THE FERRARI 365 GTC

Replacing the already potent 330 GTC in late 1968, the Ferrari 365 GTC offered increased displacement over its predecessor, with the overhead-cam V-12 engine now displacing 4,390 cubic centimeters and with 320 brake horsepower on tap. Furthermore, the 365 also benefited from the gearbox being integrated with the differential, which gave the car 50/50 weight distribution. Finally, this would be the first roadgoing Ferrari to feature a fully independent suspension.

Autocar magazine’s May 1969 issue quoted a 0–60 mph time of 6.3 seconds, leading to a quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 90 mph with a top speed of 151 mph—performance figures that were very impressive at the time and still more than capable of dispatching the majority of cars on the road today.

CHASSIS NUMBER 11823: THE FIRST 365 GTC

Chassis number 11823, offered here, was the very first 365 GTC built, completed on 26 July 1968 in Argento over Nero Franzi leather interior with factory air conditioning. Noted Ferrari historian Marcel Massini records that the car was kept through the end of 1968 at the factory, where it was utilized for tests as well as for the official Carrozzeria Pininfarina photographs of the model, shown in Le Ferrari di Pininfarina by Angelo Tito Anselmi.

In January 1969 it was at last released and dealt by the famed Roman official dealer Allegretti to local resident Vincenzo Gambino. Gambino occasionally had the car serviced and maintained in his ownership at the factory Assistenza Clienti in Modena. In December 1971, the car passed to its second owner, Angelo Pardo of Catania, then in 1973 to TE.CO. Srl, a telephone construction company in Aprilia. It passed in early 1974 to fourth owner Bruno Rossi, then in 1977 to fifth owner Guido Sanzo of Rome, who appears to have been its last Italian owner.

The car was exported to the United States in 1982, and the following year advertised in the Los Angeles Times. Within several years it was in the ownership of Borrani America president Richard W. Goodwin, then changed hands several times over the next two decades eventually finding its way into the hands of the present owner in the Pacific Northwest.

According to information in the file, between 1989 and 1990 car underwent a meticulous full restoration by the noted Motion Products, Inc., of Neenah, Wisconsin, while in the ownership of respected Ferrari collector Tom Price. Subsequently it was owned by well-known vintage racer Edie Arrowsmith and Google CEO, Eric Schmidt. In its fit and finishes it remains in spectacular condition throughout, with the body and interior now finished in a rich combination of Nero over Rosso interior. The car is believed to been fitted earlier in life with a restamped engine; this was likely sourced from a 365 GT 2+2 and is similar to the original, correct specification. It is accompanied by a tool roll.

A lovely example of a highly significant modern Ferrari model, this car stands among the most significant of its ilk—the first 365 GTC produced, and now, in its superb condition, first as well.