1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

One of the rarest Ferrari models ever produced, particularly in right-hand drive, the 365 GTC/4 was developed to meet the ever-growing demand among Ferrari"s clientele for high-performance grand tourers, with space for four passengers. It was introduced in March 1971 to replace the 365 GTC, which had been phased out two years earlier. Enveloped in a sinuous and streamlined shape, which had clearly evolved in Pininfarina"s new wind tunnel, which came into operation at the time the car was being developed. It was evident that Ferrari intended this to be a much swifter alternative to other 2+2 grand tourers on the market at the times such as the Aston Martin DB6 Vantage and Lamborghini Espada.

Its engine was based on the Daytona"s 4.4-litre dual-overhead-cam V12, but the major difference was that the car used side-draft carburation, which allowed for a lower bonnet line. The chassis of the 365 GTC/4 was essentially that of a GTB Daytona, albeit stretched an additional 100 millimetres for extra cabin room. The bodywork panels were unique to the GTC/4 and were not shared with other models in the range. Around 500 examples were built over an eighteen-month period and, according to online sources, some 41 365 GTC/4s were produced in right-hand drive, with only 31 of those being destined for British shores.

First registered to Mann & Co. of Weybridge on 13th July 1972, this car passed to a Michael Leighton Esq. of Shropshire on the 15th February 1974, and he, in turn, sold it to Albion Advertising Limited of Lichfield in September 1975. The car was to be enjoyed by the next owner, Donald Keith Moon Esq. of Eaton Terrace, London for the next twenty-two years. From 1976, he entrusted its care to the late John Etheridge Esq. of J.R. Etheridge Ltd., Watford, who had established his highly-regarded business after being a member of the Ford Advanced Vehicles GT40 team at Le Mans during the 1960s. There are numerous copy invoices supplied by J.R. Etheridge Ltd, during Mr. Moon"s ownership, and one of note details a replacement speedometer at 49,600 miles and, as the car has travelled some 13,000 miles since, the total mileage equates to 62,600 miles.

Our vendor bought the car from J.R. Etheridge Ltd. on the 18th September 1998, and embarked on a substantial restoration, with the car being returned to bare metal and most mechanical components replaced or refurbished. This consignor has rarely seen such a hefty sheaf of Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. receipts. The considerable number of photographs of the restoration on file are evidence of this colossal task. From 1998 to 2008 this labour of love would also include an engine rebuild, an overhaul of the brakes, suspension, heating, electrics, interior and a myriad of others, with the engine rebuild carried out by Griffin Sportscars of Loughborough.

In the summer of 2008, our vendor"s hard work was acknowledged by the Ferrari Owner's Club-Northern Branch with the award of their 'Concours Cup'. The car's selection for this prestigious award was not only due to the high quality of the work carried out but also an acknowledgment of the efforts of our vendor to maintain the period accuracy of the car's presentation. These included a period correct re-colour to dark blue from the factory Argento Silver, with the interior re-trimmed in Cuoio Tan leather, as close to Ferrari VM3218 as possible. It must be agreed that this colour scheme complements the flowing lines of the GTC/4 perfectly.

Matching engine and gearbox numbers are confirmed by the car's Ferrari Heritage Certificate, and the car is accompanied by a superb history file that includes 21 MOTs from 1977, extensive receipts, copy invoices from 1978 to 2007, factory tool kit, tool roll and even a period correct Ferrari key ring. To this consignor's eye, the Cromodora wheels require some detailing and the rear boot lid underside repair may need slight attention to satisfy any future Concours' judges.

Said to be far easier to drive than the GTB Daytona, this GTC/4 offers a near fifty percent saving at current retail prices and is a considerably rarer alternative.