1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 s/n 15313, engine no. *00289* Arancio Vaguely with Black Leather Interior When it was introduced in 1970, the 365 GTC/4 was Ferraris top of the line model, a fast but civilized 2+2 intended for the well-heeled enthusiast who could drive the car on a daily basis. Enzo himself always drove (or had himself driven) the 2+2 variants of the cars that bore his name, and the C4 was specifically designed to meet growing premium markets for clientele seeking Ferrari performance in a comfortable touring car, with more interior space, functional air conditioning, and power steering. In 1971, the first production cars were delivered, offering a welcome balance of thoroughbred performance and luxury. The beautiful Filippo Sapino designed, Pininfarina-built car received resounding praise from the motoring press who lauded the new crisp and progressive body architecture as dynamic while being considerably more manageable to drive than the 365 GTB/4 Daytona produced during the same period. During the brief two-year production run of 1971-1972, Ferrari built only 505 of these rare V12 front-engine rear-wheel-drive touring cars. Although the 365 GTC/4 shared many mechanical components with the Daytona, the new Pininfarina design, featuring pop up headlights and impact absorbing perimeter front bumper, uniquely distinguished the GTC/4 from any other Ferrari. Even the remarkable V12 engine, which put out 335 hp, was modified by fitting six twin-choke side draft Weber carburetors instead of the Daytona down draft type, with the sole purpose of allowing a lower, more dramatic hood line. The 365 GTC/4 not only achieved performance numbers comparable to the Daytona, it did so with greater comfort while allowing for two, albeit diminutive, additional passengers. This particular GTC/4 is a US specification example originally delivered to Bill Harrahs Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, in August 1972. By 1978, the car was in the ownership of Roy Dekker Halle of Brookville, NY, and later with an address in California. By 1990, the car came under the care of the current American owner, who has maintained it for the past 28 years while amassing only 2,500 additional miles since his purchase, tending to various mechanical and cosmetic details over the years. Prior to his ownership, stainless steel exhaust had been installed along with other various regular services. As evidenced by the condition of the car, much of which remains original, it appears to have been properly cared for under both current and prior ownership. While in the current owners care, all four shock absorbers were rebuilt and reinstalled and a new leveler installed. A few years back, the brakes were redone and sleeved in stainless steel. The car was more recently painted under the current ownership in the original color, Arancio Vaguely, a particularly stunning finish as it accents the delicate black trim and chrome features equally enhancing the balanced lines of the car cleverly concealing the 2+2 nature of the cabin. During the repaint, the finish was stripped and minor bubbling corrected in the doors before the car was repainted. No other significant metal issues or accident damage was noted during this process. The current mileage of 38,605 is believed to be original based on the condition of the car and the long-term ownership. Today, this car presents as a nice driver example, with pleasant cosmetics and striking exterior color. The paint has nice gloss overall with smooth surfacing and good prep work. Upon critical inspection, it is possible to note some minor paint flaws, but nothing of significance that detracts from the overall striking impression of the car. The body is nicely presented with good panel fit and closures, and similarly good fit of glass and rubber gaskets. Unlike many GTC/4s, the front and rear bumpers are in very good condition showing good fit to the front of the car and no excessive warping. The glass is in very good condition as are the delicate chrome trim window surrounds, door handles, and side marker lights. The car sits on correct Cromodora wheels with chrome center hubs and knockoffs. The dramatically sloped rear glass and rear deck are nicely finished with handsome quad tailpipes evoking the unique and desirable V12 sound, even at rest. The interior is in very good condition overall presenting a cohesive appearance consisting of original black leather and mixed materials, combined with a few recently refinished areas. The seats are comfortable and nicely maintained, with some hardness but no significant wear. The original door panels are clean and tidy while the armrests have been nicely reupholstered using correctly contoured material to match factory specifications. The original mousehair dash material appears in very good condition considering that these cars seldom boast preserved original rare material. The dash is pleasing to the touch and the material still fits tautly. The instrumentation is clear, the dial faces are visually crisp, and the switches and various knobs appear in very good overall condition. The headliner is clean and also appears to be the original material. The carpet shows some minor wear in the drivers footwell, but it is otherwise very nice, likely replaced some time ago. The engine and engine compartment is in keeping with the nice driver level appearance and overall pleasant cosmetic presentation. The engine displays original components, hardware, and fasteners, once again reflective of the original condition of the car. While not restored, the integrity of the original finishes and honest presentation are a welcome relief particularly for enthusiasts who drive their cars. The often vexing Dinoplex electronic ignition boxes have been updated with more modern units for reliability, but the originals are included with the car. The trunk appears to be original, still wearing factory black carpet. The underside is straight, and solid, representative of the generally original condition seen throughout the car. The car starts easily warm or cold, settling into a smooth idle while delivering a wonderful exhaust note. The seating position is particularly good, especially for drivers with long legs. The gearbox is easy to use with smooth action, good synchromesh working in harmony with the clutch and sound braking. Acceleration is brisk with strong pull, exhibiting progressive power as revs climb, and good handling and high-speed comfort. Visibility is expansive due to the sweeping rear glass and quarter window. This example was fitted at the factory with A/C. The car comes with an owners manual, jack, jack bag and window crank, tool set in factory suitcase, and various spare parts including items from the Dinoplex. The beautifully designed Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is as compelling vintage Ferrari that embodies all of the desirable vintage front-engined V12 attributes in a usable and comparatively affordable package that is a pleasure to look at and drive. Fewer than half as many were built as Daytonas, yet they remain a fraction of the price and are more pleasant to drive. Elegant and well-appointed, they are among the most sophisticated and highest-performing classic Ferraris, and this particular example is exceptionally undisturbed and striking in a color that typifies the era perfectly.