1969 Ferrari ‘Sunroof’ 365 GT 2+2

By the time production ended in 1971, Ferrari had built just 801 examples of the 365 GT 2+2. While small in number, it was a great commercial success, accounting for about half of total Ferrari production during its brief three-year run. For a time, it was the only Ferrari model available for sale in the crucial U.S. market due to the increasingly stringent emissions regulations in effect from 1968. In addition, the 365 GT 2+2 was the last luxury-oriented, 12-cylinder model offered by Ferrari until the 1992 debut of the 456 GT.

Bearing Chassis Number 12451, this Ferrari is accompanied by a Ferrari Heritage Certificate and documented history compiled by Marcel Massini. An original U.S. delivery example, it was factory finished in the rare color of Giallo Fly Italver, or Fly Yellow over black leather upholstery, the striking colors it continues to wear today. In addition to its odometer calibrated in miles, 12451 was further equipped with Borrani wire-spoke wheels and a very rare optional sunroof. In February 1969, the chassis was sent to Torino and Carrozzeria Pininfarina, where its sleek body was fitted, and the final assembly date is recorded as April 23, 1969.

While not appearing as an original option recorded on the internal Ferrari factory documents for 12451, it is equipped with a rare sunroof. It is believed that Ferrari sent this car out for fitment of the sunroof at the request of Bill Harrah's Modern Classic Motors prior to shipment of the vehicle to the U.S. Given the time difference from final assembly in April 1969 until delivery that summer, it is universally agreed the sunroof was most likely installed during that time period.

Later in 1970, the Ferrari was sold to its first registered owner, a resident of California. The vehicle would then remain in California for some 35 years. In 1998, Bernard B. Fahimian of Los Angeles acquired the car and continued the excellent care and maintenance. He commissioned a complete refinish in Fly Yellow and comprehensive mechanical work including replacement of the clutch, rear shock absorbers, load levelers, and exhaust system. From October 2001 through May 2002, 12451 was entrusted to the Ferrari marque experts at Redondo Beach, California's Tillack & Co. for extensive cosmetic and mechanical work. There, the interior was restored, including the carpeting, headliner, and seats, and the cooling and electrical systems were reviewed and sorted as required. The Borrani wire wheels were restored, new door seals were fitted, the doors were aligned to the body, and many other detail items were addressed. Additional work performed by other experts included a cylinder head overhaul, ignition work, and carburetor tuning.

In February 2005, James C. Walker of Ann Arbor, Michigan purchased 12451 at approximately 56,000 miles. A major overhaul of the matching-numbers Tipo 245 V-12 engine was completed in 2005 and 2006 by noted Ferrari specialist Terry Myr of Smith's Creek, Michigan, who also maintained the car for Mr. Walker and performed further detail-oriented work during his tenure. The front suspension was also rebuilt during 2005. Throughout his ownership, Mr. Walker provided proper and thorough care of 12451, with particular emphasis on the car being ready for touring enjoyment, as originally intended.

Mr. Walker and his wife Molly enthusiastically showed and toured 12451 at Ferrari Owners Club events, Ann Arbor's Rolling Sculpture Car Show, and other functions. Ferrari Club of America event history for the Walkers and 12451 began with the 2005 International Meet in Indianapolis. On August 29, 2007, the Walkers drove 12451 to Corning, New York, to attend the 44th Annual Ferrari Club of America (FCA) International Meet at Watkins Glen, where the car earned Premio d'Oro (Gold Award) honors. In May 2008, the Walkers and 12451 participated in the Points and Condenser Preservation Society Run at the Michigan International Speedway and that July, the couple traveled with the car to attend the FCA International Meet hosted in Toronto, Canada, by the FCA East and Central Canada Region. At the 2009 edition of "Eyes on Design" event held at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, 12451 received the Design of Distinction Red Ribbon Award.

The current collector/owner acquired this car from Worldwide Auctioneers in 2014. 12451 is the recipient of a recent servicing resulting in the mechanical prowess one would expect from a flagship touring automobile. As offered, it remains highly attractive, clearly benefiting from the attentive care it has received over its lifetime from all its astute owners. It is accompanied by the original owner's manual and an extensive document binder including a wealth of receipts, records, photographs, and correspondence, a Massini Report, plus a Ferrari Heritage Certificate (numbered 0001361) confirming chassis and engine numbers, date of manufacture, and original colors.

Mechanically excellent, handsomely presented, and thoroughly documented, this Ex-Bill Harrah factory sunroof-equipped 365 GT 2+2 is very well-suited for continued enjoyment and spirited driving in the classic Ferrari Grand Touring tradition on important tours, concours show fields, and FCA events around the globe.