Ferrari 365 GTC (1969)

The 330 GTC was replaced in 1968 by the superior 365 GTC. The styling remaining almost the same with differences being limited to non-vented front wings and the addition of new vents on the bonnet. The engine was of course an enlarged 4.4 Litre engine boasting more torque and horsepower. This vastly improved the cars performance. The 365 GTC retained the independent rear suspension employing coil springs and wishbones, the same of its immediate predecessor, though this was a relatively recent departure for Ferrari. Brakes and transmission were substantially improved to match the upgraded motor. Stopping power came from servo-assisted disc brakes all-round with a split circuit system. Integrating the gearbox with the final drive gave the car a balanced 50:50 weight distribution. A 365 GTC is a super rare and highly desirable beast with just 150 examples being built (including 22 in right hand drive) between the 1968 and 1970.

This very rare Right Hand Drive Ferrari 365 GTC was delivered in 1969 to Maranello Concessionaires in Egham, Surrey. The car was originally finished in Azzurro Hyperion (Light Blue), with an interior colour of Pelle Blu Scuro (VM 3282), carpets in Blu Scuro and headlining in Grigio Chiaro. This is number 11 of 22 UK RHD cars manufactured and the 119th of the mere 150 produced overall. The car is one of only 3 UK RHD examples fitted with the very rare optional extra of an air conditioning unit and comes with a superb set of Borrani wire wheels.

Initially, the car was sold to Lord Portman in 1969 and then passed into the hands of Sir Anthony Bamford of JCB. One of the Hilton brothers purchased this 365 in the Mid-1970s (then noted connoisseurs and 250 GTO owners) and W.R Devoto acquired the car in 1976. Whilst he owned the car, W.R. Devoto decided to repaint it in the same shade of Light Blue and the transaxle was replaced with the mileage sitting at 46,000. In 1984, the car was sold to P. Weston and then on to Simon Greenwood of Modena Engineering, who had the suspension fully rebuilt. After a few more ownership changes in the 1990s, the car once again returned to collection of Sir Anthony Bamford, who once again repainted the car into its present Dark Blue colour scheme. The car then spent some time in Jersey and has seen regular use with the present mileage indicated at 61,000. In 2014 there was an extensive amount of restoration work carried out on the car, including an overhaul of the brakes, reconditioning of the radiator and a refurbishment of the shock absorbers. In addition, the cylinder heads were stripped and the valves renewed. Other work was carried out to make the car in need of nothing, with all invoices present to confirm that no expense has been spared on making this car a truly exceptional example. The rarity and exclusivity of the 365s, particularly in RHD, make them a highly desirable and collectable model. This example stands out because of its known history, ownership and provenance, along with its superb cosmetic and mechanical condition.