1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

Lot details
Registration No: LUC262K
Chassis No: 14561
Mot Expiry: March 2012

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 joined the Prancing Horse stable at the 1971 Geneva Salon as a replacement for the 365 GTC, and to fill the gap left by the defunct 365 GT 2+2. The chassis followed Ferrari practice of the period by comprising a pair of longitudinal steel tubes connected to a series of sub structures and a substantial front cross-member. The sweeping 2+2 body was unique to the model and, like that of the 365 GT, constructed at the Pininfarina plant in Turin before shipment to Maranello for the addition of the mechanical components. The 4.4-litre DOHC V12 engine was similar in layout to that of the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' but with a lower compression ratio, wet sump lubrication, and six twin-choke sidedraught carburettors that helped reduce the overall height of the powerplant - output was an impressive 320bhp at 7,000rpm. Whereas the 365 GTB/4 engine drove through a rear-mounted transaxle, that of the newcomer was integral with the five-speed manual gearbox. In common with the 365 GT 2+2 it featured power-assisted steering and self-levelling rear suspension. Braking was by ventilated discs front and rear. The model was produced from 1971 to 1973, during which time some 500 examples were constructed of which only 31 were built to UK RHD specification.

The right-hand drive 365 GTC/4 offered is a 1971 model with Silver Blue coachwork and an original Tobacco leather/Zegna cloth interior. The Ferrari has been in the vendor's care for the last twenty-eight years, during which time it has covered fewer than 8,000 miles, but has always been garaged in a dry, heated environment when not in use. Accompanying paperwork includes a record of M.O.T. certificates dating back to 1979. The subject of an older bodywork restoration, 'LUC 262K' comes complete with MOT into March 2012, a handbook and a partially complete tool roll. The vendor notes the engine and interior are "original" and that the paintwork now features "a few marks to the front left-hand side". Lighter and easier to drive than its Daytona sibling if less rewarding in extremis, a good 365 GTC/4 is nonetheless a car to savour - undervalued for many years the model remains among Maranello's best kept secrets.

PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been informed by Tony Willis of The Maranello Concessionaires Archive that this lot was supplied new to Mr Sean Bealey who was Managing Director of Maranello Concessionaires.