Following Ferrari practice, their numeric designations refer to their engines' single-cylinder displacement expressed in cubic centimetres.

Although the option of an automatic transmission might imply it may have been designed for the American market, no version of these grand tourers was ever officially imported there as Enzo Ferrari believed that emerging environmental and safety regulations and a 55 MPH national speed limit suggested the company's 8 cylinder cars would suffice in the US market.

Ferrari turned to frequent styling partner Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, whose three-box design for the 365 GT4 2+2 was a clear departure from its fastback predecessor, the 365 GTC/4.

The bodies were steel, with a fiberglass floor; they were manufactured by Pininfarina at its Turin plant, then shipped fully finished to Modena where Ferrari assembled the cars.

Suspension consisted of double wishbones, coil springs coaxial with the shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars all around; the rear axle featured a hydraulic self-levelling system.

The transmission was conventionally coupled directly to the engine, as on the GTC/4, with a driveshaft connecting it to the rear limited slip differential.

Fittingly for a large grand tourer, standard equipment included leather upholstery, electric windows and air conditioning.

[12][13] The interior was significantly revised, gaining different upholstery, door panels, centre console and new electronic switchgear.

On the exterior a narrower grille left the rectangular foglights exposed; the venting on the engine bonnet was changed from silver to body-colour.

The bumpers were body-coloured; at the front there was a deeper spoiler, at the rear a black valance incorporated the foglamps and exhaust pipes.

Production ended in 1989 without a direct successor being immediately launched; the mid-engined Mondial remained the only Ferrari offering 2+2 seating.

[15] Today, its sleek, Pininfarina-designed lines and relatively limited production numbers have made many enthusiasts consider it a classic.

[citation needed] It has not been universally admired however, and is listed at #18 in the BBC's book of "Crap Cars" and Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear described it as "awful in every way".