Rare Rides: A Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Spider From 1972

The original and well-known Ferrari 365 was a V12 grand tourer in production from 1966 to 1971. Its primary successor — the 365 GTB/4 (Daytona) also made a name for itself in short order.

Sitting in relative obscurity, however, was the Daytona’s ignored cousin, the 365 GTC/4.

The Daytona entered production in 1968 and was built on a much larger scale than the old 365. It also served as replacement for the outgoing 275 GTB/4. Ferrari hired Pininfarina to design the Daytona, turning to them once again for the new GTC model, circa 1970.

Based on the same chassis as the Daytona, the GTC was meant to be more practical with its 2+2 seating configuration. A bit less sexy than the Daytona, the GTC still carried some of the same sharp angles and styling cues. It used the same 4.4-liter V12 and five-speed manual transmission as Daytona, though the engine was detuned to 335 horsepower. The power loss was not without benefit: The GTC’s engine used side-draft carbs, which allowed for a lower hood line. Other differences over Daytona aimed to increase driving comfort, and included softer springs and power steering.

Interior accommodation was a highlight of the comfort-oriented GTC, with standard power windows and air conditioning. The basic upholstery offered was an unusual (for Ferrari) plaid fabric and leather mix, though full leather was optional. Wire wheels were also an upcharge.

For US-market examples, regulation meant additional changes over the European version: Side markers, three-point belts, and engine mods to satisfy emissions standards. The evap controls and revised exhaust sapped power a bit, resulting in 320 horsepower within the States.

Produced in 1971 and 1972 only, the GTC/4 was very short-lived. A total of 505 were made, all of them coupes. Today’s Rare Ride falls into a different category of rareness, as it was one of four converted when new by Ferrari dealer Claudio Zampolli. Mr. Z later founded supercar manufacturer Cizeta.

This Spider’s freshly restored inside and out and glimmers in black over black. With 10,000 miles on the odometer, the price is by request.

[Images: seller]