Brian Laban, in his book Ferrari, said of the 365 GTC, “In Ferrari terms, the 365 GTC was something of a wallflower, in production for barely a year, with only 150 examples made, and seen by many enthusiasts as boringly conservative. But those who know better cite it as one of the finest all-rounders that Maranello ever built.”

Pininfarina designed and built the 365 GTC’s steel body, which blended the general design of the 275 GTS and 330 GTC with a nose resembling that of the 400 Superamerica and 500 Superfast. The wheelbase remained at 94.5 inches, and the Kamm-like ducktail rear end was duplicated with its split two-element chromed bumper bars. The main difference was the venting of the engine compartment with hood slats instead of fender louvers, as on the 330 GTS. The big news, however, was under the hood.

The 365 GTC was equipped with a 320-horsepower, 4.4-liter Colombo V-12, as powered the 365 GT 2+2 introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in late 1967. Fitted with a single-overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, and three Weber carburetors, it offered more low-end torque and stronger acceleration, all the while maintaining the superb road manners of the 330 GTC. The block was slightly longer, with wider bore spacing, bigger bores, and a bit deeper to accommodate a longer stroke, all of which added up to yield a 20 horsepower gain to 320 and an increase to 267 foot-pounds of torque. The May 29, 1969, issue of Autocar published a 0–60 mph time of 6.3 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14.5 seconds at 99.0 mph, along with a top speed of 151 mph—certainly impressive figures for the day.

Production was limited to just 150 units, perhaps caused by its arrival late in 1968 at about the same time as the rather high-profile 365 GTB/4 Daytona. The fact that it was so similar to its 275 and 330 predecessors could have also led to its somewhat limited numbers. Further still was the introduction of the then-smaller and less expensive mid-engined Dino and the impending U.S. safety regulations that would have required considerable resources to accommodate an all-new design. However, rarity of numbers only adds to a car’s desirability and exclusivity among collectors, and the 365 GTC is certainly no exception to that rule.

According to Ferrari expert Marcel Massini, this 365 GTC was completed in April 1969 and delivered the following month to Mr. Maione, of Napoli, Italy, from Ferrari’s official distributor, Giovanni Bassolamento. It was finished in the combination of Morrone Colorado over a black leather interior. Sometime in the 1970s, the car was imported from Italy into California and was repainted in traditional Ferrari red. During the late 1990s, it was completely restored and refinished in the elegant non-metallic dark blue it currently sports by Skip McCabe’s Automotive Restorations, of Mundelein, Illinois. At the same time, the interior was reupholstered in tan leather, beautifully highlighting the crisp, black-faced Veglia gauges and woodgrain accents.

In 2010, European Cars, of Boca Raton, Florida, overhauled the drivetrain. The transaxle was rebuilt with new synchromesh and bearings, the engine was dismantled and refitted with new bearings and seals, and the brake system was thoroughly and correctly rebuilt. The suspension was also taken apart and refurbished at that time. The kilometer reading of approximately 57,000 is believed to be original, though unconfirmed. Adding to the desirability of this Ferrari are Borrani wire wheels, a partial tool kit, and desirable factory air conditioning.

The 365 GTC is regarded as one of the best all-around Ferraris ever built, while also offering high performance, great comfort, and superb handling, making them one of the most sophisticated and elegant cars in the long line of Maranello GTs. This beautiful example sums that up quite nicely.