1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 by Pininfarina
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$350,000 - $400,000 USD | Not Sold
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- Believed to have been retained by Bill Harrah and tested by Road & Track magazine
- Restored by marque experts in Germany in 2012
- Recent major service; ready to drive and enjoy
- Fitted with its original engine
320 bhp, 4,390 cc DOHC V-12 engine with six Weber 38 DCOE59/60A side-draft carburetors, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel upper and lower wishbone, coil-spring independent suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4 in.
Sharing a similar silhouette to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona at first glance, the 365 GTC/4 offered the performance dynamics of the Daytona with the added practicality of four seats. With an elongated chassis stretched 100 millimeters to allow for extra cabin space, the 365 GTC/4 could easily whisk away four passengers and their luggage in quintessential Italian style. The resulting “space age” dash and console layout is itself regarded as a design tour de force. Outfitted with ZF power steering, power brakes, a radio, and sumptuous Italian leather, the 365 GTC/4 was built to cross continents at speed and with comfort. Only 500 examples were built over an 18-month period, making it much rarer than both its predecessor and the Daytona.
Designated for the U.S. market, this particular 365 GTC/4 was delivered new to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. Furthermore, it is believed that the car was kept by Harrah himself as personal transportation. If so, this car is likely the July 1972 Road & Track magazine cover car, with the full road test featured inside.
The car was later recorded as being owned by Paul Exton of Eureka, California, still sporting its original color combination of Grigio Argento over Nero Cogolo with red inserts and still claimed to be the Road & Track test car. It remained on the West Coast until at least 1985, when it was owned by Dan Harwitz of Miami, Florida. By this time, it was described as sporting Pininfarina Azzurro Metallizzato paintwork with a new black leather interior.
In May of 2011, the car had been purchased by Mario Bernardi of Hann-Münden, Germany. During his ownership, the car was fully restored and refinished yet again in its lovely shade of Azzurro Metallizzato. It returned to the United States in 2013 where it was purchased by a New York–based collector, who commissioned Autosport Designs in Huntington Station, New York, to reupholster the interior in Blue leather with matching blue carpets, a stroke of genius producing a compelling result.
More recently, chassis number 14891 received a major service by Autosport Designs to ensure it is in excellent running condition; at that time, it was also fitted with a gear reduction starter. In addition, in November of 2015, the car was fitted with brand-new Michelin XWX tires. The car is accompanied by a healthy file of service and restoration documentation from throughout its life.
Considered by many to be a more usable iteration of the famed Ferrari Daytona, the 365 GTC/4 combines classic, aggressive Ferrari beauty with practicality—in short, a joy to drive while being easy on the eyes. Easily capable of taking to the open road for long tours, this particular 365 GTC/4 is a wonderful example of the breed.