If the Ferrari 330 GTC was regarded as the best all-around Ferrari in the 1960s, then a contender to that title in the 1970s was its successor, the 152-mph Ferrari 365 GTC/4.
Like the 330 GTC, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was understated, refined, extremely comfortable, and easy to drive, but had an advantage of considerably more room inside. This was truly a Ferrari that could be used daily without compromise.
First seen
at 1971’s Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 seemed to be a replacement for the
365 GT 2+2. The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was a four-passenger car -- technically. But its shorter
wheelbase (98.4 inches/2500mm to the 365 GT 2+2’s 104.3 inches/2650mm) and a
lower, sloping roofline made its tiny rear seats token at best. Ferrari
compensated by having the rear seatbacks flip down to make a practical storage
tray.
The 1972 Ferrari GTC/4, featuring a roomy interior, was designed to be used daily.
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Pininfarina’s coachwork featured a swooping fenderline and flush-fitting glass. The V-12 had the 81m bore, 71mm stroke, double overhead cams, and 4390cc displacement of the Daytona’s engine. But the C4’s hood was lower because its six Weber carburetors were horizontally mounted rather than set vertically atop the engine. Horsepower was listed at 320, versus Daytona’s 352.
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 had power steering, power brakes, and self-leveling independent rear suspension. Coupled with excellent heating and ventilation, Road & Track believed it would be “a fine car for a cross country trip in any weather ...
“Every new Ferrari model brings some noteworthy advance over previous ones,” the magazine continued. “The GTC/4’s is mechanical refinement. Less mechanical thrash comes through from the engine room than in any previous Ferrari, and the controls are smoother and lighter than ever, making the car deliciously easy to drive well.”
The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 cost several thousand dollars more than a Daytona, but equaled the faster two-seater in sales while they were offered concurrently. Still, though some 500 were made, its life span was less than two years.Learn about these other great Ferrari Road Cars:
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