Ferrari 365 Explained

Ferrari 365
Manufacturer:Ferrari
Class:Grand tourer
Layout:Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Production:1966 - 1971
Engine:4.4 L (4390.35 cc) Colombo V12

See also Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 & Ferrari 365 GTC/4 for later 2+2 models, and Ferrari Daytona for the 365 GTB/4 & GTS/4

The Ferrari 365 is a large front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2- and 2+2-seater grand tourer produced by Ferrari. Introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, it replaced the 330 and 500 Superfast.

365 California

Ferrari 365 California
Production:1966 - 1967
14 produced
Designer:Tom Tjaarda at Pininfarina[1]
Body Style:Convertible
Related:500 Superfast
Engine:4.4 L Tipo 217B Colombo V12
Wheelbase:26501NaN1
Length:49001NaN1
Width:17801NaN1
Height:13301NaN1
Weight:13200NaN0
Sp:uk

The 365 California replaced the 500 Superfast for 1966. It was the first 365 model, with its 4.4 L (4390 cc/267 in³) V12 based on the 330's 4.0 L Colombo unit but with an 81 mm bore. This later version of the Colombo engine was rated at 320 horsepower, in street tune using three Weber carburettors.[2]

The 365 California used the same chassis as the 500 Superfast but with an evolutionary cabriolet body by Pininfarina. Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966, just 14 examples were produced[2] (including 2 in right hand drive) before production ended in 1967. Whilst the prototype was built on a 330 GT 2+2 type 571 chassis, production cars featured type 598 chassis. Chassis' were sent to Pininfarina's Grugliasco plant to be bodied and trimmed which were later returned to Ferrari to finish their mechanical components.

On 28 June 2005, a pristine 365 California sold for €736,000 (US$890,000).

365 GT 2+2

Ferrari 365 GT 2+2
Production:1967 - 1971
800 produced
Designer:Aldo Brovarone at Pininfarina
Body Style:2+2 coupé
Engine:4.4 L Tipo 245 Colombo V12[3]
Wheelbase:26501NaN1
Length:49741NaN1
Width:17861NaN1
Height:13451NaN1
Weight:14800NaN0 (dry)
Predecessor:Ferrari 330 GT 2+2
Successor:Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2
Sp:uk

The most popular 365 model was 1967's 365 GT 2+2, replacing the 330 GT 2+2. Unlike the 330 GT 2+2 car it replaced, which had a live rear axle on leaf springs, the 365 GT 2+2 had independent rear suspension.

The 365 GT 2+2 was a luxurious car with leather seats, power steering and brakes, electric windows, and optional air conditioning. It quickly became the company's top-selling model with about 800 produced in four years, 52 of which were right hand drive. When leaving the factory the 365 GT 2+2 was fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72).

365 GTC and GTS

Ferrari 365 GTC
Ferrari 365 GTS
Production:1968 - 1970
GTC: 168 produced
GTS: 20 produced
Body Style:GTC: 2-seat coupé
GTS: 2-seat spider
Engine:4.4 L Tipo 245C Colombo V12[4]
Transmission:5-speed manual all-synchromesh[5]
Wheelbase:24001NaN1
Length:44701NaN1
Width:16701NaN1
Height:13001NaN1
Weight:13500NaN0 (dry)
Predecessor:GTC: Ferrari 330 GTC
GTS: Ferrari 330 GTS
Successor:GTC: Ferrari 365 GTC/4
GTS: Ferrari 365 GTS/4
Sp:uk

The 330 GTC and GTS were replaced in 1968 by the 365 GTC and GTS. It was essentially a re-engine of the 330 GTC/GTS, with the engine increasing from 4.0 liters and 300 horsepower to 4.4 liters and 320 horsepower.[6] The styling remained almost unchanged: on both body styles differences were limited to vents moved from behind the front wheels to the bonnet.

Like all 365s, the GTC and GTS were powered by a 4,390 cc Colombo V12 engine, specifically its Tipo 245/C variant. Fed by three twin-choke Weber 40 DFI carburettors, it produced 3200NaN0 at 6,600 rpm.Integrating the gearbox with the final drive gave these cars a balanced 50:50 weight distribution. The 365 GTC and GTS retained the independent rear suspension, employing coil springs and wishbones, of its immediate predecessor. Brakes were servo-assisted discs all-round with a split circuit system.

168 examples of the coupé were built (including 22 in right hand drive) between the 1968 and 1970. It was replaced by the Ferrari 365 GTC/4. Just 20 spiders were built before its place was assumed by the 365 GTB/4-based Daytona Spider.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Cars by Tom Tjaarda . tom-tjaarda.net . 11 June 2013.
  2. Web site: Ferrari 365 California. ferrari.com. 2020-06-07.
  3. Web site: Ferrari 365 GT 2+2. ferrari.com. 19 July 2019.
  4. Web site: 365 GTC . Ferrari official site – Past models . Ferrari S.p.A. . 7 February 2016.
  5. Autotest: Ferrari 365 GTC 4,390 c.c. Classic Italian thorough-bred. Superb V12 engine, electric performance, light brakes, excellent gearbox. Good ride. Handling better on dry roads than wet. Comfortable two seater, but needs better heating and ventilating system. In its class, a worthy machine. . 130 . . (nbr. 3824) . 10–15 . 29 May 1969.
  6. Ahlgrim . Steve . 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC . . December 2013 . 25 . 12 . 50–51.