1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

Coachwork by Pininfarina

4,390cc DOHC V12 Engine
6 Weber Side-Draft Carburetors
340bhp at 7,000rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Just 32,189 miles recorded on the odometer at the time of cataloging
*Delivered new through William F. Harrah's US Ferrari agency
*Stealth and very befitting Black on Black livery
*Classic and elegant Pininfarina-styled V12 powered Ferrari


THE FERRARI 365 GTC/4

Introduced at the March 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was derived from the chassis of the 365GTB/4 Daytona of 1968. The engine was similar to the 4,390cc DOHC V12 of the Daytona, but new heads and a lower compression ratio of 8.8:1 lowered brake horsepower to 340, slightly less for emissions-controlled American cars. Six side-draft Weber 38 DCOE carburetors fuelled the engine, which used wet sump lubrication.

The wheelbase, at 94.5 inches, remained unchanged. Improvements included standard power steering and a larger luggage compartment, while the side-draft carburetors allowed a lower hood line. In contrast to the Daytona, however, which used a rear-mounted transaxle, the GTC/4 had its gearbox, a five-speed manual unit, mounted to the engine. Suspension was independent all around, with unequal-length control arms and coil springs, anti-roll bar and hydraulic self-leveling.

Designed and built by Pininfarina, the coupe bodies were shipped to Maranello for assembly. The low hood permitted by the side-draft carburetors incorporated retractable headlamps, and a handsome Kamm tail featured traditional Ferrari tail lamps. The interior was a completely new design with more comfortable seating, although the occasional "+2" seats in the rear were best used folded as luggage space. The seats had cloth inserts as standard, for comfort in warm weather, although air conditioning was standard. Full leather upholstery was available as an option.

The 365 GTC/4's handling has been described as "phenomenal," even with the tire technology of the time. Brakes, 11-plus-inch ventilated discs all around, are similarly up to the task. Just 505 GTC/4s were built from 1971 to 1973. Road & Track called it 'a graceful, clean and understated design.' It is all that and more.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This handsome, no-frills front-engined V12 Ferrari was completed at the Maranello-based Ferrari works during July of 1972. According to the history report compiled by noted Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this 365 GTC/4 was configured from the factory as a left-hand drive example, equipped for the US market with a miles-per-hour speedometer, air-conditioning, power windows, and provision for a radio.
The new Ferrari was delivered through legendary gambling mogul William F. Harrah's US West Coast Ferrari agency. The 365 GTC/4 was finished in Grigio Argento (silver), with Nero Cogolo (black) interior, and was the 401st example produced, of the just 500 or so examples made, during the 18-month production run.

By 1975, the GTC/4 was owned by Mr. Neil O. Chamberlain of Los Alamitos, CA, and was later painted black. In the mid 2000s the Ferrari came into the hands of the late renowned Ferrari collector and restaurateur William H. Tilley, who would cherish the car in his impressive collection while leaving service and maintenance to Fast Cars Ltd. Purchased by the consignor about half a decade ago, the Ferrari has since formed part of an impressive collection of desirable European classic sports cars.

Today, this powerful and elegant V12 Ferrari presents beautifully throughout, and the 32,189 miles recorded on the odometer at time of cataloging is indeed believed to be the actual mileage. A thorough engine recommissioning was recently performed, where the cylinder heads was serviced, the six Weber carburetors rebuilt, and a stainless-steel exhaust system was fitted.

A traditional front-engine V12 Ferrari, the GTC/4 might sometimes seem overshadowed 365 GTB/4 Daytona, however the softer styling and more contemporary features separate the GTC/4 from the Daytona. This spectacular example, finished in Black on Black - very much blending the black rubber bumpers into the design - is surely among the best examples on the market today, and deserves serious consideration.