1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2

• Supplied by Maranello Concessionaires on the 1^st June 1974 to the late Mr Hitcham of Warwickshire in Azzuro Hyperion with a dark blue leather interior
• Just 94 examples of the 365 GT4 2+2 were supplied to the UK market at a cost of some £12,960 when new
• Upon Mr Hitcham’s death in 2006, the car was registered to his wife, in whose name the V5C remains
• The history file is as immaculately presented as the car with the original Warranty Card, Service Book, handbooks, jack kit, tool kit and original keys
• A Ferrari Classiche confirms matching numbers and the historical invoices are paired to recent bills
• A new clutch and stainless-steel exhaust system, including manifolds, have been fitted and a full service, with new HT-leads took place 550 miles ago in June 2021
• The original “mouse-fur” dashboard is in superb condition and even the original and unused top-up oil supplied when new is present
• Offered to auction with its original private registration still on dealer-supplied plates, a fresh MOT and just 25,276 miles (atoc) covered from new
• Very few 1970s manual gearbox, V12 carburettored Ferraris in today’s market offer such low ownership and mileage with a superb history file at this sensible estimate.

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,133 of which were right-hand drive, and just 94 of these were supplied to the United Kingdom. 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. Sharing a model prefix and V12 engine with the famed Daytona the GT4 has remained at an accessible price, which has been at odds with the car’s rarity and usability. Pininfarina’s controversial angular design was a new departure for Ferrari, defying many critics with it’s 27-year reign, and is now firmly acknowledged as a retro-cool representation of cutting edge period styling and the market’s appreciation for early cars must be noted. 

Supplied by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd., on the 1st June 1974 to the late Mr Hitcham of Warwickshire in 'Azzuro Hyperion' with a dark blue leather interior, the car had a base price of some £12,960 when new, £4,000 more than the Daytona. As a range topping four-seat Grand Tourer competing with Aston Martin for performance and Rolls-Royce for luxury, the GT4 2+2 trounced all with its V12 engine, Connolly leather interior and manual five-speed gearbox. First registered under the private registration number “9999 NX”, the only number the car has worn, and generously supplied with the car, it's believed the original supplying dealer number plates are still in place.  

Unusually, the car has retained the original warranty card, handbooks, tool kit, jack kit and even the Maranello Concessionaires supplied ‘top-up’ oil from new. The leather interior is in remarkable condition as is the ”mouse-fur” dashboard. Upon Mr Hitcham’s death in 2007, the car was transferred to his wife’s name, and Mrs Hitcham is currently registered as the car’s second keeper on the V5C. It is patently obvious that this car has been well cared for and protected from the vagaries of the British weather. The odometer reading of 25,276 miles, at the time of cataloguing, is substantiated by the history file.  

In 2008, a Ferrari Classiche Inspection was conducted that confirmed the matching numbers status and the 'Red Book' is included among the historical invoices along with more recent bills. A new clutch and stainless-steel exhaust system, including manifolds, have been fitted and a full service, with new HT leads, was carried out 550 miles ago in June 2021. We conclude that this very special 365 GT4 2+2 would sit neatly in the finest Ferrari collections as a superb example of a luxury grand tourer for the driver who appreciates heritage and performance.