1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB

• Formerly owned by Jay Kay of Jamiroquai
• Comes with a signed license plate
• One of only 387 units produced
• Ferrari Classiche certified
• Fully restored in its original body color and interior
  

In the late 1960s, ask anyone about Ferrari’s flagship model and the answer would likely be the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Equipped with a front-mounted V12 engine and a classic layout, the Daytona epitomized tradition meeting high performance.

However, the landscape was changing rapidly. Lamborghini, in the neighbouring town of  Sant’Agata Bolognese, had begun turning heads with revolutionary mid-engine supercars like the Miura and Countach. Their radical designs shook the sports car world, signaling a new era. Even Ferrari, long rooted in tradition, recognized the need for a paradigm shift.

In 1973, the 365 GT/4 BB (Berlinetta Boxer) was launched as Ferrari’s first mid-engine flagship model. With a design concept completely different from earlier V12 Ferraris, Pininfarina’s exterior featured a low-slung silhouette and wide track. The bold layout changes and futuristic proportions took people by surprise. 

Production was originally planned to be limited to just 25 units, but orders began pouring in as soon as the car was announced, quickly pushing the number to 50. By the time production began, Ferrari had received 250 more orders. By the end of production in 1976, a total of 387 units were produced. The 365 GT/4 BB was the first of the lineage that would spawn the 512 BB and Testarossa.

Under the hood was a 180-degree V12 – a “boxer” (horizontally opposed) in name only. The weight balance was optimized by using an “Issigonis layout” in which the engine was placed on top of the transmission. 

With a maximum output of 385 hp and a top speed of 302 km/h, its performance rivaled that of supercars, despite being a GT. This model was also the first Ferrari to feature a timing-belt-driven camshaft, which became a cornerstone of future models.

As the GT name suggests, the 365 GT/4 BB offered standard features like air conditioning, a radio, and power windows to deliver comfort along with performance. With its refined interior, balanced chassis, and stunning lines, the 365 GT/4 BB is truly drivable art.

This particular example belonged to Jamiroquai frontman Jay Kay. Known not only as an artist but also as a passionate car collector, he has owned a number of Ferraris, including an F40, an Enzo, and a LaFerrari.

Jamiroquai’s third album, Traveling Without Moving, released in 1996, sold 12 million copies worldwide and featured an album cover inspired by the Ferrari logo. The music video for the song Cosmic Girl featured an F40, an F355, and a Lamborghini Diablo SE30, conveying Jay Kay’s love of automobiles.

This 365 GT/4 BB also appears on his social media. Once painted red, it has been restored to its original Blu Dino exterior, and the interior has been upholstered in its original tan color. The restoration was undertaken by the renowned London-based specialists, Joe Macari. The body was stripped to bare metal and carefully repainted, with a fully restored chassis and interior. The process is thoroughly documented with detailed photographic records.

Also of note is that the car has a Ferrari Classiche report. Although the transmission is not a matching numbers part, the engine and body numbers do match. The chassis setup and suspension components have also been faithfully restored to original specifications, ensuring that the car’s value as a Ferrari remains intact. 

Included with the Classiche folder is a handwritten note saying “Enjoy the 365!” and a signature from Jay Kay. The signature is also inscribed on the license plate.

In the history of supercars and in Ferrari’s great shift in design philosophy, the 365 GT/4 BB is a symbol of revolution. This particular car carries the provenance of being owned by an artist who helped define the acid jazz music movement. 

When a machine captures the spirit of an era and becomes something worth telling stories about, it is never by accident. 

This is no ordinary vintage Ferrari. 

It is a true collector’s piece.