FERRARI 365 GT4 BB 188MPH

Our first Ferrari here was significant because, when it arrived in 1973, its all-new 380bhp 4.4-litre flat 12 marked the start of a mid-engined era for Maranello’s 12-cylinder, twoseat road cars that was to endure for nearly a quarter of a century.

There’s a simplicity and purity to the 365 GT4 BB’S Pininfarinapenned shape that later derivatives never quite matched. Shorn of all unnecessary addenda, with hardly a flat edge adorning a panel, it avoided the need for unsightly side scoops and even had an aileron integrated into its roof line for delivering air to its four, triple-choke carburettors.

And the rip-snort from those Webers is what you hear first on start-up. Snick the chromed gearlever into its dog-leg first, then marvel as the engine timbre hardens into a trumpeting roar towards its 7600rpm redline.

As we clip just shy of 100mph on the straights, I’m barely flexing my right foot. The steering is deliciously light, telegraphing every nuance of the surface through the wheel’s rim.

I have to conclude that, if one had had to traverse whole countries in the 1970s, this would have been the weapon of choice, with its easy-going savoir faire and abundant reserves of power to banish any contender from its rear-view mirror.

TECH SPEC

Engine Flat 12, 4391cc, all-alloy, DOHC per bank, four triple-choke carburettors Power 380bhp at 7200rpm Torque 301lb ft at 3900rpm Gearbox 5-spd manual, RWD 0-60mph 6.5sec Top speed 188mph Price new £14,255 (£183,440)