One of only 22 UK RHD Ferrari 365 GTCs
Columbo Tipo 245/C V12 – The most powerful single overhead cam Ferrari produced
Recent mechanical overhaul by marque specialists
The perfect all-round Ferrari GT

In Ferrari terms the 365 GTC has been somewhat overlooked. With only 150 examples built and production only lasting a single year, the Ferrari 365 GTC is known by few, however those who have had the pleasure of driving this outstanding late ‘60s Ferrari understand it to be one of the finest all-rounders Maranello has ever produced.

Pininfarina designed and built the GTC’s steel body, blending the general design of the 275 GTS and 330 GTC while incorporating a nose resembling the 500 superfast. The Kamm-like ducktail rear from the 330 remained unchanged with the exquisite light cluster and two-element chromed bumpers adorning the rear-end. The main difference between the Ferrari 365 GTC and its older brother the 330 GTC was the bonnet slats instead of louvers on the front wings to improve the cooling of the engine compartment.

The more exciting news, however, was inside the engine bay. This Ferrari was equipped with the latest version of Gioacchino Colombo’s V12 engine, giving it power to match Pininfarina’s elegant bodywork. Fitted with a single camshaft for improved bottom-end performance while retaining sonorous power at the other end of the rev-counter, this Colombo V12 is the one to have. It is no coincidence that this is the most powerful Single Overhead Cam of any Columbo V12 Ferrari producing an incredibly potent 320 bhp.

The Ferrari 365 GTC’s short production run is likely explained by a range of factors. The ever-more stringent safety laws in the US contributed to its short run but it was the arrival of Ferrari’s brand new model, the Daytona, that really spelled the end for the Ferrari 365 GTC. However, for today’s collector this offers an opportunity to own one of Maranello’s rarest and finest creations.

The Ferrari 365 now for sale at The Classic Motor Hub (chassis 12449) is a truly exceptional example. Being a UK delivered car, “12449” is one of just 22 right-hand drive cars. Delivered new to Lord Portman via Maranello Concessionaires in June 1969, the car was specified with an Azzurro Hyperion blue body with a dark blue interior and a light grey headlining, the order form dated 11th February 1969 details Lord Portman’s requests.

Early paperwork shows that Lord Portman used the car regularly and wrote back to Maranello Concessionaires requesting the car be fitted with air-conditioning. The car then passed to Anthony Bamford of JCB in the early 1970s, the first in a short line of esteemed collectors to own this car. Two further noted connoisseurs in the 1970s also enjoyed this Ferrari 365 GTC including one of the Hilton brothers and a Mr W.R. Devoto in 1976. The car reached 2 more owners in the 1980s, before Simon Greenwood, then M.D. of Modena Engineering purchased it in 1987. As expected, Mr Greenwood took fantastic care of the car, including rebuilding the suspension and fitting new tappet screws.

By 1995, the car had returned to the ownership of Anthony Bamford (now Sir). Sir Bamford, clearly not fond of the car’s colour, repainted it to the current specification of dark blue in his own workshops.

In recent years the car has been looked after to the highest standards with marque specialist Peter Chambers Automotive who removed the engine for inspection and cleaning, stripped the heads and renewed the valves, refurbished the suspension components, renovated the braking system and undertook lots more mechanical work. Invoices and pictures on file show that in excess of £60,000 of work was carried out.

Today the car presents impeccably and represents a unique opportunity to own one of the rarest Ferraris. With just 22 examples built in RHD, this car will sit proudly in any collection and will be at the very top of the list of cars you grab the key to for a weekend drive.

This Ferrari 365 GTC is now offered for sale and immediate inspection at The Classic Motor Hub