1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4

1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Sold for $275,000 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2013
Chassis no. 14455
Engine no. 14455


340 hp, 4,390 cc DOHC V-12 engine with six Weber carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension with double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar, and telescopic dampers, and four-wheel disc brakes with power assist. Wheelbase: 98.4 in.

•The seventh of only 500 produced
•Documented matching-numbers example
•Factory air conditioning and desirable Borrani wire wheels
•Complete restoration in 2000
•Ferrari Classiche certified


First shown at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the 365 GTC/4 was a grand touring car in the classic Ferrari tradition. Pininfarina created a two-seater coupe with two occasional seats in the rear. Enveloped in a sinuous and streamlined shape, it was clearly developed in the stylist's new wind tunnel, which came into operation at the time the car was being developed. Rear seats fold down in the interest of additional storage. Most notable about the exterior styling was the radiator grille, which was encircled by a broad ring that doubled as a bumper placed at the extremity of the car's long and tapered nose. Within the nose were the hidden headlights, and on the hood, two rectangular air intakes were added to aid in the cooling of the hand-built, 340-horsepower, 4.4-liter V-12 engine.

Despite being the same engine capacity as its Daytona predecessor, the engine was an entirely different unit, designed to accommodate the dramatically lower hood line. A new cylinder head was employed, which put the intake manifolds between the inlet and exhaust camshafts on each bank, and the six Weber carburetors were now side-drafts. Wet-sump lubrication was used, as opposed to the dry-sump method used on the Daytona. Power steering and brakes, along with a hydro-pneumatic self-leveling device on the rear suspension, were also included.

Road & Track described the 356 GTC/4 as "a fine car for a cross country trip in any weather. Every new Ferrari model brings some noteworthy advance over previous ones. The GTC/4's is mechanical refinement. Less mechanical thrash comes through from the engine room than in any previous Ferrari, and the controls are smoother and lighter than ever, making the car deliciously easy to drive well."

Chassis number 14455, a European example, was the seventh of 500 examples produced between the spring of 1971 and autumn of 1972, and it is one of 465 left-hand drive models. It was originally delivered to Ferrari dealer Parauto, of Geneva, and sold to a Mr. Bianchi, of Imperia, Italy. The second owner, Mr. Armin Johl of Germany, purchased this GTC/4 in August 1988. At the time, it was registered on Swiss license plates 'SG 3228' in the canton of St. Gallen.

It had been driven just 35,000 kilometers from new when it was subjected to a complete restoration by Ferrari of Ontario from 1996--2000. Over $200,000 CAD was spent, and the documentation remains on file to support the meticulous work performed. In 2003, chassis 14455 was purchased by Bert Wietzes, the brother of the 1981 Trans-Am champion Eppie Wiestzes. Most recently, in February of this year, the car was comprehensively and completely serviced by Massimo Conti (former Ferrari chief mechanic for Michael Schumacher), to ensure correctness and preserve pedigree.

This exceptional Ferrari Classiche certified 365 GTC/4 is fitted with iconic Borrani wire wheels, and, according to the owner, its glass and brightwork shows to near new condition, as do all gauges and instrumentation. The leather interior is in excellent condition, as is the correct mouse-hair dash. It also includes factory air conditioning, making the car a joy to drive on summer days. The owner states that all body and panel fit and finish remain exquisite. A proper exhaust system is fitted, and the car is fully sorted and detailed. A recent service and detailing has been performed to ensure that the car drives as good as it looks.

Robert Myrick Photography