By early 1966, Ferrari had several models in production, including the family oriented 330 GT 2+2, the premium appointed 500 Superfast, and the dual-purpose 275 GTB. None of these models, however, offered anything quite resembling the unique combination of luxury, performance, and styling possessed by the 250 GT Lusso, which ceased production in 1964. At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966, Ferrari finally addressed this shortcoming with the debut of a new two-seat grand tourer steeped in luxury. The 330 GTC, and its open-bodied GTS sibling, were tremendously popular with more restrained sporting customers, offering elegant aesthetics and classic Ferrari performance.

Late in 1968, the 330 GTC and GTS were quietly upgraded to more formidable engine specifications, with the single overhead-cam motor now displacing 4,390 cc, and developing 320-hp and a formidable 267 foot-pounds of torque. In this new arrangement, the engine delivered a notably wider power band, with significant torque arriving as low as 2,500 rpm.

Minor cosmetic changes visually differentiated the two models, with the new 365 cars featuring engine-cooling vents on the hood rather than the fenders, and a modified interior HVAC vent arrangement. The 365 was also produced in a much smaller quantity, with only 150 coupes and 20 spiders built before the model was discontinued entirely in 1970. Now viewed as the ultimate factory hot rod of the 330 GT platform, the 365 GTC and corresponding spiders combined rarity, exquisite design, and the most powerful single overhead-cam motor ever used on a Ferrari road car.

THE BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW 365 GTS

Completed by the factory in December 1968, chassis number 12163 was the first of the 20 production 365 GTSs completed, and the only example finished in “Avorio The Tetrarch” with black interior, as well as the only one with script Pinin Farina logos. It was imported to Belgium by the renowned Garage Francorchamps SA of Brussels the following year, and was exhibited on their stand at the Brussels Motor Show from 15 to 26 January. Afterwards it was sold to its original owner, fish dealer Jean Leveke of Oostend, a longtime and well-established Garage Francorchamps client who over his lifetime would own some 20 different Ferraris. A front overrider bar was installed in this era, to comply with Belgian motor vehicle safety requirements, and remains in place to this day.

The 365 GTS was resold in 1975 to a Swiss banker, then in 1984 to Dietmar Völker, a German resident of Geneva, who had it refinished in red with a black interior, and drove it on Swiss dealer plates ‘GE 1406-U.’ He subsequently advertised it for sale later that year, with 68,000 km, before selling it in 1986 to Jean-Claude Caveng.

The car would remain in the Caveng family for a dozen years before finding its next owner, Pierre Ehret of Starnberg, Germany, in December 1998. It was then acquired in 2001 by Dr. Wolf Zweifler of Munich, and after a handful of short-term ownerships was added to the collection of the present owner, who has maintained it now for well over a decade.

In this ownership the car has received a comprehensive photo-documented restoration by Joe Leweck of Bayberry Vintage Autos over 16 months and at a cost of $500,000, in the enthralling original Brussels Motor Show color scheme, Avorio over a Nero interior, with a rare factory hardtop, correct Campagnolo alloy wheels, virtually irreplaceable original sun visors, and a correct tool roll, jack, and spare. The original engine having been damaged, warranting a replacement, it has also been outfitted with a correct 320 hp 365 GTS engine built by the Ferrari Classiche workshops in Maranello; the consignor notes that all drivetrain components are original aside from the factory replacement engine.

Accompanying the car are an extensive variety of original documents and supplements, including the original owner’s manual in the original leather pouch; an original factory parts/repair manual; a complete original tool roll, with all original tools, as well as jack and accessories; an original period-correct Ferrari key ring with original keys; correspondence with Jacques Swaters relating to this car; factory build sheets and ownership history provided by Marcel Massini; and even the patinaed original interior.

Surely the finest 365 GTS available today, this very special automobile boasts an impressive restoration, exceedingly correct original specifications, and all of the best equipment. It is a car for which no excuses need be made.