• Year of manufacture 
    1969
  • Mileage 
    7 341 km / 4 562 mi
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Chassis number 
    *12315*
  • Engine number 
    12315
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States

Description

Rare 365 GTC with AC and Wire Wheels. Older High Quality Restoration Which Is Mellowing Nicely.1969 Ferrari 365 GTCs/n 12315, engine stamped 12315Red with Tan Leather InteriorFerrari launched the 330 GTC in 1966 at the Geneva Auto Show. It was warmly received by automotive press and enthusiasts who lauded the refined road manners and exceptional driving characteristics, which were well beyond previous sports cars of the period. The engine was part of the ongoing development of the venerable Colombo V12, now displacing 4.0 liters, and generating 300hp. A torque tube connected the engine to the rear-mounted transaxle, which optimized weight distribution in the same way that this technology does in current high performance cars. The 330 GTC utilized disc brakes all round, independent front and rear suspension, and a 5-speed gearbox, resulting in exceptionally good road holding, performance, and civilized road use, even in daily traffic. The elegant and refined body design included comfort amenities like air conditioning and electric windows, optional Becker or Blaupunkt radios, and wire wheels. The thin A and B pillars, panoramic glass, and ideal seating position deliver an open cabin feel with greater comfort particularly for larger drivers. In 1968 the engine was updated to the larger 4.4 liter variant of the Colombo design while hood vents replaced the former 330 side vents as the only visual differences from the earlier iterations, creating the 365 GTC. Widely regarded to be one of the best driving and most usable classic Ferraris, the 365 GTC continues to be highly sought after today and with approximately 168 examples built, is considerably rarer than the 330 GTC of which 600 examples were made. This particular Ferrari 365 GTC is one of only 168 built and is fitted with factory A/C and Borrani wire wheels. Originally finished in grigio Mahmoud and supplied to Motor Roma in Italy in July of 1969, the car was purchased new by a resident of Rome. It remained in Italy for approximately ten years, at which point a Swiss owner purchased it. In 1986, Tom Shelton imported the car and sold it to Mark Chardack of New York. Chardack commissioned a comprehensive restoration in 1996 with experts lead by Doug Pirrone at Berlinetta Motorsports in Huntington Station, NY on Long Island. Highlights of the restoration included a rebuilt engine, extensive engine compartment detailed and refinished, rebuilt carburetors, rebuilt suspension, rechromed bumpers, new carpets, and new signal and back up lights. The Borrani wire wheels were also carefully restored, a new exhaust was fitted, and the transaxle rebuilt. In 2004, the car was sold to Bob Lebenson who showed the car throughout the 2000s achieving Best of Show at the First Northern Trust Event 2005. Additionally, this Ferrari was twice awarded Platinum status under Ferrari judging standards, in 2005 and again in 2007. Awarded Best in Class at the inaugural Las Vegas Concours d’Elegance in 2006, this Ferrari was also shown (by invitation) in 2007 at The Quail Motorsports Gathering. A Massini report outlining this history is included with the car.Today this Ferrari 365 GTC presents as a very handsome combination of an older high quality restoration and sound mechanicals. The paint is very glossy throughout showing only minor swirl marks, and a few areas of touch up performed since the restoration. Overall the high quality finish is glossy and quite vivid delivering an excellent visual impression, accented by very good chrome and excellent glass. Much of the weather striping has been replaced and the doors, hood, and trunk all open and shut with confidence. Panel gaps are very good in all areas with the passenger side door showing slightly proud of the rear fender line seam. The stunning Borrani wire wheels are fitted with Michelin XWX 215/70VR 14 tires, which have good tread remaining. All lights, lenses, and emblems are in very good to excellent condition with excellent finish. The overall exterior presentation is both handsome and appropriate for casual showing or touring in the most prestigious events.The interior presents as it should, with excellent fit and finish, and correct materials throughout. The seats have been beautifully refinished using high quality tan leather, showing handsome patina as the leather mellows. As a nice competition touch, the car is fitted with racing type seat belts. The instruments are in very good condition with clear and highly contrasting numbers against the dark dial faces, matching overall with the authenticity of the interior. The beautifully finished wood and aluminum steering wheel conveys the final touch on the exquisite interior refinement that only a Ferrari of this period can deliver. The carpeting is tidy and clean, still crisp, particularly in the rear storage areas as is the surrounding rear side panels and rear package tray. The trunk compartment is correctly carpeted in low pile black material with very clean tailored side panels, covering a solid spare tire well. Under the hood, the engine and engine compartment are clean and nicely detailed. The engine is the correct type and the engine number stamped on the pad does match the car, however the numero interno reportedly does not match. The engine compartment is tidy and clean and still maintains a very good overall visual appearance, showing the careful work performed when restored and maintained since. Various areas of the engine show only mild areas of use, typical of performance cars of this vintage as a restoration begins to settle. The underside of the car is clean and dry, with correct components, proper exhaust and mufflers, correct suspension and brakes. Various castings are also very clean and show no major chips or marks. The rear sections of the exhaust show some corrosion while the front sections are in very good condition.The car starts easily and settles into a smooth idle. The throttle pedal is heavy but the engine is responsive and has great carburetion, which, together with the wonderful exhaust note, is very evocative. The power level of this particular car is noteworthy: it is an unusually quick GTC, which will especially delight the experienced vintage V12 Ferrari driver. The clutch and brakes operate as expected with the gearbox delivering smooth shifts and easy engagement in each gear. It is important to note that the 2nd gear synchro (often an issue with these cars) is smooth even when cold. Road manners are composed and balanced, pulling eagerly to high rpm without smoke or hesitation, showing excellent oil pressure and correct running temperatures. The car performs just as reported by period reviews, validating the ongoing appreciation from decades of GTC owners who continue to sing the praises of these capable road cars. This GTC comes with a factory jack kit, jack bag, accessory belts, and an extensive Massini report. The Ferrari 365 GTC is the last of the truly elegant and highly desirable Ferraris from the golden age of sports car motoring. Containing the best balance of elegance and state-of-the-art handling, while delivering great performance and usability even in modern traffic, the 365 GTC remains one of the most favored Ferraris among cognoscenti who have driven them all. The Colombo 4.4 liter V-12 delivers a great driving experience for enthusiasts who wish to not only show their cars, but to also enjoyably drive them. This GTC is a perfect example to use, having previously been restored to the highest standards and now being ready to deliver the inimitable classic Ferrari experience to its next owner.