Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

VIN – 14945
Engine No. – F101AC000*14945*
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine – 4.4 Liter V12
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles – 64,880 miles TMU

General Overview

When first introduced in 1970, the 365 GTC/4 was Ferrari’s top of the line model, a fast yet civilized 2+2 crafted for the well-heeled enthusiast who preferred to regularly drive a performance car. Enzo himself always drove (or had himself driven) in the 2+2 variants of the cars that bore his name. Thus, the GTC/4, was specifically designed to meet the growing premium market for clientele seeking Ferrari performance in a comfortable touring car. The GTC/4 offered more interior space, functional air conditioning, and power steering. The beautiful Filippo Sapino designed Pininfarina-built Ferrari received resounding praise from the motoring press when launched for production in 1971. The new crisp and progressive body architecture was fresh and the scale more manageable than the 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” produced during the same period.

Although the 365 GTC/4 shared many mechanical components with the Daytona, the new Pininfarina design featured pop-up headlights and an impact absorbing perimeter front bumper which uniquely distinguished the GTC/4 from any other Ferrari. Even the remarkable V12 engine, which put out 335 hp, was modified by fitting six twin-choke side draft Weber carburetors instead of the Daytona downdraft type, with the sole purpose of allowing a lower, more dramatic hood line. The 365 GTC/4 achieved performance numbers comparable to the Daytona, offering greater comfort, while allowing for two, albeit diminutive, rear seat passengers. During the brief two-year production run from 1971-1972, Ferrari built only 505 of these rare V12 front-engine rear-wheel-drive touring cars.
History and Build Details of This Car

This Ferrari GTC/4 is a US specification left-hand drive example originally finished in red with black leather interior, and outfitted with instruments in miles, air conditioning, Becker Mexico AM/FM Cassette stereo, and power windows. The factory riveted completion tag mounted in the door jamb indicates December 1971 bearing the number 14945 which matches the chassis stamping as well as the engine number. According to the Ferrari 365 GTS4 Registry, this car was first delivered to Harrah’s in Reno, NV.

According to information compiled by previous owners, by the 1970s, the car arrived in the Atlanta, GA area, with ownership credited to Ewing Hunter with FAF Motorcars in Tucker, GA. By the mid 1980s, the car is next known to have been under the ownership of Steve Fraley, Dyer & Dyer Volvo, Atlanta, GA, with continued, known ownership into late 2013, Abingdon, VA. The current owner purchased the car in XXXX.

According to copies of service records accompanying the car, this Ferrari was serviced in 1982 by FAF Motorcars, Tucker, GA totaling over $19,000.00 including an engine overhaul, radiator repair, rebuilt starter, and new water pump. Records continue through the mid 1980s with brake work, fuel line service, and oil change. In 1988 Carisma Motorworks, Tucker, GA performed extensive engine detailing including black crinkle paint finish for the cam covers, valve adjustment, carb syncing, and cooling flush. Invoices continued that same year with Borrani Wire Wheel, Venice, CA for replating wheels and knockoffs, new Michelin XWX tires, trunk liner material, and various tools for the tool kit. Further invoices include interior work with installation of a Becker Mexico radio, dashboard removal for reupholstery, Connolly leather for upholstery, Wilton 101 light gray carpet, window channel replacement for both doors, and door lock repair. In a letter dated November 18, 1988, sent to the body and paint shop in Tucker, Georgia, the owner Gregory F. Wright praises the shop for the excellent paint work, mentioning the 2nd place award at the Elkhart Lake “nationals”. In 1989, Carisma Motorworks continued work on the car including extensive suspension work removing and refinishing all four suspension corners, replacing all shock bushings, new Koni rear shocks, new upper and lower ball joints, new wheel bearings, new exhaust hangers, new front shock boots, and new rear rotor tab locks.

In 2002 Old World Motorcars, Tucker, GA serviced the car then indicating 57,832 miles. Work included all fluids and filters replaced, brake fluid flush, radiator re-core, new fan switch, rebuild for both self-leveling units, rebuild for rear brake calipers, and fog light repair. Continuous and diligent service efforts continued in 2009 with Old World Motorcars totaling $8,000.00 with attention to the brakes, starter, all fluids, new clutch and flywheel installation, new front and rear caliper kit, brake hoses, and oil lines as needed. In 2013, Vintage Autoworks, Tucker, GA serviced the car then indicated 59,888 miles. Work included new spark plugs, carburetor cleaning, and vehicle road test.

Under current ownership, in preparation for a 2019 vintage motoring event, the current owner commissioned Milestone Motorcars Service LLC, Boynton Beach, FL to service the car including new spark plugs, new wiper blades, brake fluid flush, carburetor adjustments, serviced the distributors with new bearings and seals, and reset ignition timing. In September 2022, Patrick Ottis, Berkeley, CA serviced the car including fresh oil and filters, brake fluid flush and reservoir cleaning, installed new spark plugs, replaced power steering hose, added power steering fluid, and tested the AC system which performed with good operation.

Condition Overview

Today, this Ferrari presents as a handsome example ready for enjoyable use. An excellent candidate for local shows, events, and tours, the finishes and mechanical performance are appropriate for enthusiasts who enjoy using their cars as Enzo originally intended. In addition to being a properly maintained car over the past 40 years, this Ferrari displays a beautifully resolved older restoration with excellent features. Finished in stunning red, the paint is glossy and smooth with uniform coverage and depth. The various trim, window moldings, and details reveal owner and service care afforded to all areas. The panel fit and closures are excellent, including the doors which close with a crisp ping and show excellent panel gaps. Unlike many GTC/4s, the front and rear bumpers are in beautiful condition with excellent fit to the front of the car and no excessive warping as often seen on these rare cars. The glass is in excellent condition as are the delicate chrome trim window surrounds, door handles, and side marker lights. The car sits on beautifully polished 15 x 7 ½ Borrani wire wheels with triple-ear knockoffs. A set of correctly sized Pirelli P4 tires are mounted. The dramatically sloped rear glass and rear deck are design features unique to this model, accented by handsome quad tailpipes evoking the desirable V12 sound.

The interior is an excellent combination of original and sensitively restored features. The condition throughout is cohesive and well balanced including a very nicely maintained dashboard, smooth headliner, rear seating area, and black carpeting. The leather seats are comfortable with just the right give to the seat bolstering indicating gentle use over the engaging years of ownership. The door panels, armrests, and center console are in very good to excellent condition. The “mousehair” dash, redone under prior ownership, is in excellent condition, smoothly stretched over the top of the dash and instrument binnacle. The dash is pleasing to the touch and the material feels fresh. The instrumentation is clear, the dial faces are visually crisp, and the switches and various knobs appear in excellent overall condition.

The original engine and engine compartment are reflective of the care and detail performed over the years with refinishing to original specifications. The level of appearance and overall cosmetic presentation is both correct, accurate, and worthy of concours events. The engine displays correctly rebuilt original components, proper hardware, and factory type fasteners. The six side-draft Weber carburetors, factory air cleaners, and correct cam cover finishes are among the many correct details. The trunk is finished with black carpet, concealing a matching Borrani wheel and Michelin XWX tire, fastened in place with a correct alloy retainer. The underside is straight, and solid, representative of attention given to the suspension, and brakes, lines. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points. The exhaust system is correct and likely original, however portions of the surrounding the downpipe insulator sections exhibit areas of material loss.

The car starts easily warm or cold, settling into a smooth idle while delivering a wonderful exhaust note. The seating position is especially suitable for drivers with long legs. The gearbox is easy to use with good synchromesh working in harmony with the clutch. The brakes operate well, tracking evenly and coming down from higher speeds with ease, and the air conditioning system operates properly and blows cold.

The beautifully designed Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is a compelling and classic Pininfarina Ferrari embodying all the desirable vintage front-engine V12 attributes in an attractive, usable, and comparatively affordable package. Although nearly triple the number of Daytonas were built, a comparable 365 GTC/4 presents at a fraction of the price today while being arguably the more enjoyable car for touring and family events.

Included with the car

The car comes with an original set of tools and tool roll, jack, jack bag and accessories, and copies of service records dating back to 1982.

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