The 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS by Pininfarina occupies a rarefied space in the world of vintage Italian motoring. While Maranello produced many iconic machines during the sixties, this open-top spider remains among the most elusive. Only twenty examples ever left the factory, making it significantly scarcer than its coupe counterpart. This particular car, the sixth built, represents the absolute peak of the Colombo V-12 development for road-going tourers. It offers a unique blend of understated elegance and the raw mechanical soul that defined the pre-1970 era.
A Legacy of Elite Open Top Touring
This European-delivery spider first graced the roads of Lake Garda before joining a prestigious collection in Suffolk, England. It later crossed the Atlantic, eventually spending over two decades in the famous Walter Medlin collection. The current Nero paint over Nero leather creates a formidable and sophisticated aesthetic that highlights the Pininfarina design. Most of the original interior remains, preserving the authentic feel of a true sixties grand tourer. Consequently, the car carries a sense of history that few fully restored examples can match today.
Precision Tuning and Recent Refinements
Mechanical integrity is the hallmark of this example, having received extensive care between 2024 and 2025. Technicians at Gran Touring Classics in Long Beach performed detailed refinements to the brakes and electrical systems. They even adjusted the throttle pedal position to ensure a more intuitive connection between the driver and the machine. This phase of work focused on turning a static collectible into a vibrant and responsive road car. Every adjustment was made to maximize the tactile feedback during high-speed cruising.
Rare Mechanical Purity and Pedigree
Maintaining its original identity is crucial for a vehicle of this stature and market value. This spider successfully retains its matching-numbers engine and transaxle, a fact confirmed by documented research. The move to hood-mounted cooling vents distinguished the 365 from its 330 predecessors while improving thermal efficiency. Furthermore, the use of genuine Michelin XWX tires on classic wire wheels ensures the handling remains period-correct. Such a high level of preservation makes it a primary candidate for major international concours events.
Unrivaled V12 Power and Performance
The heart of this 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS by Pininfarina is the 4.4-liter Type 245/C V-12 engine. This powerplant generates a formidable 320 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque for the driver. Because of the enlarged displacement, significant torque arrives as low as 2,500 rpm for improved acceleration. This engine is paired with a five-speed transaxle that provides excellent balance and weight distribution. These specifications allowed the spider to outperform almost every other luxury open-top car of its generation.
Summary
The 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS by Pininfarina is a masterpiece that rarely appears in the public market. Its combination of extreme scarcity and recent mechanical investment makes it a standout choice for any serious collector. This car is not merely a static object but a functional machine prepared for the rigors of modern touring. It remains a definitive statement of what Ferrari could achieve when performance met coachbuilt beauty. Owning such a rare Prancing Horse is a privilege reserved for only a handful of enthusiasts worldwide.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
