1973 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Coupé - Coachwork by Pininfarina

Please note - During pre-sale investigation with Ferrari specialists, despite fitting of a new thermos switch, radiator flush and more the car does still run hot and will require further investigation

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. The chassis of the 365 GTC/4 was essentially that of the 365 GTB Daytona, albeit stretched an additional 100mm for extra cabin room and Pininfarina's newly introduced wind tunnel obviously played a part in the car's sinuous and streamlined shape with no panels shared with other models in the range. The bodywork was steel with aluminium doors and motivation was courtesy of the Daytona's 4.4-litre DOHC V12, slightly softened to produce 340bhp, and fuelled by side-draft, twin-choke Webers allowing a lower bonnet line. Weight distribution was almost perfect at 51:49 thanks to the 5-speed gearbox and alloy bell-housing being set well back in the chassis. Around 500 examples were built over an 18 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.

Amongst the many invoices, MOTs etc. contained in this car’s fascinating history file is a letter from Ferrari dated 20th January 1972 to Maranello Concessionaires confirming Order Number 562 'One Ferrari 365/GTC.4 Coupé. PF. RHD, complete with five alloy wheels and tyres and one toolkit'. It confirms that the car was to be finished in Marrone Colorado (2.443.221) and trimmed in beige hide (VM 3218) with beige carpets. The options from new were listed as 'Air conditioning and Voxson 'Sonar' Radio with an electric antenna'.

It’s first owner was a Mr Billy Skelly of Skelly’s of Motherwell who apparently was 'particularly small' and required a 'wooden steering wheel' (presumably wood-rim) that suited his stature. There are various items of correspondence between Maranello Concessionaires and Ferrari until the matter was resolved. The original order is in the file as is the invoice (20th June 1972) showing a purchase price of £8,250 less a discount of £1,292.25, which seems substantial. However, after purchase tax etc., Mr Skelly paid a total of £8,700 for his brand new 365 GTC/4. Further correspondence in the file includes an invoice from Hexagon of Highgate for warranty work including a new clutch on 21st August 1973 with a mileage of 10,176, a letter and invoice from Mark Konig (14th February 1974) to Sydney Haynes for £6,125 (the car's second owner), a number of invoices over the years for maintenance etc. to a Mr Louis Cassoni of Lancaster Mews up until 1989, and various MOTs, the most recent being on 26th May 1989 with a stated mileage of 55,987.

We believe that it was around this time that #15991 was put into long-term storage where it remained until recently and understand that the previous owner, Mr Cassoni, commenced a stalled recommissioning of the car with specialists back in 2022 but not a great deal was achieved before its purchase by our vendor. However, it has since been subject to further works by leading marque specialists, Foskers, including a tidy-up of the exhaust system, the carburettors 'sonic-cleaned', rebalanced and tuned, substantial work to the brakes (all flexible brake hoses, new pads), cooling system (hoses, clamps, fans), self-levelling shock absorbers rebuilt, air-con belts, various suspension components have been re-bushed and painted etc., new fuel pumps, four new tyres and much more. The invoice for this work is in the car’s history file and totals £17,719.

Not surprisingly, the original 1972 radio was replaced by a more modern example but it does have its original toolkit, jack kit, handbooks and even the original warranty card, very rare in a car of this era.

According to our vendor 'A considerable amount of work has already been carried out, the car drives, runs and stops with new tyres etc. It idles nicely and the gauges work etc. but it will require further recommissioning to restore it to its former glory'.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire and enjoy an incredibly rare 1970s classic Ferrari and to bring it back to its absolute best might just be a mission worthy of investment.