Description
This car is Lot 132 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at the Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale on the 13th April, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Saturday 12th April from 09:00 until 17:00 and Sunday 13 April from 09:00, at Goodwood Members' Meeting.
Lot 132
First owned by Eric Clapton
1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer
Registration no. 789 ROD
Chassis no. 18157
Present ownership for 50 years
Matching chassis, engine, gearbox and clamshell numbers
One of only 58 right-hand drive examples
Featured on the album cover for Clapton's album Slowhand
Circa 14, 900 miles from new
Recent cam belt service
Unquestionably one of the greatest road cars Ferrari has ever built, and its first to feature a flat-12 engine, the 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer debuted at the 1971 Turin Show in prototype form and commenced production in 1973 almost unaltered. At the time of its introduction the 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer was the world's fastest and most expensive car. Only 367 were constructed between 1973 and 1976 and it remains one of the most desirable and sought after of all Ferraris.
The rare example offered here is one of only 58 built in right-hand drive configuration for the UK market. A letter on file from archivist Tony Willis confirms that this Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer was produced in November 1974 having been ordered by the UK importer Maranello Concessionaires Ltd (order no. 748). The Ferrari was ordered in Argento Auteuil with black hide upholstery and matching carpets. The first owner was 'Rock God' Eric Clapton, who took delivery of the car on 24th December 1974. Correspondence between the Robert Stigwood Group Ltd and Mr Konig of Maranello Concessionaires confirms the delivery to Eric Clapton on 24th December, just in time for Christmas. The car was registered 'GPM 446N' in January 1975.
Clapton had ordered the Ferrari after seeing George Harrison turn up with the same model at his Hurtwood Edge estate. Eric had driven his Ferrari for only 43 miles when it was involved in an accident (image on file). A photograph of the damaged Ferrari also features in the inside-cover artwork for his album 'Slowhand', released in November 1977.
Our vendor was fortunate enough to purchase the ex-Clapton Berlinetta Boxer from an advertisement he saw in Exchange & Mart and has owned the car ever since. The Ferrari arrived at the vendor's property on 3rd October 1975 and was subsequently repaired and painted red. The works had been completed by June 1976. The car has now covered a mere 14, 900 miles from new, having spent most of its life in the vendor's kitchen! Matching clamshell numbers '172' are present on all four corners, and the engine and gearbox numbers also match the original order sheets for the car. A cam belt service was carried out recently, though a proper shakedown will be required after being in storage in the vendor's house. Offered from a deceased estate, this 365 offers a unique opportunity to acquire a famous and rare right hand drive Ferrari that will forever remain part of Rock Music history, with low ownership and low mileage.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
