Ferrari with 007 Pedigree to Cross the Block at Russo and Steele's August Monterey, California Auction

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 27, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First shown at Paris in 1967, the 365 GT 2+2 took place as the largest, most luxurious, and best-equipped Ferrari model to date. In addition to sleek Pininfarina-designed and built bodywork, the 365 GT 2+2 was the first Ferrari equipped with standard power steering and brakes, and the company's first self-leveling rear suspension. Unlike its siblings, which used transaxles, the gearbox of the 365 GT 2+2 was mounted in unit with the engine and routed power via torque-tube drive to a frame-mounted differential. The SOHC 320-bhp, 4.4-liter V-12 included triple dual-choke Weber carburetors, good for sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just over seven seconds and nearly 150 mph flat out. By the end of production in 1971, as few as 800 examples were built, roughly half of Ferrari's total road-car production at the time.

Numbered 13109, listed in Hilary A. Raab, Jr.'s Ferrari Serial Numbers Part I with history further documented by Ferrari authority Marcel Massini, this 365 GT 2+2 is an original left-hand drive, U.S.-specification model sold new in 1970 by official UK Ferrari dealer Maranello Concessionaires to legendary James Bond movie producer Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli. Interestingly, the warranty booklet for 13109 shows delivery on March 11, 1970 to one Shawn Peter Bealey, resident in Buckinghamshire, UK, the home of Pinewood Studios, where Mr. Broccoli did much of his filming. Continuous service records show that Mr. Broccoli imported the Ferrari to Beverly Hills, California as early as 1975, where it was continuously serviced and maintained by Hollywood Sport Cars, the dealership of famous West Coast racer Chic Vandagriff, with mileage documented throughout this period. Mr. Broccoli sold 13109 November 1986 at approximately 21,400 miles and it passed through another owner in November 1987 to Dr. David Walden of Del Mar, California, who retained the Ferrari for over 15 years.

Striking in presentation with one repaint performed during the early 2000s in factory-original Argento Metallizzato (Silver Metallic), 13109 retains the original Nero (Black) interior. During a recent detailed examination, it was discovered that the door panels retained their original Ferrari-logo internal plastic dust covers along with the handwritten Pininfarina body number "103;" this stamped number also remains on the hood and trunk lid. The engine bay retains many of the original hoses, clamps, and decals in place. Prior to its last sale, 13109 received a new period-correct battery and original-specification Michelin 'XWX' radial tires, plus a thorough and professional undercarriage detailing. Most recently, 13109 received more than $15,000 of further care and attention from Continental Ferrari located in Hinsdale, Illinois. A UK "ARB 007" number plate commemorates Albert R. Broccoli's early ownership of this great Grand Touring Ferrari. As one of the finest examples of the 365 GT 2+2 to come to market in recent memory, 13109 is further accompanied by a set of owners' manuals, a shop manual, leather pouch, warranty card, Blaupunkt radio manual, a toolkit with jack, wrench, and knock-off hammer, and an extensive document and record file.

The sleek and powerful 365 GT 2+2 is, simply put, a true gentleman's high-performance Grand Touring car with a matchless pedigree. Often called the "Baby Superfast," it has a timeless style and delivers the uncompromising performance so characteristic of the greatest classic Ferrari V-12 models. As written in a 1969 road-test report, Road & Track stated the 365 GT 2+2 "…is, basically, one man's expression of what a fast, roomy, and luxurious car should be, and it is from this sort of creativity – not committees – that greatness comes." Accordingly, the offering of 13109 provides a truly rare opportunity to experience and enjoy what legions of marque enthusiasts rightly consider the ultimate "Enzo-era" V-12 Ferrari Grand Touring car.

Experience all the high energy excitement of Russo and Steele in Monterey for yourself! Bidder registration is just $200 and includes admission for all 3 days of "Auction in the Round" action for the bidder and one lucky guest. Stay tuned for further updates on Russo and Steele's 16th annual Monterey auction and event and join them for the Hottest Nights in Monterey, August 18-20 on the waterfront near historic Fisherman's Wharf! Contact 602-252-2697 for additional details.
 
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