminutive 246 SP ran an enlarged endurance spec. version of the V6 used in the 156 and, although it took just a single win at World Championship level compared to the V12-powered TR61’s three, the wind of change was clear.
Ferrari’s first mid-engined road car followed in 1967 when the V6-powered Dino 206 GT was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show. Six years later, a twelve cylinder mid-engined model was launched at the 1973 Paris Salon: the 365 GT4 BB.
Equipped with a 4.4-litre Flat 12 derived from Ferrari’s F1 and Sports Prototype power units of the day, the Berlinetta Boxer replaced a long line of front V12-engined two-seaters around which much of the Prancing Horse legend had formed. Production of the 365 GT4 BB ran from 1973 to 1976 and, despite having been frozen out of the lucrative US market on safety and emissions grounds, 387 were completed.
Finished in Giallo Fly with Nero leather upholstery, this 1975 Berlinetta Boxer, chassis 18569, is one of the most spectacular BBs we have seen recently. Completed on June 13th 1975, it was delivered new through the Milan Ferrari agent, Crepaldi Automobili, to local resident, Sig. Lentulini on Via Monte Napoleone. More recently, chassis 18569 has been the recipient of a total restoration costing in excess of €170,000 carried out by noted Ferrari specialist, Modena Motorsport of Langenfeld, Germany.
On October 9th, the car will be going under the hammer at Broad Arrow Auctions’ sale taking place during the Zoute Concours d’Elegance in Belgium .
According to Broad Arrow Auctions: “Restoration work was carried out to concours standards across every major system. The engine was removed and fully rebuilt, with new pistons, main and connecting-rod bearings, reconditioned cylinder heads, and carburettors overhauled by specialist, Viktor Gunther. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original Giallo Fly over Nero lower bodywork, the interior retrimmed in Nero leather, and the suspension, braking, and electrical systems thoroughly renewed. The total .”
“Recently, the Boxer was issued Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that the car retains its original engine, transmission, and factory components, and wears its original Giallo Fly and Nero color scheme. The car is offered with its original pouch and books, including the all-important Tessera Di Garanzia service book, its toolkit, its Ferrari Classiche "Red Book," and the restoration invoices supporting the recent work.”
