1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

Lot details
Registration No: CAU741K
Chassis No: 15543
Mot Expiry: Nov 2015

Introduced at the 1971 Geneva Salon, the 365 GTC/4 was altogether more civilised than its 365 GTB/4 `Daytona' sibling and arguably better suited to real world driving. Equipped with all-round independent double-wishbone suspension, the newcomer's tubular chassis also benefited from a Koni self-levelling device at the rear, precise ZF power assisted steering and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. A wet-sump unit, its 4.4 litre DOHC V12 had induction manifolds incorporated into the inlet camshaft covers which together with the fitment of six side-draught, double-choke Weber carburettors allowed Pininfarina to endow the handsome coupe with a swooping bonnet line.

Mounted in unit with the engine, the rewarding five-speed manual gearbox was linked to the chassis-mounted differential via a substantial torque tube. With some 340bhp @ 6,200rpm and 312lbft of torque @ 4,000rpm on tap (though, US specification cars were less potent), the model was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds and 163mph. Only in production for eighteen months, the 365GTC/4 sat somewhere between a berlinetta and proper 2+2 (its token rear seats were for small children only but could be folded down to provide a decent luggage deck). Of the 505 made, just 31 were to UK right-hand drive specification.

Accompanying copy paperwork kindly supplied by Tony Willis of The Maranello Concessionaires Archive reveals that chassis no. 15543 was built with engine no. 230, gearbox no. 202, axle no. 193 and body no. 219. Originally finished in Marrone Colorado 2.443.221 with Beige VM3234 hide upholstery, it was delivered to Maranello Concessionaires of Egham during May 1972 for dealer Sytner of Mapperley, Nottingham. Intriguingly, one of the letters on file suggests that Frank Sytner was going to run the 365GTC/4 himself but in the event it was sold to Mr Home of Melton Mowbray. Road registered as `CAU 741K' on 2nd June 1972, the Ferrari was to remain with its initial purchaser for thirty-four years.

Serviced by Sytner, Graypaul and Shiltech prior to being sold to his friend Mr Edmond Smiley-Jones, the Ferrari entered the current (third) ownership via DK Engineering in 2011. Treated to a respray in its original Marrone Colorado hue and re-connollised leather upholstery the following year, chassis no. 15543 also benefited from attention to its outriggers and suspension bushes. Riding on correct Cromodora alloys shod with Pirelli tyres, the coupe is understood to have covered less than 46,000 miles from new. Passing its last MOT test on 3rd November 2014 with no advisories, the Ferrari is rated by the vendor as follows - bodywork, paintwork, engine: `excellent', five-speed manual gearbox: `great', electrical equipment: `all working' and interior trim: `original'.

Pleasingly retaining its factory-fitted air-conditioning, electric windows and tool kit, `CAU 741K' also boasts a Voxson 8-track stereo. A revelation to drive especially when compared to some of its V12 brethren 365GTC/4 prices are understandably on the up. A low owner, low mileage example, chassis no. 15543 is worthy of close inspection.