1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB

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S/N: 17947

  • One of only 387 produced

  • The first production mid-engine V12 Ferrari

  • Rosso Corsa exterior / Nero interior

  • Only 17,000 KM, original documented mileage

  • Full cosmetic and mechanical restoration

  • 380 hp at 7,000 RPM

  • All accessories present

  • An extremely rare example in incredible condition and an astute investment opportunity

While Enzo Ferrari dominated automobile racing in the 1940s and 1950s with his front-engine V12 cars, that dominance began to lessen in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the advent of mid-engine race cars developed by his competitors. The 6- and 8- cylinder Dino race cars of the mid 1960s were his answer, as well as the V12-powered P and LM sports prototype racers. However, he felt that a mid-engine road car would be too difficult for his buyers to handle, and it was not until the release of the mid-engine Lamborghini Miura (and, later, the Lamborghini Countach) that he finally allowed his engineers to change his mind.

The result was the 365 GT4 BB, the first mid-engine 12-cylinder Ferrari road car. First shown at the 1971 Turin Motor Show, it was released for sale in 1973 as a replacement for the Daytona. However, instead of a V12 engine in the front, the BB featured an all-new flat-12 cylinder configuration, mounted longitudinally in the chassis behind the driver. This engine produced 380 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, and was notable for the first use of timing belts instead of chains. Only 387 examples of the 365 GT4 BB were built, making it far rarer than the later 512 BB and 512 BBi models.

This 365 GT4 BB, serial number 17947, was #158 in the assembly sequence, with its Scaglietti-produced body numbered #147. Its original colors were Nero exterior over a Nero interior, with the Nero exterior quite rare to see in this period. It was delivered new to its first owner in Bologna, Italy, and resided there until 1977, when it was imported to the US by Luigi Chinetti for its new owner, Herb Chambers. Dick Fritz at Amerispec oversaw the federalization changes, and it was enjoyed until 1983, where it was put away for storage. Discovered in 1995 by Michael Sheehan, who recognized its straight body, original condition, and extremely low mileage, s/n 17947 underwent a frame-up no-expense-spared restoration by Sheehan. This included new Rosso Corsa paint with new Connolly black leather, a complete engine, gearbox, suspension, and brake system rebuild, and a reversal of the federalization changes. In 1997, s/n 17947 was sold to an owner in Japan, and resided in indoor storage there. Finally, in 2014, it was repatriated to the US, and ultimately was purchased by its current owner.

Today, this 365 GT4 BB shows only 17K KM, documented by the comprehensive Massini report. It is fully mechanically and cosmetically sorted, seemingly unchanged from its prior comprehensive restoration. It drives amazingly, quite different than the later 512 BB, due to its higher-revving engine, different gearing, lower weight, and overall smaller dimensions. The last major service was performed in 2014, at 15,860 KM, prior to the purchase by the current owner, and it has been maintained properly since. The photos highlight the incredible cosmetic condition of the engine bay, as well as the interior and body of the car. 

Because of its rarity, a 365 GT4 BB does not come up for sale very often, and few have the unblemished history, extremely low mileage, and excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition of this example. This is a unique opportunity for the sophisticated collector to obtain a world-class example of the first mid-engine Ferrari road car. S/N 17947 is on consignment by its current owner, and your comprehensive inspection of this extremely special Ferrari is welcomed. Please contact Michael Foertsch at michael@mbrandonmotorcars.com or 832-617-0494 for more information.