1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB

Chassis No. 18569

Ferrari's decision to abandon the front-engine layout that had defined its road-going twelve-cylinder flagships for a generation produced, in the 365 GT4 BB, one of the most significant cars in the company's history. Unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor Show and entering production in 1973, the Berlinetta Boxer married radical wedge-shaped Pininfarina coachwork to a mid-mounted, 4.4-liter twelve-cylinder engine derived from the 365 GTB/4 Daytona but reconfigured with its cylinder banks flattened to 180 degrees. Producing 380 horsepower and capable of more than 300 km/h, it was among the fastest cars of its era. Only 387 examples of the original 365 GT4 BB were built before the 512 BB arrived in 1976, making it the rarest of the Boxer series.

This example, chassis number 18569, was reportedly completed at Maranello on 13 June 1975 and delivered new through Crepaldi Automobili to a Mr. Lentulini. The car is understood to have spent time in Asia during its life before passing to the current caretaker.

More recently, chassis 18569 underwent a comprehensive, photo-documented restoration by the noted Ferrari specialists at Modena Motorsport of Langenfeld, Germany. The accompanying invoice details work carried out to concours standards across every major system. The engine was removed and fully rebuilt, with new pistons, main and connecting-rod bearings, reconditioned cylinder heads, and carburetors overhauled by specialist Viktor Günther. The body was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original Giallo Fly over Nero lower bodywork, the interior retrimmed in Nero leather, and the suspension, braking, and electrical systems thoroughly renewed. The total documented investment exceeded €170.000.

Recently, the Boxer was issued Ferrari Classiche certification, and its “Red Book,” in production at the time of cataloging, will be delivered to the new owner. The car is offered with its original pouch and books, including the all-important Tessera Di Garanzia service book, its toolkit, its Ferrari Classiche ''Red Book,'' and the restoration invoices supporting the recent work. As the first of Ferrari's mid-engine flat-12 road cars, the 365 GT4 BB laid the foundation for a lineage that would run through the 512 BB and BBi to the Testarossa and beyond.

Finished in its striking original color scheme and freshly restored by marque experts, this early, matching-numbers Italian Boxer will reward the collector seeking the purest expression of the model.