1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

The lineage of the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 dates to the mid-1960s when Ferrari introduced its front-engine, 2+2-seater grand tourer named the 365 California at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, replacing the 330 and the 500 Superfast. It was built atop the chassis of the 500 Superfast and wore a cabriolet body by Pininfarina. Production remained exclusive with just 14 examples being produced before production ended in 1967.

The engine powering the 365 California was a 4.4-liter(4390cc) V12 based on the 330's 4.0-liter Colombo-designed unit, and all '365' models would use this engine and displacement size, specifically its Tipo 245/C variant.

The 365 GT 2+2 arrived in 1967 and served as a replacement for the 330 GT 2+2, offering luxurious accommodations with leather seats, electric windows, power steering and brakes, and optional air conditioning. Unlike its predecessor which had a live rear axle on leaf springs, the 365 GT 2+2 received an independent rear setup. The styling was courtesy of Aldo Brovarone at Pininfarina and approximately 800 examples were produced through 1971.

The 365 GTC and GTS were introduced in 1968, replacing the GTC and GTS. The stying remained consistent with its predecessor with the most significant update being the larger 4.4-liter (up from 4.0 liters) engine with 320 horsepower. Production lasted through 1970 with 168 examples of the GTC being built before the arrival of its 365 GTC/4 replacement. Twenty examples of the Spider (GTS) were built before being replaced by the 365 GTB/4-based Daytona Spider.

Designed by Filippo Sapino at Pininfarina, the bodies were shipped from Pininfarina's factory to Maranello for assembly. In the front were retractable headlamps and in the back was a Kamm tail with traditional Ferrari tail lamps. The interior offered the occasional '+2' seats in the rear, which were best used folded as luggage space. The seats had cloth inserts and air conditioning was standard. Full leather upholstery was available as an option.

Between 1971 and 1973, just 505 examples of the GTC/4s were built, with 325 of those remaining in Europe.

Enzo Ferrari reluctantly developed road-going cars as a means to fund Scuderia Ferrari racing efforts, and never strayed from two-door, sporting designs, but did, however, have the foresight to add rear seats. The 365 GTC/4, with the '4' denoting the number of camshafts, was introduced in March of 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show. Similar to the Daytona, it was one of the first Ferraris to clearly have been influenced by the newly installed wind tunnel at Pininfarina. Its wedge-shaped design combined form and function into an attractive and modern package, with flowing lines and Italian flare. Its streamlined shape was a startling change from their previous design parameters, and sportier than any other contemporary 2+2 grand tourers.

The 4.4-liter (4,390cc) light-alloy DOHC V-12 engine was shared with the 'Daytona,' but equipped with different cylinder heads, wet-sump lubrication, slightly lowered compression, and six side-draft Weber carburetors for hood clearance. Examples destined for the European market were rated at 340 horsepower, while U.S.-specification cars were rated at 320 bhp. Along with being packaged to provide sufficient hood clearance, the GTC/4 V12 engine had six Weber twin-choke 38 DCOE side-draft carburetors to accommodate space for the installation of emission-control equipment mandated in the United States. It had four-wheel independent suspension, a ZF limited-slip differential, and hydraulic four-wheel disc brakes. Its wheelbase measured 98.5-inches which was 100mm longer than the previous 365 GTC model and similar to that of the Daytona.

Unlike the 'Daytona,' the five-speed manual gearbox of the 365 GTC/4 was conventionally mounted in unit with the engine and the model incorporated a wider transmission tunnel in anticipation of the planned offering of an automatic gearbox. The arrival of the automatic, however, did not occur until the debut of the subsequent 365 GT4 2+2.

Despite its being more luxury than sport, the GTC/4 was capable of accelerating from zero-to-sixty mph in 6.1 seconds and its top speed exceeded 150 mph, similar to its much-vaunted stable-mate. It was priced slightly higher than its 'Daytona' cousin and proved popular with Ferrari's affluent clientele. It offered a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience in Gran Turismo style with performance that was equally impressive as its elegant appearance. It was more civilized than the Daytona due to its power steering, refined air-conditioning system, and civilized road manners. It combined a luxurious, Italian leather interior, ZF power steering, and electric windows, with silk-smooth high performance and seating for four.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015