This splendid Ferrari 365 GTC was ordered new by Mr Geoffrey Pilkington, managing director of Vibroplant Ltd, based in Yorkshire that was one of the companies involved in the building of the country’s motorways.

In early 1969, Mr Pilkington began corresponding with Mike Salmon of Maranello Concessionaires, the sole UK importer of Ferraris, keen to learn more about the latest models available. Copies of the original letters between Pilkington and Salmon are contained within the cars impressive and extensive history file.

In early July 1969, Ferrari invoiced Maranello for this car, chassis 12601, one of only 22 examples to be built in right hand drive. The car was finished in Oro Nashrullah (gold) with a Nero (black) interior until Pilkington decided that actually he wanted a beige interior and the car was returned to be changed before being delivered via air freight.

In subsequent years, 12601 was sold to Australia where it was maintained regularly for a couple of long term owners before returning to the UK in 2012. Since then it has been looked after by the leading Ferrari specialists with the most recent service work at the start of the year. Previously restored in a stunning dark green, it has also been granted Ferrari red book certification and is now showing less than 62,000 miles.

More powerful than a 275 GTB, less effort than a Daytona. The 365 is a hugely capable tourer combined with elegant understatement. It was also favoured by George Harrison and sparked his friend Eric Clapton’s lifelong love of the marque…

The Autocar report in May 1969 summarises with:
"As far as fundamentals go, and the 365 GTC is tremendously dynamic in each department, the Ferrari
lived up to every expectation and even exceeded our wildest hopes…it never fails to impress the driver, passengers, by-standers, executive chairmen and above all, cognoscente and enthusiasts."