SOLD

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Coupe

From 1960 onward, Ferrari’s portfolio has consistently offered a four-seat model for buyers who desired performance without sacrificing practicality. Enzo Ferrari was of course a racer at heart, but his road car business needed to be successful to fully fund the racing efforts. As such, he was more than happy to offer clients what they wanted when it came to an extra pair of seats in the back. Beginning with the 250 GTE of 1960, the formula of a front engine, V12, four-seat Ferrari has carried on almost unbroken to today’s radical FF.

The 330GT 2+2 and 365GT 2+2 were evolutions of the 250GTE, with generous rear seats and classic European GT proportions. The 365GT 2+2 grew quite large and featured power steering, air conditioning, and a supple ride from the long wheelbase chassis and self-leveling hydropneumatic rear suspension. There was so much luxury it was almost as if Ferrari had attempted to build a Cadillac! It proved popular with buyers, with more than 800 examples finding homes through 1971.

For its replacement Ferrari made a rather dramatic about-face. The new car debuted at the Geneva Auto Show in early 1971 wearing radically different coachwork by Pininfarina that displayed a very close family resemblance to the mighty Daytona. The 365 GTC/4 moniker wasn’t terribly exciting, but one look at the spec sheet and the new sheetmetal would get the heart racing. The chassis was in large part based on the Daytona, stretched by 100mm to accommodate the (somewhat vestigial) rear seats and a more commodious boot. The four-cam, 4.4 liter V12 differed from the Daytona in that it wore a sextet of side-draught Weber 38 DCOE carburetors, employed to keep the bonnet line low. It produced a healthy 320hp, pushing the sleek new 2+2 to 152 miles per hour. ZF power steering was added, as were power brakes and the Koni self-leveling suspension carried over from the outgoing model. The overall effect was that of a more sophisticated, softer-edged alternative to brutish Daytona. Just 500 examples were built over a remarkably short production run of 18 months, making it rarer than both the Daytona and the 365 GT 2+2.

Our featured example is chassis number 15211 which was originally sold via Chinetti-Garthwaite Motors of Paoli, Pennsylvania. From the early 80s it was in the hands of a Californian owner who kept the car through 1987, when it was transferred to Ed Fries of Las Vegas, Nevada. From there, it was exported to Switzerland where it was lovingly restored to exacting standards by the renowned marque specialist, Bruno Wyess. The restoration was performed with no expense spared, reportedly totaling over $250,000. Since the restoration and its return to US soil, it has remained in exemplary condition, having been used sparingly and exceptionally well preserved.

The Pininfarina body is lovely and crisp, with excellent shut lines, and proper definition to the signature edges and curves. Atop the beautifully straight body is a fabulous paint job in the original red. It now rides on a set of Borrani wire wheels which retain the original type-stamping, indicating they haven’t been over polished or damaged. The wheels are shod with proper Michelin XWX tires. All trim, lamps, and badging are correct and present in excellent order.

Inside, the cabin is dominated by the large, sloping center console that acts as “command central” for the driver. Black leather on the seats and door cards is in simply gorgeous condition, showing very light use since the restoration. Full instrumentation is correct (though the speedo has been calibrated to KM during its time in Switzerland) and all in working order. Controls for the factory air conditioning, power windows and ventilation are all in excellent condition and of course, the lever for the 5-speed manual gearbox falls right to hand. A period correct Becker Mexico radio has been fitted to keep everything looking period proper. Beyond the interior equipment, this example includes the full briefcase tool kit, jack bag with original jack, hammer and other tools, and an extremely rare and desirable spare bulb and fuse kit.

The chassis and engine bay of 15211 present exceptionally well. The suspension arms and fittings have been correctly plated in gold and silver cadmium as appropriate, both front and rear. It rides on a set of Koni coil overs, with passive dampers replacing the oft-troublesome self-leveling units in the rear. This is seen as a welcome upgrade by most enthusiasts as it removes complexity and improves both handling and reliability. A new and correct Ansa exhaust system was recently fitted at great expense. Lifting the front-hinged hood reveals the beautiful four-cam V12, dominated by the six side draught Webers, necessary to keep the bonnet line low and sleek. Proper fittings, clamps, and hoses are used throughout, showing only the slightest signs of use and care. It is extremely tidy and well-presented though not so clinically clean that one would be discouraged from driving.

Therein lays the beauty of this gorgeous 365GTC/4. It is a thoroughly sorted and road ready example of what is oft considered the Driver’s alternative to a Daytona. Restored to a very high standard, it been shown on occasion and won its class at the Santa Fe Concours in 2014. It still remains beautiful enough for regional concours events and the quality of the restoration means it is highly rewarding to drive. Sale includes service handbook, original owner’s manuals (both English and Italian) and aforementioned tools.

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