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 as its immediate predecessor, though this was a relatively recent departure for Ferrari. Brakes and transmission were also 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 UK RHD supplied examples) between the 1968 and 1970 with an on the road price when new of £7,900 (£1,384 more than the outgoing 275 GTB/4).

This UK supplied RHD example, one of just 22, was the 71st of 150 GTCs built by Ferrari. The Ferrari factory confirmed the order on the 27th December 1968 with a scheduled delivery date of April 1969. On March 14th 1969 the car was completed ahead of schedule and invoiced to Maranello Concessionaires Ltd and subsequently delivered to its first owner Rob Walker. Rob Walker was none other than the whisky heir and of course was responsible for Stirling Moss winning the TT aboard his distinctive Indigo Blue with white stripes 250 GT SWB in both 1960 and 1961.

Its next owner, Mr W. Gearing-Sherratt purchased the car on the 1st January 1970, registering it on the number plate PWV 5H. Mr Gearing-Sherratts ownership lasted until only March of the same year, when he decided that the Ferrari was such a wonderful car, he needed a 2+2 in order to allow his grandchildren the privilege of travelling in one. The car was traded back into to Maranello Concessionaires to be swapped for a Ferrari 365 GT 2+2.

A short time later via a dealer, the car found its way to its next owner, Mr Pasco Watson of Hampshire. Mr Watson continued to use Maranello to maintain the car, with a 12,000 mile service being carried out in June 1971 at a recorded 14,037 miles. In July 1972, the car was sold to Mr B.G Fletcher via Maranello Concessionaires for the sum of £4,000. Mr Fletcher continued the impeccable maintenance, and in October 1972 the car received a 3,000 mile service as well as a new clutch and fuel pumps at a recorded mileage of 14,071 miles.

In the late 1970's, Mr Robert Craft purchased the GTC and had the car painted in Rosso, evidenced by the DVLA being notified in April 1980. Mr Craft kept the car until December 1984, when it was sold via dealer to Mr James Dirkson, an American surgeon, with a recorded 41,355 Miles following a "major pre-purchase service" carried out by Rardley Motors. In 1987, the 365 was registered to a Mrs Donna Dirkson, Mr Dirkson's wife. Rardley continued the maintenance of the car throughout their ownership and carried out a major service in February 1990 at 44,288 Miles. The car left the Dirkson family in 1991 when it subsequently purchased by Mr Arthur Pike of London.

In 1994 the car was purchased by Mr Yoovidhya, who kept the car until early 2003 when Mr Geoffrey Minter of Scotland purchased the car; however it wasn't registered under his name until 2008, when he applied for a replacement V5 after having thought the original had been mislaid. Mr Henry Fawcett then purchased the car keeping it until July 2012. During this time the car underwent a comprehensive top end rebuild during 2009, carried out by well-respected specialist Terry Hoyle, of Hoyle Fox Classics. In 2012, it was subsequently sold to its current custodian by ourselves.

In 2013 under DK Engineering's care, it was decided that the car be re-painted to Concours standard in the Indigo Blue shade it is presented in today to reflect its Rob Walker heritage. During this time, a full re-commission of any necessary items was also undertaken, including but not limited to an overhaul of the transaxle, a replacement clutch plate, all wheels refurbished and tyres replaced, and a thorough overhaul of the engine bay. The interior was also totally retrimmed.

Since the mentioned work was carried out, it has been maintained by Bob Houghton with no expense spared and as such presents exceptionally today. Presented with most important Classiche Certification, a complete history file, remarkably including copies of the original order forms as well as invoices, original maintenance book, spare key and tools, this exceptionally rare classic is located in our showrooms just outside London and is available to view immediately.