Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Ferrari 365 GTC
s/n 12551, engine no. 12551
Red with Tan Leather Interior

Widely regarded to be one of the best driving and most usable classic Ferraris, the 330 and 365 GTC and are highly sought after today. While 600 examples of the 330 were built, just 149 365 GTCs were built. Both variants are extremely nice to drive, even in today’s traffic, thanks to the wide torque band provided by the engine, and the tractability and balance that result from the combination of the transaxle and torque tube. 365s are substantially the same as 330s, with the exception of the 4.4 liter engine in the 365, which replaced the 4.0 liter engine of 330s. The 365s are also fitted with Daytona type transaxle and pull up emergency brake arrangement replacing the umbrella type fitted to most 330s. From a driver’s standpoint, the 365 GTC is the premier roadgoing Ferrari coupe produced in the 1960s and is particularly desirable not only for its increased power, but also its rarity. Because of their elegant understated lines, superb driving experience, and classic Ferrari layout, these cars have a timeless appeal that continues to earn them a spot in the collections of the most discerning Ferrari enthusiasts.

This particular car was sold new in Italy and has been in California since at least 1979, when it was offered for sale by Chris Thayer of Cupertino, California. At this time, the car was blue in color and showed 54,000km. The car was then owned by Tim Boerner and eventually passed on to its most recent long term owner, who owned the car from 1991 to 2014. It was repainted red in between August of 1989 and August of 1990 and was offered for sale with 73,000km in 1991. The car has been maintained continuously by Sal at Waterfront Automobili since 1989. The engine was rebuilt approximately 5 years ago and the car has seen significant other maintenance by the same long term owner over the last 22 years.

The car is in very nice cosmetic condition. The paintwork was done to very good standards and the body is straight and displays very good fit other than that the passenger door sits a bit proud at the trailing edge. The paintwork is very nice with minimal wear or deterioration, save for some orange peel and a scratch on the left rear fender. The car sits on correct Campagnolo alloy wheels wearing Michelin XWX tires. The chrome is very nice throughout with only light scratching and no pitting of significance on the window trims, headlight rings, or bumpers. There is slight pitting on the tail light surrounds. The glass and lights are excellent throughout. The front windscreen has the correct VSI etching as well as some light road wear, suggesting that it is original. The trim is generally excellent other than some hairline cracks to the hood vents.

The interior is in nice shape with very good leather upholstery which is nicely mellowed with some patina. The dashboard and center console are excellent and correctly presented other than the fitment of a CD player. The instruments and switches are in excellent condition, as is the steering wheel. The car has metric instruments with Italian language markings. The wood on the dash is in very good condition. The door panels are intact but are incorrectly upholstered and would benefit from redoing. The carpets are brown and are in good shape, and the headliner is excellent other than an area of deterioration on the right C pillar.

The engine compartment is tidy and clean throughout, as is the trunk, which has correct type loop carpet and matching Campagnolo spare wheel. The car runs and drives well. The engine is well tuned, responsive, and starts easily. The gearbox shifts well, with good synchromesh. The suspension and chassis feel as they should and the brakes are effective. Overall, the car is a pleasure to use, reminding the driver why these GTCs, particularly the 365, are so sought after.

Long a favorite among Ferrari connoisseurs who appreciate their excellent road manners and elegant styling, the secret around the 330 and 365 GTC is out, with a recent explosion in values. After years in the shadow of some of their less understated brethren, GTCs are now appreciated for their mechanical sophistication, performance, elegance, and rarity. Just 149 examples were built and this is a nice driver level 365GTC with longtime California ownership.

Additional information to come.

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.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608