The 365 Grand Touring Coupe, or GTC, was the ultimate mechanical development of Ferrari’s luxurious late-1960s road car. Positioned as a refined gran turismo to complement the contemporary 275 GTB, the GTC first appeared at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show featuring the single-cam, four-liter engine introduced in the 330 GT 2+2. In the smaller and lighter GTC, this engine provided performance dividends, and the new Pininfarina coachwork was exceptionally elegant – combining the prior Ferrari cues of an oval-shaped grille and tapered tail with new features, such as slim pillars and an airy, glass-oriented cabin.

Viewed by many enthusiasts as the proper replacement for the beloved 250 GT Lusso, which lacked a true successor after being discontinued in 1964, the 330 GTC was made in a limited quantity of 598 examples. In late 1968, the model was replaced by the improved 365 GTC, which featured a larger 4.4-liter engine, designated as the tipo 245/C.

The 365 GTC’s most notable physical difference from its 330 predecessor was the relocation of the front cooling vents from the fenders to the hood. Far rarer and significantly more powerful than the 330 GTC, the 365 was built in a sparing run of just 168 examples and, in many respects, the model can be considered the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s refined yet sporting touring coupe.

According to the research of Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this 365 GTC, chassis 12071, was completed in January 1969, finished in spectacular Blu Tourbillon with beige Connolly leather and equipped with air-conditioning, power windows, a Voxson 8-track stereo, and cast-alloy Campagnolo wheels wearing Firestone tires. Delivered that February to official importer Garage Francorchamps SA in Brussels, Belgium, the 365 GTC was sold new to Pierre Desy, a Ferrari enthusiast who had previously owned a 330 GT 2+2 and a 275 GTB/4.

In the 1970s, this 365 GTC was repainted red and exported to the US, where it remained until 1989, when it was sold to a private museum collection in Tokyo. The Ferrari remained in Japan until 1999, when it returned to the US and eventually joined a large collection in the Southeast.

Ken Roath acquired 12071 in 2012 and immediately commissioned a restoration with the goal of returning the GTC to its original, as-delivered appearance. The cosmetic restoration was overseen by award-winning specialist Beckman Metal Works of Costa Mesa, California, while the engine and transaxle rebuild was entrusted to Ferrari Classiche in Maranello. Mr. Roath also submitted 12071 to Ferrari Classiche for certification, with the accompanying Certificato di Autenticità and Red Book confirming that this GTC retains its original chassis, bodywork, engine (internal no. A866), transaxle (internal no. 30), and other significant components.

Since the restoration was completed, this Ferrari has been selectively exhibited on the concours circuit. Accolades include three consecutive Platinum Awards at the 2015 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Florida, the FCA’s Concorso Ferrari in Pasadena, California, and the FCA Annual Meet in Monterey. In 2017, the 365 GTC was invited to participate in a special exhibit organized by Ferrari North America celebrating the marque’s 70th Anniversary at Casa Ferrari in Pebble Beach.

Not only does this Ferrari present today in beautiful, show-quality condition throughout, it is also reported to be mechanically sorted, with approximately 4,100 km (approx. 2,500 miles) covered and regular maintenance carried out under Mr. Roath’s ownership. Consistent with its outstanding presentation, this GTC is accompanied by proper accessories, including a tool roll and jack, as well as its Ferrari Classiche Red Book and a history report compiled by Marcel Massini.

The most exclusive and refined variant of a beloved model, the 365 GTC is among the finest all-around Ferrari GT machines of the 1960s. Of the 168 examples built, few compare with 12071, a superb example of this rare breed with a stunning, seldom-seen factory color scheme, exquisite Platinum Award-winning restoration, and Ferrari Classiche certification.