1969 Ferrari 365 GTS

The list of Ferrari models of the mid-1960s included the well-appointed and exclusive 500 Superfast, the dual-purpose 275 GTB, and the family-oriented 330 GT 2+2. The 250 GT Lusso had recently ceased production, in 1964, leaving a void for a luxury and performance-oriented model in the finest two-seat grand touring tradition. Ferrari addressed this shortcoming in 1966 with the unveiling of the 330 GTC Berlinetta at the Geneva Motor Show. An open-top GTS Spider followed in October at the Paris Motor Show.

Both the 330 GTC and the 330 GTS shared the same chassis and drivetrain, with a 94.5-inch wheelbase, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes. The engine was upgraded to higher specifications late in 1968, with the displacement measuring 4,390cc. The single overhead camshaft Colombo V12 with three twin-choke downdraft Weber 40 DFI 7 carburetors now developed 320 horsepower and 267 foot-pounds of torque, and was mated to a five-speed manual rear transaxle. The engine delivered a notably wider power band than that of its predecessor, with significant torque arriving as low as 2,500 rpm.

The Ferrari 330 and 365 cars were visually differentiated by minor cosmetic changes, with the new models wearing engine-cooling vents on the hood rather than the fenders, and a modified interior HVAC vent arrangement. Many of the mechanical components were carried over as well, including the independent rear suspension, employing coil springs and wishbones. Löbro halfshafts of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona were installed to help cope with the higher horsepower from the uprated engine. The brakes were servo-assisted discs at all four corners with a split circuit system. Ten-hole alloy wheels were standard, with Borrani wire wheels available as options.

The Ferrari 365 GTS was the most technologically advanced open Ferrari to date, with the 4.4-liter V12 first seeing use in the limited-production 365 California.

Ferrari built approximately 600 examples of the 330 GTB and 100 of the 330 GTS. Production of the 330 GTC and GTS were much lower, with 168 of the former and 20 of the latter.

Production of the 365 lasted from 1968 to 1970 and was replaced by the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 and the 365 GTB/4-based Daytona Spider.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 12473
Engine number: 12473

Ferrari has certainly perfected the art of creating elegant, high-performance, rare, and exotic vehicles with the capacity to carry two individuals plus their luggage. The cars, with their plethora of torque from their V-12 engines, were easily capable of high-speed cruising on the German autobahns. The Ferrari 365 GTS models wore similar styling to the 330 GTS it replaced. Mechanically, they were much improved and they were the most technologically advanced open Ferrari vehicle to-date.

The Ferrari 365 GTS came equipped with a 4.4-liter V-12 engine that was first seen in the limited-production Ferrari 365 California. The V-12 produced 320 horsepower, with the help of single overhead-camshaft per bank and triple Weber carburetor setup. The engine output of the 365 GTS was a 20-BHP increase over the 330 GTS. The 365 GTS was also given a five-speed manual and an independent rear suspension with Lobro halfshafts of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

Production of the Ferrari 365 GTS was short, produced only in 1969. They had the same mechanical and cosmetic components as the 365 GTC, but with a convertible top. In total, just 20 examples of the 365 GTS were built.

Chassis number 12473 was completed in May of 1969. It is the 17th example of 20 Ferrari 365 GTSes produced. It is a European model that left the factory in Bleu Ribot (2.443.631) over a Beige leather interior (VM 3218) and was destined for Germany. The car was delivered new through German Ferrari importer Auto-Bekcer in Dusseldorf in June 1969 to its first private owner, Mr. Thomas Teves. Mr. Teves retained the car for his personal use at this residence in Bad Homburg, Germany. The car was owned by Mr. Teves for six years before being sold to the Etienne Aigner Leather Manufacturing Company in Munich in 1975, possibly for use by Etienne Aigner himself. It was later repainted in yellow and then sold by Aigner to Peter Lorenz, of Koblenz, Germany, in 1980. Mr. Lorenz kept the car for four years and had it restored in Ferrari red over a black interior. In 1984, it was sold to Josef Brunlehner, and then passed to collector Erich Traber, of Toffen, Switzerland. The car remained in Traber's care for four years before it was acquired by Fritz Kroymans of Hilversum, Netherlands, in 1989. After twenty years in Mr. Kroyman's care, the car was sold to its current United States-based collector.

The car has been treated to a recent restoration which included having the engine and gearbox fully stripped and rebuilt, using new parts where necessary. The car is currently finished in Grigio Fumo paint with Cuoio upholstery. After the work was completed, the car was shown twice at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, once in 2012 and again in 2013.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 12243
Engine number: 12243

This 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS is one of only 20 examples produced, and is a matching numbers example. It is chassis number 12243 making it just the fifth of the 20 365 GTS examples ever produced. When it left the factory, it was painted in a rare combination of silver blue with a black leather interior. It was delivered from the factory to Crepaldi S.A.S. of Milan. A short time later, it was sent to Renato Nocenti, the owner of the official Florence-based Ferrari dealer Garage La Rotonda. It stayed with Nocenti for only a year as the vehicle was sold to the Societa Pacific Cinematografica in Rome, Italy.

Over the next decade, the car was in the ownership of several enthusiasts in Italy and Austria. In 1986, the engine was brought back to its original condition by Sauro Mingarelli's shop in Bologna. That same year, the car was repainted in the current red livery and was fitted with a blue leather interior and top, fabricated by Tappezzeria Luppi in Modena.

The car was exported to Switzerland in 1988 and into the care of its next owner, Peter Von Muralt. It remained with Muralt for the next decade, before ownership was transferred to another Swiss collector in 1998. In 2004, the car was sent to the United States, where it has remained since. Prior to its arrival in the US, a new black interior, dashboard and matching soft top were fabricated and installed.

In 2008, this Ferrari 365 GTS was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California and was estimated to sell for $1,000,000 - $1,300,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for the sum of $1,265,000, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 12489

The 19th of 20 cars built. It was originally delivered new to Auto Becker in Germany. This car went through a total restoration in Switzerland in 1992. The present caretaker purchased it seven years ago and has worked hard on making it the best 365 GTS possible. It has won many various awards including the Stan Nowak Award for Outstanding GT Ferrari at Concorso Italiano in 2002. This car has traveled 2000 kilometers since its restoration.

Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 12455

The 365 GTS replaced the 330 GTS. It was produced only in the 1969 model year, and was considered technologically advanced at the time. Features included a 4.4-liter V12 engine that was first seen in the limited-production Ferrari 365 California. The V-12 produced 320 horsepower aided by a triple Weber carburetor setup. The engine output of the 365 GTS was a 20 horsepower increase over the 330 GTS. The 365 GTS was also given a five-speed manual transmission and an independent rear suspension.

This car is the 11th of twenty produced. The current owner and his brother have vehicles with consecutive serial numbers. It was subjected to a three year restoration.

Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 12163
Engine number: 245C-A1450

The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso ceased production in 1964 leaving a void in the company's lineup that would not be addressed until the introduction of the 330 GTC and its open-bodied sibling, the GTS. By early 1966, production models included the 330 GT 2+2, the 500 Superfast, and the 275 GTB. The 330 GTC was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1966 and in late 1968, the 330 GTC and GTS were upgraded with a single overhead-cam motor now displacing 4,390 cc, and developing 320 horsepower. Minor cosmetic changes visually differentiated the two models. The new 365 cars had engine-cooling vents on the hood rather than the fenders, and a modified interior HVAC vent arrangement.

Ferrari built 150 coupes and 20 spiders of the 365 model before it was discontinued entirely in 1970.

This particular example was completed by the factory in December of 1968. It was the first of the 20 production 365 GTSs completed, and the only example finish in 'Avorio The Tetrarch' with black interior, as well as the only one with script Pinin Farina logos.

This car was imported to Belgium by Garage Francorchamps SA of Brussels in 1969. It was exhibited on their stand at the Brussels Motor Show from January 15th to the 26th. It was then sold to its original owner, Jean Leveke of Oostend.

During this era, the car received a front overrider bar to comply with Belgian motor vehicle safety requirements.

In 1975, the car was sold to a Swiss banker, then in 1984 to Dietmar Völker, a German resident of Geneva, who had it refinished in red with a black interior, and drove it on Swiss dealer plates 'GE 1406-U.' Later that year, he advertised it for sale with 68,000 km, before selling it in 1986 to Jean-Claude Caveng. In December of 1998, it was sold to Pierre Ehret of Starnberg, Germany. In 2001 it was acquired by Dr. Wolf Zweifler of Munich.

After a handful of short-term owners, it came into the care of its present owner, who has owned it for more than a decade. Since then, it has been given a comprehensive photo-documented restoration over 16 months and at a cost of $500,000. It was finished in its original Brussels Motor Show color scheme, Avorio over a Nero interior, with a rare factory hardtop, correct Campagnolo alloy wheels, original sun visors, and a correct tool roll, jack, and spare.

The original engine had been damaged, warranting a replacement. It has been fitted with a correct 320 horsepower 365 GTS engine built by the Ferrari Classiche workshops in Maranello. Aside from the factory replacement engine, the rest of the drivetrain components are original.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 12253
Engine number: 12253

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 Dan Vaughan

The 365 Series was introduced in the late 1960's and stayed in production until the early 1970's. The 365's were often powered by a Columbo SOHC 4390 cc V-12 engine with three Weber carburetors capable of producing around 300 horsepower. The front and rear suspension for most of the series was independent with double wishbones and coil springs. The 365 GT4 2+2 had an independent with transverse parallelograms and coil springs suspension. The 365 California had a live axle with coil springs rear suspension. The chassis was an oval tube ladder-type frame layout.

Disc brakes were standard on all the vehicles, as was the five-speed manual gearbox. Many of the series received standard options such as power steering and air conditioning, uncommon at the time. When most manufacturers such as Lamborghini and DeTomaso were creating vehicles with mid-engined design, Ferrari continued to use their tried-and-true front-engined, rear-wheel design.

In 1967 Ferrari dominated the Daytona 24 Hours race with a first, second, and third-place finish. At the 1968 Paris Auto Show, the public and press were expecting Ferrari's new Berlinetta to be dubbed 'Daytona'. They were proven wrong when Ferrari dubbed the vehicle the 365 GTB/4, however, the name Daytona is a common reference to the vehicle even to this day. Ferrari had intended on using 'Daytona' but it was revealed prematurely so the traditional Ferrari naming sequence was used.

During its production lifespan lasting from 1968 through 1974, 1383 examples of the Pininfarina designed 365 GTB/4 Daytona vehicles were created.

The famous coachbuilder Pininfarina was tasked with creating many of the designs for the 365 Series. The designs were not new, rather they borrowed many of the styling cues of the prior 330 GTC and 275 GTS models. The headlights were courtesy of the 500 Superfast. The result was a visually stunning automobile with proven Ferrari mechanics and performance.

GT represented Gran Turismo. GTB represented Berlinetta or coupe. GTS stood for open models which were either a Targa roof or a full convertible. '4' represented four-cam engines. 'C' represented 'Competizione' or 'Corsa' meaning 'to race'.

365 California

In 1966 Ferrari introduced the 365 California at the Geneva Auto Show as a replacement for the Ferrari 500 Superfast. The famous coachbuilder, Pininfarina, had been tasked with creating the body for the vehicle. The result was a two-door, two-seat, convertible. The 365 borrowed many of the mechanics of its predecessor including the five-speed manual gearbox, chassis, and suspension. The front of the vehicle was similar in design to the 500 with the remaining portions all new. With a top speed of 240 km/h, it was the fastest convertible in the world at the time. Disc brakes provided excellent stopping power for the 1300 kg vehicle. Production continued for only a year with a total of fourteen examples being created.

365 GT2+2

In 1967 Ferrari introduced the 365 GT2+2, only its second production four-seater vehicle. The vehicle would stay in production until 1971 during which around 800 examples being created.

The rear passengers had limited headroom but there was sufficient legroom for most passengers. The purpose of the vehicle was to provided performance and comfort. As a result, the vehicle was outfitted with electric windows, leather interior, power-assisted brakes, full carpeting, and optional air conditioning.

365 GTC

Near the close of 1968, Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC which stayed in production until 1970. During the production lifespan, 168 examples were produced. The 365 GTC was basically a 330 GTC with a SOHC 4390 cc V-12 engine. Visually, the vehicle was very similar to its predecessor except for the air vents in the front wings had been removed. In their place were black vents placed in the back corners of the hood.

365 GTS

The 365 GTS was a replacement for the 330 GTS. It featured a 4390 cc SOHC engine and had its cooling vents removed in favor of vents in the hood. Only twenty examples were created.

365 GTC/4

In 1971 Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC/4 as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2. It sat atop a Daytona chassis and given an independent suspension. The same Daytona ventilated disc brakes were used. The gearbox was mounted in the front and the engine was the 4390 cc V12 but with six side draught Weber carburetors and wet-sump lubrication resulting in 340 horsepower.

The design was once again handled by Pininfarina. The two-door, 2+2 coupe had pop-up headlights and five-spoke alloy wheels. During its production lifespan lasting until 1972, around 500 examples were produced. Strict American safety and emission regulations were partly responsible for the demise of the GTC/4.

365 GT4 2+2

The 365 GT4 2+2 was debuted to the public at the 1972 Paris Auto Show as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2 and the 365 GTC/4. It sat atop an enlarged 365 GTC/4 chassis and given the same mechanics. The larger chassis meant more interior room for the passengers, especially the rear passengers, and their luggage. The styling was once again assigned to Pininfarina. The design was different from the prior 365 models.

During its production lifespan lasting until 1976, 524 examples were created.

365 GT4 BB

The 365 GT4 BB, meaning Berlinetta Boxer, was introduced to the public at the 1971 Turin Auto Show. Its styling was similar to the P6 show car built in 1968. The engine was a flat-12 cylinder power-plant mounted longitudinally. The gearbox was mounted under the engine. This was a great design but ultimately created an unbalanced weight distribution with most of the weight over the rear axle. The weight distribution problem and the fact that the engine was mounted high in the vehicle resulted in a car that had poor handling and never achieved successful racing status.

The 365 GT4 BB was replaced by the 512 BB in 1976. The 512 BB was similar in design but featured a five-liter engine.

by Dan Vaughan