A 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer first owned by Eric Clapton will be up for auction next month.
The British rock musician is renowned for his extensive car collection, with Ferrari grand tourers being a particular favourite.
Clapton has commented that his passion for the Italian marque began in the 1970s, making this one of the earliest Ferraris he owned.
However, it could move on to a new owner after it crosses the auction block at the Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting auction in April.
An icon of the 1970s
Launched at the 1973 Paris Motor Show, the 365 GT4 BB was introduced to replace the legendary Ferrari Daytona.
Beneath its dramatic Pininfarina styling was the company’s first use of a flat-12 engine in a road car. Mounted in the middle of the 365 GT4 BB, the 4.4-litre motor offered up 344hp and 302lb ft of torque.
It meant the 365 GT4 BB was among the fastest cars of its era. Acceleration from 0-60mph took less than 5.5 seconds and top speed was 188mph.
However, the release of the 365 GT4 BB coincided with the 1973 oil crisis, leading to slow sales at first. In total, Ferrari built just 367 examples, with 59 coming to the UK in right-hand drive.
Boxing clever
One such 365 GT4 BB was delivered to Eric Clapton on 24th December 1974. The car was finished in Argento Auteuil, with black leather upholstery and matching carpets.
Clapton had reportedly ordered the Ferrari after seeing George Harrison of the Beatles arrive at his Hurtwood Edge estate driving the same model.
The relationship between Clapton and the 365 GT4 BB got off to a troubled start, however. After having driven his new Ferrari for just 43 miles, Clapton was involved in an accident.
The damaged car later featured on the inside cover artwork for his album ‘Slowhand’, released in November 1977.
Something is cooking
The current vendor bought the Ferrari from Exchange & Mart, taking ownership in October 1975. Repaired and repainted in red, the 365 GT4 BB remained in the same family for five decades.
During that time, it covered just 14,900 miles, and is said to have spent most of its life in the vendor’s kitchen… Bonhams notes that a thorough shakedown may be required due to the car’s domestic lifestyle.
Documentary evidence of Clapton’s ownership will be included, which is likely to have boosted the pre-auction guide price of between £175,000 and £275,000.
The Bonhams Goodwood Members’ Meeting sale takes place on Sunday 13 April 2025. If you want to own a true rock star car, there can be few finer choices than this one.
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