One to Buy: ex-Elton John 9000-mile 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
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Although Ferrari started winning World Championships with mid-engined F1 cars and Sports Prototypes in 1961, it wasn’t until the winter of 1967-1968 that the firm adopted such a layout for a production offering. That car was of course the Dino 206 GT which used a spirited little V6 shared with the Fiat Dino Coupe and Spider.
By this time, Automobili Lamborghini had already stolen some of Ferrari’s thunder by becoming the first manufacturer to offer a twelve cylinder mid-engined car having put the sensational Miura into production during early 1967. However, Enzo Ferrari was not going to be rushed into building a direct Miura rival. Instead, he elected to offer the traditional front-engined 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ while the final touches were applied to a properly developed mid-engined replacement.
The car that finally emerged to succeed the Daytona was Ferrari’s epic 365 GT4 BB which adopted a soft wedge design language styled by Pininfarina. Less radical than Lamborghini’s new Countach, the Flat 12-engined BB was a typical Ferrari Gran Turismo capable of transporting its occupants in high speed comfort for hours on end. By contrast, the other worldly Countach generally appealed to the kind of buyer that wanted to make a scene outside the local nightclub.
One customer that owned a Miura SV but decided to purchase a 365 GT4 BB instead of a Countach was chart-topping British singer songwriter, Elton John, whose 1974 Berlinetta Boxer (chassis 17741) is currently residing at the Tom Hartley Jnr. showroom. Elton John (real name Reginald Dwight) placed his order during 1973 through HR Owen in London, requesting Rosso Bordeaux paint, Beige leather, air-conditioning and a Voxson radio.
One of just 58 right-hand drive examples built from a total production run of 387 units, the matching numbers chassis 17741 has today covered a remarkably low 9700 miles and amazingly still rides on its original tyres.
The car’s history file includes MOT certificates dating back to 1977. It is also accompanied by the original book pack along with Ferrari Classiche certification. With bodywork said to be in faultless condition and having recently undergone a major engine out service and detailing of the engine, engine bay, suspension, exhaust and wheels, this must be one of the best right-hand drive first generation BBs to exist.
