To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Santa Monica event, June 25-26, 2016.

Chassis No.
12487

Estimate:
$800,000 - $950,000 US

Unveiled at the Geneva Salon in March 1966, the Ferrari 330 GTC (Gran Turismo Coupe) was designed to complement Ferrari’s sporting berlinetta, the 275 GTB. Combining many design elements from the most beautiful Ferrari automobiles, the 330 GTC offered the latest development of Colombo’s legendary V-12 engine with a chassis closely patterned after the 275 GTB. Legendary racing drivers Phil Hill and Paul Frère both proclaimed the model to be the best Ferrari built to date, and one of the finest GT cars ever made.

In 1968, the 330 GTC received a batch of modest upgrades, including an increase in engine displacement, good for an additional 20 horsepower. In January 1969, the Ferrari 330 GTC and GTS had become the 365 GTC and GTS with the adoption of the single overhead camshaft 4,390-cc, 320-hp V-12. This new model was promptly distinguishable by the relocation of its front fender vents to the hood. The 365 also benefitted from the five-speed gearbox being integrated with the differential, which gave the car 50/50 weight distribution. With particular attention being paid to the car’s cabin noise and vibration levels, this was the first road going Ferrari to feature all-independent suspension.

The improved engine featured greater power at a lower range of the revolutions band, with strong torque developing as low as 2,500-rpm. The May 29, 1969 issue of Autocar published a 0– to 60-mph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 151-mph—certainly impressive figures for the day.

In addition to offering better mechanical performance than its predecessor, the 365 GTC was built in far smaller quantities between 1968 and 1970. Already desirable for the fact it’s a Ferrari, this modest number built is as significant to the car as the legendary powerplant and timeless Pininfarina styling. In Brian Laban’s book, Ferrari, it is said of the 365 GTC: “In Ferrari terms, the 365 GTC was something of a wallflower: in production for barely a year, with only 150 examples made, and seen by many enthusiasts as boringly conservative. But those who know better cite it as one of the finest all-rounders that Maranello ever built.”

Limited production was perhaps caused by its arrival late in 1968 at about the same time as the rather high-profile 365 GTB/4 Daytona. The fact that it was so similar to its 275 and 330 predecessors could have also led to its somewhat limited numbers. Further still was the introduction of the then-smaller and less expensive mid-engined Dino and the impending U.S. safety regulations that would have required considerable resources to accommodate an all-new design. However, rarity of numbers only adds to a car’s desirability and exclusivity amongst collectors, and the 365 GTC is certainly no exception to that rule.

The 365 GTC offered here, Chassis 12487, is driven by its original drivetrain with the engine and gearbox being rebuilt in 2015 by Ferrari of Beverly Hills. The car has been properly sorted for road use, touring or concours exhibition with Rex Nguyen Restorations executing the corrections.

The Nero interior features surface-dyed leather and is fresh with gray Italian wool carpet and reported as period correct. Additional preparation included the exhaust system, new Michelin XWX tires, upgraded Borrani wire wheels, new period-correct hood pad, reconditioned hood vents, polishing/plating to trim and hardware, period-correct Carello headlights, brake booster and master cylinder rebuild and exterior color correction through the sand, buff, polish, seal and wax method.

Generously equipped, the 365 GTC has factory air conditioning, Becker Europa AM/FM radio, power windows, gauges in metric units and power four-wheel disc brakes. The Ferrari is accompanied by a set of manuals in leather folder, toolkit in leather roll, as well as the jack in its roll – receipts of work performed are also included. The current owner has invested nearly $95,000 in the car’s long term future with this well-executed servicing and conditioning. The car is properly prepared for the Ferrari certification process.

The 365 GTC is regarded as one of the best all-around Ferraris ever built, as it offers high performance, great comfort, and superb handling, making it one of the most sophisticated and elegant cars in a long line of Maranello GTs. This beautiful example sums that up quite nicely.
1969 Ferrari 365 GTC