1975 FERRARI

Delivered new to Australia in October 1974 through Victoria-based Ferrari importer W. H. Lowe, this Ferrari 365 GT4 BB, chassis 18159, was displayed at the Melbourne Motor Show in March 1975. Originally finished in Argento with beige upholstery, its first owner was Dr John Pierce. In November 1980, Pierce sold the Ferrari for A45,000 to marque enthusiast Barry Batagol, whose collection included a 400 Superamerica, 750 Monza and 512 BB. The original contract of sale remains in the extensive history file. During the Batagols' ownership, the Boxer was used enthusiastically. Barry's wife Cheryl competed at an Alfa Romeo Owners Club sprint at Winton Raceway, winning both the Lance Dixon Trophy for fastest Ferrari and C. F. Barnes Trophy for fastest lady driver. Period photographs also show chassis 18159 competing at the Geelong Sprints in September 1981. In 1981, at approximately 15,000 miles, the original transaxle suffered a pinion shaft failure. As the required components were unavailable, a later strengthened replacement transaxle was fitted, with Maranello Concessionaires Australia contributing towards the cost. Extensive contemporary correspondence with Ferrari and Maranello Concessionaires remains on file. Batagol sold the car in 1986 to Barry Jorgensen. It remained in Australia until 1988, when it was acquired by a UK owner and imported to Britain. Following many years in dry storage, it emerged and was offered by RM Sotheby's in Paris in 2014. Acquired by its current owner in 2015, chassis 18159 has since undergone extensive restoration and mechanical work, including a repaint in its original Argento. Its matching-numbers engine was removed, cleaned and refinished, with a new flywheel fitted, while the suspension was rebuilt, Campagnolo wheels refurbished and brake calipers stripped and replated. In summer 2024, the cambelts were replaced, carburettors rebuilt, and the starter motor and alternator overhauled. Today, chassis 18159 is an exceptional example of Ferrari's first-generation Berlinetta Boxer, combining its matching-numbers engine and original colour scheme with unusually rich documented provenance. Its history encompasses the 1975 Melbourne Motor Show, period Australian competition use and enthusiastic long-term ownership, supported by an extensive archive of photographs, correspondence, invoices and ownership records. The full history file and further photographs are available by email on request. The vehicle can be viewed near Cirencester by appointment.