113 - 1 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

Ferarri 365 GTC/4

Estimate: € 250,000 to € 290,000

Chassis number:                  14731

• Ferrari Classiche certificate from October 2014
• “matching numbers” engine and chassis
• Beautiful and rare colour Bleu Ribot
• European first delivery to France
• Original interior
• document pouch (without booklets)

On offer is a Ferrari 365 GTC/4, the rare and more modern brother of the Daytona. The car comes in a gorgeous colour combination and with a Ferrari Classiche certificate.

In the 1960s, Ferrari used to offer three different choices for their clients: A very sportive two-seater, a comfortable four-seater and a GT version as medium. Until 1970, the subtle 330 GTC and the nearly identical 365 GTC took over the role of this sportive GT. So when in 1971 even the production of the GTC 2+2 was stopped, a new model was needed. 

Based on the 365 GTB/4 Daytona Ferrari developed the 365 GTC/4 completely from the ground up and presented its latest model on the Geneva Salon in 1971. Basically, the GTC/4 has the same 4.4-liter-motor with four camshafts as the Daytona. But to enable the particularly low front end of the car, the GTC/4 obtained horizontal draft carburetors. While the Daytona had a transaxle gearbox, the GTC/4 sends its 340 PS (250 kW) or 320 PS (234 kW) respectively for the US version to a five-gear-gearbox that was directly attached to the engine. As with the Daytona, the GTC/4 had an independent suspension on all four wheels. 

From its predecessor 365 GT 2+2 the GTC/4 took over the servo steering and the hydraulic ride-height control for the rear wheel suspension. 

The GTC/4 looked like no Ferrari before or afterwards. It was a very modern interpretation of the classic 2+2 and its design was super modern compared with the rest of the line up. As with many new designs the new shape wasn’t to everyone’s taste, and in Italy some even called it “il Gobbione” – the hunchback.

With its wedge shape, the retractable headlights and the five-spoke wheels, the GTC/4 reminded much more of the sporty 365 GTB/4 Daytona and looked way more exotic than its predecessors 365 GTC and 365 GT 2+2. The front end is marked by a matte black synthetic resin noseband that replaces the bumper, and the at that time most modern retractable headlights. Unlike the Daytona the GTC/4 had been designed with the retractable headlights in the first place, so these are fully integrated. The bonnet and the wings run smoothly up to the cabin. The roof line comes down to the low rear end with its pair of triple lights, which in total shapes the characteristic, wedged profile.

Especially the inside of the 365 GTC/4 is very modern and displays a beautiful and at the same time functional interior. “A masterpiece of modern industrial design”, praised the test drivers from the US-magazine Road&Track. 

One peculiarity of the 365 GTC/4 was the very wide colour palette. Buyers could choose from 48 standard colours. If wanted, every other colour was made available, too. Additionally, ten different options for the interior design were offered, and the GTC/4 was the only Ferrari at this time available with checked upholstery – a nice alternative to the leather interior.

In the first place, the car was designed for the US-market as an extremely fast GT, and it met the tastes. The great visibility and the low effort needed to operate the steering, the gear shift and the brakes were appreciated by the specialized media.

It was available at Auto Becker for 75,091 DM, while the Daytona was listed with 77,533 DM. A Porsche 911 2.7 RS cost less than half. In Switzerland, the 365 GTC/4 was even 3,000 CHF more expensive than the Daytona. Both models sold in roughly equal numbers.

Although it sold well, Ferrari ceased the production of the GTC/4 already one and a half years after its presentation to the advantage of the significantly more conventional successor. This short production time most likely sets the record for all Ferrari series productions and is the reason for the GTC/4’s rareness. In 1971 and 1972, around 500 exemplars plus three prototypes were produced. 194 cars were delivered to the US. These were different from the European versions concerning the lower performance, the side lights, ignition system and others. 41 cars were delivered to England as right-hand drives, so that a mere 265 exemplars were delivered to Europe and the rest of the world.

The car offered here was delivered to Paris by the French importer Pozzi in December 1971 and firstly registered in February 1972.

The first owner chose the beautiful colour combination of Bleu Ribot over an upholstery in black leather in combination with a blue plaid fabric for the middle part of the seats and the door panels.

Later on, the car was sold to Switzerland. In December 2001, the car was offered at a Bonhams auction in Gstaad and then in 2002 bought by a collector from southern Germany. An expert’s report from this time is available, documenting the original condition of the car, apart from an average new paint in dark blue.

In 2007, two collectors and friends from northern Germany bought the GTC/4. In the following two years, they had it comprehensively restored. In 2009, a completely new stainless steel exhaust system including headers was installed (cost: 5,500 Euros). In 2011, the brakes and suspensions were reconditioned, motor and gearbox cleaned and partially painted. New wheel houses were produced, which added up to 13,500 Euros. In 2012, the whole body was stripped from the existing painting, restored and painted new in the orginal colour. The paint job is documented by the original invoices and numerous photos. 

Another 17,000 Euros were invested into further restoration works in the years 2013 to 2015. All these works were executed by a restoration garage in nothern Germany. 

All works were rounded off in 2015 with a comprehensive maintenance which cost more than 30,000 Euros, executed by the German partner of Ferrari Classiche, Eberlein in Kassel. 

This company thoroughly checked the car when running the Ferrari Classiche examination. The red book with the Ferrari Classiche Certificate is part of the documentation and can be reviewed anytime.

Ferrari Classiche confirmed that the car is painted in its original colour, that the interior is in original condition and that the car, apart from a gearbox that has been replaced, meets the criteria of “matching numbers” and completely complies with the original specifications.

The actual owner bought the car early in 2016 and had a small maintenance done including an oil change. A technical inspection to approve the “H”-marked license plate was successfully absolved and the car is eligible for immediate registration in Germany.

The car is available for an inspection by appointment only in 33415 Verl, Germany. We are happy to show you the car and the documents and have a lift available as well.