1967 Ferrari 365 GTC Prototipo Coupe

The Ferrari 365 GTC was a continuation of the 330 GTC in terms of style and mechanical components. The 330 GTC had been a popular car so Ferrari decided to increase its performance, power, and torque, make a few cosmetic changes, and breathe another year of life into the elegant Grand Touring car. The engine size was increased to displace 4.4-liters, which was .4 liters larger than the 330's. The 365 GTC's stable mates, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona and the 365 GT 2+2, were updated to comply with the North American emissions and safety laws. The 365 GTC did not receive these updates so it was only available for sale in markets outside of the US.

Production lasted only a year; around 33-percent of the 150 cars produced were right-hand drive vehicles.

The first 365 GTC was serial number 11823. This 365 GTC has chassis number 10581 which is lower than the first production 365 GTC. 10581 is actually a 330 GTC but with a 365 engine, making this a 'Speciale', 'Prototipo', or one-off.

The original owner of this car was Leopoldo Pirelli, CEO of Pirelli, S.P.A. The car was intended to test tires and was the first Ferrari to be fitted with Campagnolo 'Star' wheels. The wheels would later become a feature on the Daytona Ferrari. Under the bonnet is a Single Overhead Camshaft V12 engine with three Weber Twin-Choke carburetors that produce an impressive 320 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual gearbox and an independent front suspension. Since it is actually a 330 GTC, it does not have many of the revisions found on the production 365 GTCs.

To compensate for the additional power and to facilitate his testing, the car was to receive custom handmade 15 inch Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels, being the first GT so delivered.

It has been in the same care since the spring of 1978. In 2007 the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California where it was estimated to sell for $345,000 - $425,000. Those estimates proved accurate as the lot was sold for $385,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2013