1976 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2

At the Paris Auto Salon in 1972, Ferrari unveiled an all new car to the world. It was a fast, svelte and elegant 2+2 powered by the legendary VI2 engine, and was the most expensive series produced by Ferrari for 17 years. The initial model was the 365 GT4 2+2, which was later followed by the 400 and 412 series, and with manufacture ceasing in 1989, these four seaters enjoyed the longest production run of any Ferrari model. The 365 GT4 2+2 is easily distinguished from its successors by its six rear tail lights, knock-off alloy wheels and lack of a front spoiler and was produced between 1972 and 1976, with production totalling 521 cars, with just 133 in right-hand drive.

The bodies were built and fully trimmed at the Pininfarina works in Turin, and then shipped to the Ferrari factory in Maranello for the installation of the mechanical components. Under the bonnet, Ferrari squeezed in a 4.4-litre V12 unit producing 340bhp at 7000rpm resulting in the world's most potent full four-seater at the time. Despite its 1,450 kilos, the car galloped from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds and was capable of a top speed of 155 mph.

Having previously sold this right-hand drive, 365 GT4 to a discerning multiple-marque collector in February 2014, we know the car well. We were informed by the Ferrari's vendor at that time, that its service history is peppered with evidence that significant sums of money have been spent in the past looking after the health of this distinctive car. £19,000 on one occasion, £16,000 on another, and further amounts of £5,000 from time to time, all detailed in its most comprehensive service history which indicates expenditure of an incredible £137,069.20, all from a classic car specialist who rebuilt the engine and restored the bodywork over three years from 1993 to 1996. The car subsequently came third in its class at the 1996 Ferrari Owners Club Concours and details are in the file.

The 365's engine bay is filled to bursting point with that colossal 4.4 litre, V12 engine, which benefits from a complete stainless steel exhaust system which is notoriously expensive to replace and merely highlights the fact that no expense has been spared on the upkeep of this car. Under the current owner's stewardship, additional work has recently been carried out on the exhaust with new manifolds and gaskets, sundry service items and an annual service, at an odometer reading of 4,555 miles, with the relevant invoice totalling £2,735.00 in December 2015, at main dealer Lancaster Ferrari of Colchester. A new MoT certificate is now in place.

We are told the bodywork is superbly straight and all the panel shut lines are excellent throughout. Likewise, the inner sills, outriggers and the rear of the chassis are also reported to be in good order as is all the bright work. The knock-off alloy wheels are unmarked, look fabulous and are shod with excellent rubber all round.

The guide price represents around a third of the restoration cost, making this is a fantastic alternative to a similarly priced, but considerably more common Aston or Bentley, and is a tempting proposition given the past expenditure. Early four-seat Ferraris have recently returned to favour, and the 365 has a certain amount of cachet given its siblings are the famed Daytona and Berlinetta Boxer, which is some family tree!