Like so many of Carrozzeria Pininfarina’s designs, the lines of the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 have matured elegantly and gracefully since its introduction at the Geneva Motor Show in 1972. Historical criticism that branded it as ‘Il Gobbone’ has made way for the appreciation of its clean body shape and of the technological improvements that make it a more practical alternative to its much-famed stablemate, the 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona.’

Indeed, whilst the lion’s share of the mechanical elements of the GTC/4 were carried over from the Daytona, significant changes were made to give true continent-crossing ability and added comfort: Power steering was installed as standard, spring rates were softened and the transaxle gearbox installation was dropped in favour of a conventional five-speed layout with an easier Borg and Beck clutch. Inside, air-conditioning was fitted as standard and the cabin was adorned with swathes of leather, a new instrument cluster and foldable rear seats to complement the already generous luggage space.

There were also tweaks to the engine, where six side-draft Webers were favoured over the downdraft variants found in the Daytona. It is this which permits the bonnet line to be raked so low. Conspicuously, despite being ‘de-tuned’ to improve driveability, the Colombo V-12 still produced around 340 bhp, enabling 163 mph and a sprint to 60 mph in a whisker over six seconds.

Just 505 365 GTC/4s were built, and this particular example is one of only 31 RHD examples produced during the two-year production run. Tastefully specified in Rosso Nearco over Nero leather and red carpets, it was delivered new to Maranello Concessionaires in October of 1972. Sold new to a Mr. R. Wilcox just one week after arriving at Maranello Concessionaires, it is believed that the car passed through one additional owner before being purchased by the registered keeper in 1985.

Shortly after being purchased by a long-standing concours judge in the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, the new owner choose to take the car off the road in 1985. He carefully stored and maintained the vehicle until 2018, meaning that this highly original 365 GTC/4 has only been used on the road for 13 years of its life.

Having been properly preserved throughout its life, a recent service has been undertaken by SE Classics in London to test, recommission and prepare the vehicle for a return to road use. Such works included replacing fluids and filters, replacement of self-level suspension shock absorbers, alternator and regulator, renewal of brake pipes as required and a MOT certification, which is voluntary, as the vehicle pre-dates this necessity.

Original handbooks, tools, assorted service history paperwork and even its original warranty card accompany the sale. Its odometer is currently showing only 30,833 miles from new, which the consignor believes to be original.

The 365 GTC/4 is a usable 12-cylinder Ferrari grand tourer, and this opportunity to acquire an RHD, low-mileage example is unlikely to be repeated. Few, if any, of its contemporaries could combine such style, pedigree and performance, and it is rightfully recognised as one of Ferrari’s finest GT cars of the decade.