1969 Ferrari 365 GTS Convertible Coupe

Elite cars for elite clients. The Ferrari 365 GTS was introduced in 1968 and was a highly developed version of the 330 GTC and GTS models. Offering performance, luxury, and style, the 365 was equipped with a 4.4-liter iteration of the Colombo-designed V-12 engine and wrapped with curvaceous coachwork by Pininfarina. The Tipo 245C V12 unit was fed by three twin-choke Weber 40 DFI carburetors and developed 316 horsepower at 6,600 RPM. With a 50:50 weight distribution, independent rear suspension, and servo-assisted disc brakes, the 365 GTS was one of the fastest cars on the roadway.

Produced from 1968 to 1970, a total of 168 examples of the GTC (2-seat coupe) and 20 were the GTS (2-seat spider). The Ferrari 365 GTC was replaced by the 365 GTC/4, and the GTS was replaced by the 365 GTB/4-based Daytona Spider.

This particular 365 GTS wears a rare paint color scheme and is the sixth of 20 examples built. It left the factory wearing an Azzurro (light blue metallic) exterior over a Nero leather interior. It was built with European specifications and was issued a certificate of origin in April 1970. The following month, the car was distributed to M. Gastone Crepaldi of Milan.

In July 1970, Dr. Alfredo Belponer brokered a sale of the 365 to its first private owner, Giancarlo Giliberti of Desenzano del Garda. By June 1976, the Spider was owned by Sir George and Lady Burton of Ipswich, Suffolk, before being imported to the United States by the end of the decade.

By 1990, this Ferrari wore a nero exterior paint scheme, giving a black-over-black appearance. Three years later, the car was sold to Joe Konis of Gardena, California. It would pass through two additional owners over the following eight years before being sold in February 1998 to Walter Medlin. Twenty-four years later, in September 2022, the car was acquired by its current caretaker.

While in the care of its present owner, this Ferrari was given mechanical service to improve its roadability. The carburetors and the master cylinder were rebuilt, and the electrical systems and wiring were overhauled. Additionally, the flywheel, brakes, and fuel pumps were repaired. The paint was touched up as needed, the brightwork and engine bay were detailed, and the interior was cleaned and detailed completely. A new soft-top boot was installed, and the wire wheels were wrapped with new Michelin XWX tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2024