1969 Ferrari 365 GTC

Traditional and Classic. The Ferrari 365 GTC was a luxurious and spacious high-speed grand touring coupe that was endowed with the company's classic twelve-cylinder engine and wore traditional Pininfarina styling. The design featured a meticulous combination of stylistic components from the 500 Superfast and the 275 GTS, characterized by slender pillars that enhanced visibility and created a spacious cockpit atmosphere. The Colombo-derived V-12 engine displaced 4,390cc and, with a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank and three twin-choke Weber carburetors, produced 320 horsepower and plenty of performance. Mechanical specifications and the chassis were similar to Ferrari's 275, with four-wheel disc brakes, a five-speed gearbox housed within a rear-mounted transaxle, and four-wheel independent suspension. The wheelbase measured 94.5 inches and it had an overall length of 176 inches.

The 365 GTC (Gran Turismo Coupe) and its Spyder sibling, the 365 GTS, replaced the 330 GTC and GTS in 1968, which had been unveiled in March 1966 at the Geneva Salon. A host of upgrades, including a larger displacement engine and a boost in horsepower, resulted in the 365 GTC. The new model was identifiable by the relocation of the front fender vents to the hood. Along with twenty additional horsepower, it offered greater power at a lower range of the RPM band.

By integrating the gearbox with the final drive, the 365 GTC had an optimal 50:50 weight distribution. Servo-assisted disc brakes with a split circuit system were located at all four corners, and the suspension was comprised of coil springs, shock absorbers and wishbones.

The production lifespan of the 365 GTC and GTS was brief, lasting from 1968 to 1970, with 168 examples of the coupe and 20 of the spiders produced during that time. The model that followed, the 365 GTC/4, also had a brief production lifespan lasting from 1971 to 1972 with 505 examples built. Its chassis was based on the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona,' wore Pininfarina 2+2 coupe bodywork that had a wedge shape and fastback silhouette, and was equipped with a Tipo F 101 AC 000 Colombo V12 engine displacing 4.4 liters and offering 335 bhp. Standard amenities included air conditioning, power steering, and electric windows.

The Ferrari 365 GTC was a capable, long-distance tourer offering style, luxury, comfort, performance and exclusivity.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2024