Introduction: Ferrari’s Elegant Four-Seat Evolution

In the storied lineage of Ferrari’s grand tourers, the 365 GT4 2+2, introduced in 1972, stands as a refined masterpiece—a four-seat coupe that blended luxurious comfort with the marque’s signature V12 performance. Powered by a 4.4-liter Colombo V12, this model saw 526 units crafted by Pininfarina, succeeding the 365 GT 2+2. With its angular design and advanced features, it marked a bold step in Ferrari’s four-seater evolution, offering a sophisticated GT for a discerning clientele.

The year 1972 was a pivotal moment for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—365 GTB/4 "Daytona", Dino 246 GT—complementing road car innovation. Unveiled at the 1972 Paris Motor Show, the 365 GT4 2+2 impressed with its sleek modernity. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical advancements, its distinctive styling, its subtle racing ties, and its enduring legacy.

Historical Context: Ferrari’s Modern GT Shift

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 emerged during a transformative era for Maranello. By 1972, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—365 GTC/4’s refinement, Daytona’s speed—had solidified its prestige, yet the demand for practical luxury grew. The 365 GT 2+2’s 801-unit run (1968-1971) set a high bar for four-seaters, but its softer styling and dated chassis needed a modern successor. The 365 GT4 2+2, with its sharper design and updated engineering, answered, targeting affluent buyers seeking a blend of performance and comfort.

A total of 526 units were built (1972-1976)—all Pininfarina coupes with a true 2+2 layout. Chassis 16255, the prototype, debuted at Paris in October 1972, its angular form signaling a new direction. This was a car for cosmopolitan families—European nobility, American executives—its production reflecting Ferrari’s adaptation to a shifting market amid Italy’s early-1970s economic challenges.

The broader context of 1972 shaped its purpose. Europe’s GT market thrived—Mercedes 450 SLC, Jaguar XJ—while America’s emissions and safety regulations tightened. The 365 GT4 2+2 bridged Ferrari’s racing heritage, rooted in the 500 Superfast, with a modern, luxurious road experience.

Technical Specifications: The Colombo V12’s Modern Tune

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2’s heart was its 4.4-liter Colombo V12—a robust engine refined for grand touring. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.

Engine: Colombo’s 4.4-Liter Refinement

Displacing 4,390 cc (bore 81 mm, stroke 71 mm), the 365 GT4’s V12 matched the Daytona and GTC/4’s specs but featured updates for smoother delivery and emissions compliance. With a single overhead camshaft per bank, an 8.8:1 compression ratio, and six Weber 38 DCOE carburetors, it produced 340 horsepower at 7,000 rpm—identical to the GTC/4. The aluminum block and heads, wet-sump lubrication, and 60-degree V-angle weighed 315 lbs, delivering 310 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm.

This engine was a touring workhorse. Chassis 16987, a 1973 model, showcased its refined power, balancing performance with luxury.

Performance: Graceful Speed

The 365 GT4 2+2 reached 155 mph (250 km/h)—verified by Road & Track’s 1973 test—trailing the GTC/4’s 162 mph due to its heavier build, with a 0-60 mph time of ~6.5 seconds. Its power-to-weight ratio (224 hp/ton) was slightly below the GTC/4 (234 hp/ton) but excelled among four-seaters.

Chassis and Suspension: Advanced Comfort

The chassis was a tubular steel ladder frame, weighing 1,520 kg (3,351 lbs)—70 kg heavier than the GTC/4 due to its larger body and luxury features. Its 2,700 mm wheelbase (190 mm longer than the GTC/4) offered true rear seating, with independent front suspension (double wishbones, coil springs) and a self-leveling rear suspension (double wishbones, hydraulic shocks), enhancing ride quality.

Transmission and Brakes: Smooth Mechanics

A 5-speed manual gearbox—synchronized, front-mounted—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 2.58, 5th: 0.94) favoring cruising. Braking relied on 14-inch ventilated disc brakes, delivering 0.9g deceleration—robust for its weight.

Design and Styling: Pininfarina’s Angular Art

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2’s aesthetic was a bold departure, crafted by Pininfarina.

Exterior: Modern Sophistication

Pininfarina built all 526 units—chassis 16255 featured a sharp grille, angular lines, and a sleek roofline, finished in Nero Daytona. Its 2,700 mm wheelbase and steel body (with aluminum hoods early on) offered a contemporary silhouette, distinct from the Daytona’s curves.

Interior: Luxurious Haven

The cabin was a refined retreat: leather seats for four (tan or black), a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (7,500 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 16987’s walnut trim, air conditioning, and power steering elevated it beyond the 365 GT 2+2, offering true luxury.

Production and Variants: A Modern GT Run

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2’s 526-unit run (1972-1976) was a production success—all Pininfarina coupes, with no major variants beyond trim and market-specific options (e.g., US bumpers). Chassis 16255 launched the series, while 18873 closed it, transitioning to the 400. Its focus remained road luxury—no racing versions emerged.

Performance and Racing Legacy: A Tourer’s Quiet Strength

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 racing history is negligible, its grand touring ethos dominant. Chassis 16543, tuned to 350 hp, ran the 1973 Coppa Inter-Europa, placing mid-field among privateers. Its true domain was the highway—Autostrada, Pacific Coast—where its 155 mph top speed and composed handling shone.

Ownership and Market Value: A Refined Classic

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 value reflects its rarity and elegance. Early owners included Italian industrialists and U.S. collectors. Today, prices range $150,000-$250,000—chassis 16255 sold for $225,000 at Bonhams 2023. Restoration costs—V12 rebuilds at $150,000—highlight its appeal.

Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Modern GT Milestone

The 365 GT4 2+2 advanced Ferrari’s four-seater lineage, its V12 and angular design influencing the 400 and 412. In 1970s lore, it’s the car of stylish family tours, a bridge to Maranello’s modern GT era.

Comparisons: Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 vs Rivals

The Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 vs Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC pits 340 hp V12 against 225 hp V8—Ferrari led in prestige, Mercedes in practicality. The Jaguar XJ12 (295 hp) trailed in power but matched in luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2?

A 1972 4.4L V12 grand tourer.

How many were made?

526 units.

What engine powered it?

4,390 cc Colombo V12, 340 hp.

Did it race?

Rarely—built for touring.

What’s its value?

$150,000-$250,000.