Launched in 1968 as the successor to the 330 GTC, the 365 GTC represented the final chapter in Ferrari’s lineage of curvaceous, front-engined V-12 grand tourers—before the advent of the bold angular designs that would come to define the marque’s style in the 1970s. Visually similar to its predecessor, the 365 GTC featured subtle refinements including the fitment of bonnet-mounted cooling vents in place of the earlier car’s front wing slats. Only 150 were built over a short production run, including 22 units made in right-hand drive.

Where it truly counted was beneath the long, elegant bonnet, where the Colombo-designed V-12 was enlarged to 4.4 litres and now produced 320 brake horsepower—an increase from the previous 300. There was also a welcome boost in mid-range torque, and the five-speed rear-mounted transaxle gearbox ensured near-perfect weight distribution, contributing to exceptional poise and drivability. Capable of continent-crossing pace and a composed cruise, the 365 GTC is often considered among Ferrari’s finest grand tourers—endorsed in-period by 1961 Formula 1 World Champion Phil Hill and 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans victor Paul Frére.

Chassis 12601, offered here, was ordered new by a Mr Geoffrey Pilkington of Yorkshire and sourced by the Egham-based Maranello Concessionaires, Ferrari’s UK importer. Specified as a rare right-hand-drive example, the 365 GTC was finished by the factory in Oro Nashrullah over Nera leather, though the car was returned to Pininfarina before delivery at the owner’s request for the interior to be retrimmed in Pelle Beige. The Ferrari invoice also notes an unusual detail for the time: the car was delivered via air freight—believed to be due to the delay caused by the bespoke interior change.

Delivered by Maranello Concessionaires in July 1969, it was part-exchanged against a Mercedes-Benz 250 SL. Documentation in the history file includes correspondence between the car’s first owner and Maranello, as well as the original sales invoice—which itemises the fitment of a Radiomobile stereo and twin speakers. It is noted that the first owner even arranged for his own mechanic to be trained by Ferrari technicians to maintain the car, a sign of his enthusiasm and attention to detail.

The car was later exported to Australia, understood to have been shipped in the 1980s. There, it is noted to have been restored, after which it was acquired by a passionate collector who also owned a 275 GTB/4 and 1951 Ferrari 195 Inter Coupé by Ghia-Aigle. During its time in the country, it was regularly maintained by Sports and Classic Car Services.

Returning to the United Kingdom in 2012, the Ferrari has been cared for since by respected Ferrari specialists including DK Engineering and GTO Engineering. Crucially, in May 2019, this 365 GTC was also awarded Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming its matching-numbers engine. The car is accompanied by its important Classiche “Red Book”. The car was most recently serviced by GTO Engineering in June 2024, where it was the subject of a major service that included the replacement of the engine oil and filter, spark plugs, transaxle oil, and the points and condensers, as well as other works totalling £5,232.

This UK-supplied 365 GTC represents the pinnacle of discreet 1960s Ferrari grand touring elegance. With its well-documented provenance, period correspondence, bespoke specification, and Classiche certification, this impressive vehicle offers an exceptional opportunity for collectors who appreciate originality, craftsmanship, and driveability. Highly sought after by marque specialists and Ferrari enthusiasts alike, the 365 GTC is a connoisseur’s choice—sophisticated, rare, and undoubtedly immensely satisfying to drive.