Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 15507
Engine No. 00404
Introduced at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4
occupied a distinct role in Ferrari's lineup. At one end of the
extremes was the pure luxury of the 365 GT 2+2, while at the other
end was the raw, unbridled performance of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona,
and positioned in-between them was an amalgam of these
characteristics in a Gran Turismo Coupe (GTC). Assuming the role
previously satisfied by the 330 GTC, the new 365 GTC/4 marked a
departure from its classically styled predecessors, showcasing a
design sculpted by Pininfarina's newly implemented wind tunnel.
While it shared its tube-frame chassis and dimensions with the 365
GTB/4 Daytona, the sleek 2+2 featured a more discreet and
conservative shape. Under the sloping hood was a 4.4-liter V12
similar to that in the Daytona with side-draft carburetors and
lower-compression heads, tuned to deliver 320 horsepower in
U.S.-market specification.
A rapid but refined Ferrari, the 365 GTC/4 featured a number of
creature comforts that took the edge off of its muscled stablemate.
The rear seats made use of folding seatbacks to provide a useful
luggage platform, while other user-friendly improvements included
ZF power-steering, servo-assisted brakes, electric windows, and air
conditioning as standard equipment. Road & Track praised the
GTC/4's ability to blend performance with mechanical refinement,
writing in their test, "Less mechanical thrash comes through from
the engine room than any previous Ferrari, and the controls are
smoother and lighter than ever, making the car deliciously easy to
drive well." Between 1971 and 1972, Ferrari built 500 365 GTC/4s -
nearly one-third the quantity of the Daytona - before replacing it
with the 365 GT4 2+2, making it one of the rarest Ferrari models
produced in the "modern era."
According to the report from Ferrari historian Marcel Massini on
file, chassis number 15507 was completed by the factory in May 1972
as a U.S.-market example and finished in the rare shade of Rosso
Nearco - just one of 32 produced in this color - with a Beige
Connolly leather interior. The car was originally delivered new
through William "Bill" Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno,
Nevada, and subsequently sold to Le Mans Motors in Denver,
Colorado, in August 1972. Shortly thereafter, it was acquired by
its first private owner in Englewood, Colorado. In 1988 the Ferrari
was advertised for sale in Ferrari Market Letter described as
showing 66,000 miles, and purchased by Robert N. Blair of Saratoga,
California. Less than four years later, Blair is also recorded as
listing the car for sale in Ferrari Market Letter, now described as
riding on Borrani wheels, receiving a complete engine rebuild,
having a new dashboard, and being a class winner at the 1991
Ferrari Club of America's International Concours d'Elegance held in
Monterey, California. Blair continued to advertise the car for sale
in the early 1990s before its ultimate acquisition by the previous
owner of nearly 25 years in 1998, at which point it was described
as receiving a complete mechanical rebuild by a factory-authorized
dealer.
Acquired by the consignor in 2022, this 365 GTC/4 is resplendent in
the period-correct hue of Rosso Ferrari complemented by knock-off
Cromodora wheels. Furthermore, the car retains its correct,
original engine as per the history report provided by Mr. Massini.
Responsible for ushering Ferrari into the modern era with its
wind-swept design and standard modern conveniences, the 365 GTC/4
was the most advanced and expensive Ferrari of its day with a price
of $18,900 when introduced. Today it is considered one of the
best-balanced and best-sounding Ferrari GT cars of all time, and
presents an enticing opportunity for a Ferrari collector seeking a
front-engined, V12-powered tourer to enjoy on any number of tours
and driving events including the Copperstate 1000. Complete with
its original books and warranty card in their leather folio, jack,
and tool roll, chassis 15507 is ready for its next long-term
caretaker.
Please note this vehicle is titled as model year 1973
