I have been car crazy since I was 5 and started collecting the gas
powered Formula One cars that went in a circle at about 200 MPH on a ten
foot wire. Fortunately I lived through adolescence and moved up to British
Sports Cars ( 2 MGB's) in high school and early Porsches after college.
I have been racing in the Skip Barber Formula Dodge Series for about ten
years and would find my way into a Porsche Club race on occasion as well.
Through the years I always had an eye out for my high school dream
car, just waiting for the right car at the right time. Well, last January
the stars were in alignment and after only 4 months negotiation a black
2 owner 365 GTB/4 made it's way to my garage. It was a true 10 footer.
Looked great on paper but was a very tired old car. The first owner drove
the car 10 years during which time it was rode hard (65,000 miles) and
put away wet. During the next 22 years it was barely rode at all. With
only 6500 additional miles showing on the clock. It got plenty of
routine maintenance, but time and inactivity took a toll.
I drove the car all summer putting about 2000 miles on her just to
get a feel for the car. Straight pipes went on in early June and the bark
became alittle more serious. By August all of the little noises were getting
louder and the oil blow by alittle more copious so it was time to get serious.
My plan from the beginning was to do the motor and the paint and freshen
everything necessary along the way. Well, needless to say it has become
a complete restoration. The motor is being done by a couple of Ferrari
guys I trust and a local friend who specializes in Jaguars and Maseratis
is doing the body and mechanicals. When done we will have taken a few liberties
such as velocity stacks, higher compression pistons, P6 cams and straight
pipes. Found some wider Cromodoras in FML and may even track it once or
twice to get a feel for the car on the track. With a little luck a year
from now I can send you some after pictures.
Mark L
1971 365 GTB/4 #14155