The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is a rather obscure Ferrari, even though it rides on the same chassis as one of the most famous cars to ever wear the Prancing Horse badge: the Daytona. The 365 GTC/4 added a pair of rear seats and its 4.4 liter V12 was a bit detuned. Also, this car would have a front mounted gearbox in lieu of the rear-mounted transaxle of the Daytona. These would be the last front-engined, V12 Ferraris sold in the US until the arrival of the 456GT in the early 1990s. This 356 GTC/4 for sale in California is not a concours example but one you wouldn't be shy to drive and enjoy on a regular basis.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
s/n 15657
Red with Tan Leather

When introduced, the 365 GTC/4 was Ferrari’s absolute top of the line executive model. With a comfortable, relaxed seating position, functional air conditioning, and power steering, the 365 GTC/4 achieves a pleasant balance between a thoroughbred sports car and a luxury grand touring car, and is considerably less exhausting to drive than the 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” produced during the same period. The 365 GTC/4 is by far the most sought after of the luxury touring models of the era, and has enjoyed considerable appreciation over recent years.

This example, s/n 15657, was built for the US market and appears to have remained in North America all its life. Fantasy Junction had the opportunity to handle the sale of the car in 2003, at which time the odometer showed just 60,634 miles. Records on file, which date back to 1977, confirm this mileage as correct from new, and outline regular upkeep including the replacement of the clutch and all four shocks at 57,000 miles, rebuild of the brake calipers at 56,000 miles, rebuilding of all six carburetors at 55,000 miles, removal and resealing of the differential and transmission at approximately 50,000 miles, replacement of many of the coolant hoses at 46,000 miles, and major service by the Ferrari dealer in Walnut Creek, California at 42,000 miles. Generally speaking, the balance of this work was performed by Waterfront Automobilii Inc, a known Ferrari authority in Northern California. After a period of careful, dry storage, Fantasy Junction oversaw the re-commissioning of the brake system as necessary, as well as tuning of the engine carburetor and ignition systems. Mechanical work was performed by Dino Motors in San Mateo, California, with further detail work in the form of color sanding and polishing performed by Classic Auto Body in Berkeley, California. The car has seen just three ownership changes since 1977, and has remained in California for nearly all its life.

This is a nice driver example. Refinished in a shade of red reminiscent of “Rosso Dino”, the car shows well. Upon critical inspection, it is possible to note slight shade differences in the paint, and other very minor flaws. The body lies are straight and the panel match excellent at all seams. This example has had the front and rear bumpers painted body color, as their black rubber appearance was often criticized on the GTC/4. The window glass and trim is all in very good order. The car sits on Cromodora wheels with Michelin XWX tires.

The interior is very good, and appears to be very original. The seats, door panels, and correct “mousehair” dash material is all in very good order and makes an honest presentation. The headliner is spotless. The carpets may also be original, and while they show some minor discoloration in the footwells, are generally very nice. This 365 GTC/4 is fitted with a black anodized Nardi wheel, but retains its original Becker Mexico cassette player and factory switchgear and gauges. Even the clock works!

The engine bay is in keeping with nice driver standards in terms of its cosmetic presentation, but is largely correct in equipment and finishes. The battery hold down, and window washer bag is present, and the correct surfaces are crackle finished. The often troublesome “Dinoplex” electronic ignition boxes have been updated with more modern units for reliability. The trunk appears to be completely original, and still wears its factory black carpet. The underside is straight, and solid, and has received a recent major detail, but remains representative of a nice driver.
s/n 15657 starts easily, runs with good power, minimal smoke, and displays that wonderful exhaust note that 365 GTC/4s are known for. The brakes work well, and the transmission, clutch, and driveline are all in good operating order. As a US market car, this example was fitted at the factory with A/C, which blows, but not particularly cold.

With the car comes the manual pack with leather pouch, tool kit, jack with bag, and matching spare wheel. Many enthusiasts who have owned both 365 GTC/4s and 365 GTB/4 “Daytonas” prefer the drivability aspects of the C4, and tend to use them more. At well under half the cost of a comparable Daytona, the 365 GTC/4 is excellent value in the front-engined V12 Ferrari world, and are likely to continue to be a fantastic investment as the values for other similar front engine V12 Ferrari’s sky rocket.

Since the 365 GTC/4 is one of the less popular Ferraris, it represents one of the least expensive ways into a vintage V12 Ferrari. Prices for these cars can range from $80,000 to around $130,000 at the top end. I'd suspect this car might wind up somewhere just shy of six figures, as it is a driver quality vehicle with an honest level of patina.

-Paul