1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Coupe

The relationship between Sergio Pininfarna and Enzo Ferrari began in 1951. Since then, over 200 designs have been created. Pininfarina was responsible for many of the memorable Ferrari silhouettes including the 250 GTO, 275, 246 Dino, and the P45. Certainly, Pininfarina has been instrumental in Ferrari's rich history.

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona was introduced in 1968 and sales were still strong at the end of 1970 when Ferrari stopped production of the 365 GT 2+2. The 365 GTC also disappeared at the beginning of 1970. There was a bit of a gap in Ferrari's catalogue until a new coupe made its debut in Geneva in 1969. It was designed as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2 and although it was a 2+2, the rear seats were suitable only for small children. Its appearance and character were very close to the Daytona.

The 365 GTC/4 used an engine similar to the 4,390cc DOHC V12 of the Daytona. In order to meet the new hood line, a new cylinder head was designed. The carburetors were horizontally mounted, and the intake manifolds were installed between the inlets and exhaust camshafts on each bank for the motor. Wet-sump lubrication was used, with respect to a dry-sump system on the Daytona. It had a lower compression ratio of 8.8:1 and brake horsepower of 340, slightly less for emissions-controlled American cars. Six side-draft Weber 38 DCOE carburetors fueled the engine.

The GTC/4 had a wheelbase of 94.5 inches, which remained unchanged from the Daytona. Improvements included standard power steering and a larger luggage compartment. The Daytona used a rear-mounted transaxle while the GTC/4 had its gearbox (a five-speed manual unit) mounted to the engine. The suspension was independent all around, with unequal-length control arms and coil springs, anti-roll bar and hydraulic self-leveling. 11-plus-inch ventilated disc brakes were placed at all four corners.

The GTC/4 was designed and built by Pininfarina with the coupe bodies shipped to Maranello for assembly. The low hood permitted by the side-draft carburetors incorporated retractable headlamps, and a Kamm tail featured traditional Ferrari tail lamps. The interior was a completely new design with more comfortable seating, although the occasional '+2' seats in the rear were best used folded as luggage space. Air conditioning was standard. The seats had cloth inserts as standard with full leather upholstery available as an option.

Between the Spring of 1971 and the Autumn of 1972, 505 examples were produced. During its short lifespan, it accounted for nearly half of Ferrari's V12 engine production cars, most of which (180 examples) were sent to the United States.

This Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was delivered new to Bill Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. It is believed that it was used by Harrah as personal transportation. This car may also be the July 1972 Road & Track magazine road test car.

The car was later owned by Paul Exton of Eureka, California. At this point in history, t still wore its original color combination of Grigio Argento over Nero Cogolo with red inserts. t remained on the West Coast until at least 1985, when it was purchased by Dan Harwitz of Miami, Florida. By this time, it was described as sporting Azzurro Metallizzato paintwork with a new black leather interior.

Mario Bernardi of Hann-Münden, Germany, purchased the car in May of 2011. During his ownership, the car was given a full restoration and refinished in Azzurro Metallzzato. It returned to the U.S. in 2013 where it was purchased by a New York-based collector, who commissioned Autosport Designs of Huntington Station, New York, to reupholster the interior in Blue leather with matching blue carpets.

This car has recently been given full mechanical service and was fitted with a gear reduction starter for trouble-free starting. The car has also been fitted with newly refinished Borrani wire wheels shod with brand-new Michelin XWX tires. It has also received new suspension components, and was given a full chassis and undercarriage detail.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2018