Estimate: $325,000 - $450,000 USD
Lot:
120
Auction:
‘Rolling Sculpture’ 2015 NYC
19th November 2015 5:00pm EST

A Fine Four Place Touring Ferrari

The Ferrari GTC/4, in its streamlined shape, was the sportiest 2 + 2 grand touring option offered in the market at the time of its manufacture. It combined a luxurious interior that was trimmed in Italian leather and offered ZF power steering, air-conditioning and electric windows. It was introduced in March of 1971 as a replacement for the 365 GTC and was mounted on a 98.4 inch wheelbase that was similar to the Daytona but was lengthened by 100 mm to allow for the additional interior room. It was produced in 1971 and 1972 and only 505 were manufactured.

1972

365 GTC/4

15357

45,774

Brown Metallic

Tan Leather

This Car’s Past

This one-owner 365 GTC/4 was delivered through Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors dealership that he operated in Reno, Nevada. Harrah, a UCLA dropout, made his fortune through his gambling empire in Reno and Lake Tahoe, and while known for being extremely shy, he did marry seven times, once to Bobby Gentry, and accumulated one of the world’s finest car collections that included over 1,400 vehicles. He established Modern Classic Motors in 1963 and it supplied all the Ferrari dealers on the West Coast. He also represented Jaguar, Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Aston Martin. Harrah was an enthusiastic tifosi and much like Max Hoffman’s East Coast involvement with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, Harrah was instrumental in Ferrari’s West Coast success. As a Ferrari that was delivered by Modern Classic Motors, this example wears a prestigious halo.

“Delightful to drive with power steering, disc brakes and independent suspension”

- Sports Car Market Magazine 12/14
Historic Context of Model

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was the sportiest 2+2 grand tourer of the era. It appealed to a market that required a performance machine that would accommodate four passengers. Its swoopy, streamlined coachwork was developed in Pininfarina’s new wind tunnel, a first for Ferrari. It was powered by the 4.4 liter V-12 from the Daytona that was fitted with side-draft carburetors to allow for the lower streamlined hood line of the 365 GTC/4. To many it is a more useable iteration of the famed Daytona that offers greater usability with four-passenger seating, power steering/brakes and a luxurious leather interior.

Condition

This delightful Ferrari 365 GTC/4 has had only one owner since 1972. It has been driven only about 45,000 miles since new, and has been cared for with loving attention. While not restored, it has received regular and proper maintenance and the car has the spirited performance and luxurious features that the 365 GTC/4 is known for. The sleek body is in very presentable condition and it is evident that it has been driven with respect. The leather interior is also in good order. This is a well-preserved example of a desirable touring Ferrari.

Market Trend

“The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is the last remaining vintage V-12 Ferrari that you can buy for less than the price of a house.” In a short time that statement may no longer be true, however, as they continue to experience rapid appreciation. It was not that many years ago that they could be acquired in the low six figure, but the Ferrari market has recently recognized their sterling attributes, and the market has quickly adapted. RM Sotheby’s, at their March 2014 Amelia auction, sold a solid example for $335,500, and a year later, a well-restored one for $495,000. Bonham’s, at their October 2014 Knokke-Heist auction, sold a well-presented example for $363,000. These documented public sales demonstrate the desirability of the 365 GTC/4 and that the anticipated, continued appreciation is almost certain.

“Used as a luxury coupe is where the C/4 really shines.”

- Steve Ahlgrim 1/2015
Points to Consider

A Ferrari that was offered by Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors has a special place in Ferrari lore. An example that has had the same owner since 1972 and has been maintained in original unmolested condition is even more appealing. With room for four, albeit a small two in the back, it is the perfect family car that can still be acquired at a reasonable price.

“The speculators were right: 365 GTC/4 values have nearly quadrupled in the last five years.”

- Steve Ahlgrim 1/2015
Summary

Offered is a rapidly appreciating example of a four-seater Ferrari that was delivered new to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors. It checks all the boxes with that history, low documented mileage, and its unmolested original condition. With only 505 produced few, if any, can claim the unique status this 365 GTC/4 can. A unique opportunity to acquire a rare, documented example of a luxurious, touring V-12 Ferrari.

- Carl Bomstead, Automotive Specialist

Inquiries: [email protected]