Unjustly overshadowed by the great 365 GTB/4 Daytona, which was produced concurrently, the 365 GTC/4 was seen as a softer alternative and as a result remained a largely underestimated Ferrari for many years. It shared the Daytona's 4,390 cc, four cam V12 engine, breathing through six Weber carburetors, albeit slightly detuned to produce 320 bhp at 6,200 rpm and a lusty 318 lb.ft at 4,000 rpm. Allied to a five-speed gearbox, the 365 GTC/4 still offered considerable performance with a 163 mph top speed and 0-60 mph acceleration in just 6.5 seconds. Roadholding and handling were also of a high order, with self-leveling rear dampers and well-weighted power assisted steering, while brakes were powerful discs front and rear. Production ended in Autumn 1972 after only 500 365 GTC/4s had been built, and as a consequence these once long overlooked grand tourers have become increasingly sought after.
Chassis number 15553 is one of just 32 right-hand drive examples built and was delivered new to Great Britain through Maranello Concessionaires Ltd.
The current lady owner purchased the car from its first owner in 1974, to replace an Aston Martin DB1 bought new in 1950! Until a couple of years ago the Ferrari was used on an almost every day basis. It has always been maintained fastidiously by Maranello Concessionaires; this is substantiated by a large file of invoices adding up to over $150,000!
In 1992 the chassis was renovated as necessary at a cost of over $38,000. The most recent full service was carried out in May this year, and the bill for $3,450 includes the replacement of all four exhaust manifolds. The car is in extremely good and very original order throughout. On a recent test drive it performed very well, with a 'tight' feel that only a well cared for, original car can display.
Coachwork is finished in metallic light green, while the interior is in beige leather with a green suede insert to the seats.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | Ferrari 365 GTC/4 |
S/N 15553 was offered at the Coys October 20, 1994 Auction and sold for $41,250 plus 10% buyers premium.
Despite Coys claiming above that the C4 is becoming “increasingly sought after,” sales evidence and market value point to the contrary.
The C4s have fallen into the same “loved only by diehards” category as their 2+2 brethren, which include the 250 GTE, the 400i and the Mondial.
While this is a “true” Ferrari, with its requisite front-placed V12, it will never have the panache or appeal of the Daytona.
Additionally, the horizontally mounted carburetors guarantee a labor bill that will come close to your second mortgage when it comes time to have the Webers rebuilt.
While advertised prices for C4s are all over the map, real money seems to hover in the $50,000 to $75,000 range, with superb cars having the best chance of selling. As with all collector cars, ratty, disheveled C4s are nearly unsellable, as the costs of a mechanical or cosmetic restoration may outweigh the market value of the car. – ED.