Comments

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
s/n 15649
Blue Serra with Tan Leather

When introduced, the 365 GTC/4 was Ferrari’s absolute top of the line executive model. With a comfortable, relaxed seating position, functional air conditioning, and power steering, the 365 GTC/4 achieves a pleasant balance between a thoroughbred sports car and a luxury grand touring car, and is considerably less exhausting to drive than the 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” produced during the same period. Its price reflected that too, with a higher sticker price than the Daytona coupe. The 365 GTC/4 is by far the most sought after of the luxury touring models of the era, and has enjoyed considerable appreciation in recent years.

This particular car is best described as a largely original car in that it retains most of its original paint and interior. The car is very sound and sorted, both structurally and mechanically, with very few miles on a rebuilt engine and just 40,000 miles from new.

Sold new in 1972 as a US market example and finished in its current color combination of medium blue metallic with tan leather interior, s/n 15649 appears to have spent the majority of its life with its first owner, Mr. Jim Hutchison. In 1995 Ed Waterman of the Motorcar Gallery sold this example to its second owner, a Mr. Kampas of Redondo Beach, California, who owned the car until the current owner had the opportunity to acquire it.

Approximately 1,500 miles ago the engine was rebuilt from the crankshaft up by KTR Enterprises of Ayers, Massachusetts. This work included polishing the crank, servicing the rods, valve train, installing new pistons, bearings, and seals. The motor was tuned and dyno tested, then reinstalled in the car with a balanced flywheel and clutch assembly. Prior to the engine rebuild, the steering box was rebuilt, differential resealed, and distributors and carburetors rebuilt among other smaller jobs. Recent compression figures were all between 150-160lbs, with less than 10% leak down across all 12 cylinders, confirming the health of the engine. In April of 2008, the soft brake lines were replaced, and brake calipers and booster rebuilt. Records accompany the car for the work described here and regular maintenance back to the late 1980s.

Cosmetically, the car has a uniform patina which qualifies it as an original example. The body is straight, and while the original paint shows some age and imperfections, the car presents well. It appears that the paintwork at the forward most section of the car has been touched up, while the balance is likely original. Crazing and use marks are present about the car, but in our opinion this adds to the creditability of this particular example. S/n 15649 sits on beautiful, restored Cromodora wheels with new Michelin XWX tires. The window glass and lenses appear to be original, and are all in unmarked condition, save for very light pitting to the windshield.

The interior is exceptionally original in terms of upholstery and equipment. The seats and door panels show some ageing, but minimal wear. The “mouse hair” dash material is original and is in very good condition considering its age. The carpets are generally very clean, and are protected by 1970s era straw inlays. The original headliner is spotless. All the factory switches and gauges are present, as is the original Becker Mexico radio, which speaks highly to the unmodified nature of this example. Like the interior, the trunk retains its original carpeting and is unrestored.

The engine bay is clean and shows signs of regular maintenance and restorative work. This particular car example has been updated with more reliable MSD ignition boxes and a battery disconnect switch, but retains the often missing window washer bag. The underside is representative of an straight and solid unrestored car with 40,000 miles. The lower portions of the engine are clean and dry, which speaks well of the rebuild work carried out by KTR. This example retains its stock exhaust system which produces that wonderful Ferrari V12 exhaust note we all know and love.

The car drives exceptionally well. It starts easily, revs freely, and pulls strong with good power. The recently serviced brakes stop the car effectively and evenly. The suspension feels tight, as would be expected of a lower mileage car. Second gear syncro is very good, especially when warm. The gauges, windows, and lights are all fully operational. The A/C system is all in place, and blows, but not cold.

This particular 365 GTC/4 2+2 will be of interest to the discerning collector valuing originality. It is in the ideal condition, mechanically or cosmetically, for vintage rally events or daily driving with a clear conscious. With this car comes maintenance and ownership records back to the 1980s, jack and jack bag, matching Cromodora spare wheel, and manual set with pouch.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.