This 1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4, the 51st assembled by Maranello, has a truly fascinating story. According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, chassis 14633 was delivered new in February 1972 to dealer Elie Ayache, official Ferrari representative in Beirut, Lebanon. The Ferrari is believed to have then been delivered to a member of the Saudi royal family. Furthermore, it is said to have been involved in an accident while one of the princes was behind the wheel. As the story goes, the GTC/4 was then abandoned in the median of the highway, reportedly with the keys still in the ignition, as the prince simply got into another car in his motorcade and continued with his travels.

Swiftly taken to a junkyard in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Ferrari was discovered sometime later by a Scottish businessman. In a frustrating exchange, familiar in tone if not in detail to countless enthusiasts, the junkyard’s owner refused to sell the car because it was technically still owned by the royal family. Eventually, some two years after initially discovering the car, the Scottish gentleman was able to purchase the car and soon commissioned a complete restoration by Ferrari. Maranello agreed, with the caveat that the car must be restored to its original color combination, Marrone Colorado over Nero Cogolo.

In another story so familiar to enthusiasts, the cost of restoration quickly exceeded the financial means of the gentleman. He made a deal with Maranello to restore the car over time, with work to be conducted as funds were available. With the work nearing completion, the Italian export papers expired, forcing the car’s owner to find alternative storage. Eventually the Ferrari was exported to Paris for short term storage before being brought home to Scotland. Some years later, 14633 was purchased by an English gentleman who changed the car to the livery seen here today, classic Rosso Corsa over tan. Finally, in 2008, it made its way to Las Vegas where it was offered for sale, passing through the hands of another collector before finding its home with the consignor.

Despite all its adventures, the GTC/4 remains in excellent condition. The older paint still presents beautifully, as does the classic tan leather interior. Fitted with air conditioning, power windows, and power seats, the Ferrari was a fixture at Ferrari club events around the Los Angeles area and is sure to make a splash at any FCA or Cars & Coffee wherever its next journey may take it.