To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 15 - 17
August 2019.
Estimate:
$500,000 - $600,000
- The fourth of only 168 examples produced
- Documented by marque historian Marcel Massini
- Serviced by GTO Engineering in June 2017
- An excellent 365 GTC to drive and enjoy
Replacing the 330 GTC in late 1968, the Ferrari 365 GTC offered
increased displacement over its predecessor, the SOHC V-12 engine
now displacing 4,390 cc and with 320 bhp on tap. Furthermore, the
365 also benefitted from the gearbox being integrated with the
differential, which gave the car 50/50 weight distribution.
Finally, this would be the first road-going Ferrari to feature a
fully independent suspension. Autocar magazine's May 1969 issue
quoted a 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, leading to a quarter-mile
time of 14.5 seconds at 90 mph with a top speed of 151
mph�performance figures that were very impressive at the time and
still more than capable of dispatching the majority of cars on the
road today.
The fourth 365 GTC produced, chassis number 11969 was originally
finished in Azzurro Hyperion over Nero Franzi leather and was
completed in November 1968 by the factory in Maranello. A few weeks
later, the car was delivered new to the official Ferrari dealer in
Geneva, Switzerland. Spending its first few years in Switzerland,
the car was eventually exported from Switzerland to the U.S., where
it has remained ever since. In September of 1976, the 365 GTC was
noted as being sold by an owner in Florida to Michael F. Stevenson
of Atlanta. Stevenson kept the car for only two years, selling it
to Dr. Ron Freireich of Riverdale, Georgia, who had the car
repainted ivory. Freireich went on to keep the car for the
following 18 years, ultimately selling 11969 to Dick Hansen in
1996.
Receipts from Mr. Hansen's ownership reflect that he commissioned a
major engine rebuild shortly after his acquisition, which was
performed by the Bobileff Motor Car Company of San Diego. Two years
later, this Ferrari was purchased by Illinois-based collector John
Santucci. Receipts from this period reflect that Mr. Santucci
regularly serviced the car as needed, with major work including a
rebuild of the engine crank pulley and a full rebuild of the
suspension.
Purchased by Bill Levine of Long Beach, California, in 2005, the
365 GTC was entrusted to Ferrari specialist Norbert Hofer of Gran
Touring Classics in Long Beach. With him, the car was fitted with
period-correct Campagnolo alloy wheels, the brakes were rebuilt,
the interior was fully restored, and some chrome work was
completed. Leo Lee of Los Angeles was the next owner, acquiring the
car in 2008 and keeping it through 2011. Further mechanical and
cosmetic refreshing was completed in December 2011.
Presently finished in traditional red over a beige leather
interior, the car is presented in excellent, driving condition.
More recently, the GTC was comprehensively serviced by GTO
Engineering in Los Angeles between 2017 and April 2019, ensuring
that the car was ready to be driven and enjoyed as Ferrari
intended. Amongst the rarest production Ferraris of its era, the
365 GTC is considered by many to be a truly exceptional and very
capable all-around driver, more than ready to comfortably cover
large journeys with two passengers and their luggage.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo19.