Vehicle Description
From 1960 onward, Ferrari's portfolio has consistently offered a
four-seat model for buyers who desired performance without
sacrificing practicality. Enzo Ferrari was of course a racer at
heart, but his road car business needed to be successful to fully
fund the racing efforts. As such, he was more than happy to offer
clients what they wanted when it came to an extra pair of seats in
the back. Beginning with the 250 GTE of 1960, the formula of a
front engine, V12, four-seat Ferrari has carried on almost unbroken
to today's radical FF. The 330GT 2+2 and 365GT 2+2 were evolutions
of the 250GTE, with generous rear seats and classic European GT
proportions. The 365GT 2+2 grew quite large and featured power
steering, air conditioning, and a supple ride from the long
wheelbase chassis and self-leveling hydropneumatic rear suspension.
There was so much luxury it was almost as if Ferrari had attempted
to build a Cadillac! It proved popular with buyers, with more than
800 examples finding homes through 1971. For its replacement
Ferrari made a rather dramatic about-face. The new car debuted at
the Geneva Auto Show in early 1971 wearing radically different
coachwork by Pininfarina that displayed a very close family
resemblance to the mighty Daytona. The 365 GTC/4 moniker wasn't
terribly exciting, but one look at the spec sheet and the new
sheetmetal would get the heart racing. The chassis was in large
part based on the Daytona, stretched by 100mm to accommodate the
(somewhat vestigial) rear seats and a more commodious boot. The
four-cam, 4.4 liter V12 differed from the Daytona in that it wore a
sextet of side-draught Weber 38 DCOE carburetors, employed to keep
the bonnet line low. It produced a healthy 320hp, pushing the sleek
new 2+2 to 152 miles per hour. ZF power steering was added, as were
power brakes and the Koni self-leveling suspension carried over
from the outgoing model. The overall effect was that of a more
sophisticated, softer-edged alternative to brutish Daytona. Just
500 examples were built over a remarkably short production run of
18 months, making it rarer than both the Daytona and the 365 GT
2+2. Our featured example is chassis number 15211 which was
originally sold via Chinetti-Garthwaite Motors of Paoli,
Pennsylvania. From the early 80s it was in the hands of a
Californian owner who kept the car through 1987, when it was
transferred to Ed Fries of Las Vegas, Nevada. From there, it was
exported to Switzerland where it was lovingly restored to exacting
standards by the renowned marque specialist, Bruno Wyess. The
restoration was performed with no expense spared, reportedly
totaling over $250,000. Since the restoration and its return to US
soil, it has remained in exemplary condition, having been used
sparingly and exceptionally well preserved. The Pininfarina body is
lovely and crisp, with excellent shut lines, and proper definition
to the signature edges and curves. Atop the beautifully straight
body is a fabulous paint job in the original red. It now rides on a
set of Borrani wire wheels which retain the original type-stamping,
indicating they haven't been over polished or damaged. The wheels
are shod with proper Michelin XWX tires. All trim, lamps, and
badging are correct and present in excellent order. Inside, the
cabin is dominated by the large, sloping center console that acts
as "command central" for the driver. Black leather on the seats and
door cards is in simply gorgeous condition, showing very light use
since the restoration. Full instrumentation is correct (though the
speedo has been calibrated to KM during its time in Switzerland)
and all in working order. Controls for the factory air
conditioning, power windows and ventilation are all in excellent
condition and of course, the lever for the 5-speed manual gearbox
falls right to hand. A period correct Becker Mexico radio has been
fitted to keep everything looking period proper. Beyond the
interior equipment, this example includes the full briefcase tool
kit, jack bag with original jack, hammer and other tools, and an
extremely rare and desirable spare bulb and fuse kit. The chassis
and engine bay of 15211 present exceptionally well. The suspension
arms and fittings have been correctly plated in gold and silver
cadmium as appropriate, both front and rear. It rides on a set of
Koni coil overs, with passive dampers replacing the oft-troublesome
self-leveling units in the rear. This is seen as a welcome upgrade
by most enthusiasts as it removes complexity and improves both
handling and reliability. A new and correct Ansa exhaust system was
recently fitted at great expense. Lifting the front-hinged hood
reveals the beautiful four-cam V12, dominated by the six side
draught Webers, necessary to keep the bonnet line low and sleek.
Proper fittings, clamps, and hoses are used throughout, showing
only the slightest signs of use and care. It is extremely tidy and
well-presented though not so clinically clean that one would be
discouraged from driving. Therein lays the beauty of this gorgeous
365GTC/4. It is a thoroughly sorted and road ready example of what
is oft considered the Driver's alternative to a Daytona. Restored
to a very high standard, it been shown on occasion and won its
class at the Santa Fe Concours in 2014. It still remains beautiful
enough for regional concours events and the quality of the
restoration means it is highly rewarding to drive. Sale includes
service handbook, original owner's manuals (both English and
Italian) and aforementioned tools.