The Elegant Ferrari 365 GTC/4: A Rare Four-Seater Coupe

Rare GEMS - Hey, guys! Ferrari has long been renowned for its two-seater sports cars, emphasizing performance and the thrill of driving. Traditionally, this Italian icon rarely ventured into creating vehicles with a four-passenger layout. However, one notable exception stands out, showcasing Ferrari's foray into blending sportiness with practicality.

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4, a four-seat coupe realistically designed as a two-seater by Filippo Sapino of Pininfarina, was produced between 1971 and 1973. (Picture from: Carvaganza)

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4, a four-seat coupe that was realistically a two-seat coupe, was produced by Ferrari between 1971 and 1973. Designed by Filippo Sapino of Pininfarina, its sleek wedge shape and pop-up headlights marked a significant shift from the more conventional lines of its predecessors when it debuted at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show. Some in Italy affectionately dubbed it the “Gobbone” – Italian for “Hunchback” – though this nickname never really gained widespread usage.

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was built on a tubular steel chassis featuring large oval-section main tubes and cross bracing. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Built on a tubular steel chassis with large oval section main tubes and cross bracing, the 365 GTC/4's body was crafted from steel, featuring an aluminum hood and trunk lid by Pininfarina before being sent to Ferrari for final assembly. The suspension system was independent at both the front and rear, with unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars, offering a softer ride compared to the GTB/4. Standard amenities included power steering, power windows, and air conditioning, enhancing the driving experience with added comfort.

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 featured standard amenities such as power steering, power windows, and air conditioning, enhancing the driving experience with added comfort. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Although its dimensions suggested a two-seater coupe, the 365 GTC/4’s interior was cleverly designed to accommodate two fold-down rear seats, ideal for luggage or small children. This smart packaging effectively replaced two previous models, the 365 GTC and 365 GT 2+2. The exterior design was elegant and understated, integrating its front and rear rubber bumpers seamlessly into the overall aesthetic, a marked difference from the chrome bumpers of the Daytona and the Dino, Ferrari’s other production models of the era.

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 was powered by a high-revving 4.4-liter Colombo V12 engine with quad overhead camshafts, coupled with a transmission system traditionally mounted at the rear of the engine. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Interestingly, the 365 GTC/4 also took over from the 365 GT 2+2, which had been in production for just one year. The concept of the 365 GTC/4 was that of a four-seat sports sedan with a more compact body resembling the two-seat 365 Daytona. Despite sharing its chassis with the Daytona, the 365 GTC/4 featured enhancements like power steering and an advanced rear suspension system that adjusted automatically.

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4's exterior design was elegant and understated, seamlessly integrating its front and rear rubber bumpers into the overall aesthetic. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

In terms of design and performance, the 365 GTC/4 was more refined compared to the aggressive 365 GTB/4, its two-seater counterpart. The high-revving 4.4-liter Colombo V12 engine—the “4” in GTC/4 indicating quad overhead camshafts—was slightly detuned, resulting in a torquier and more manageable performance at lower speeds. Unlike the Daytona, which had a rear transaxle, the 365 GTC/4’s transmission was traditionally mounted at the rear of the engine, prioritizing torque over a bit of horsepower.

In Italy, some affectionately dubbed it the “Gobbone” – Italian for “Hunchback” – though this nickname never gained widespread usage. (Picture from: Silodrome)

During its short production run of less than two years, Ferrari manufactured only 500 units of the 365 GTC/4. It was then succeeded by the more angular and controversial Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2, marking the end of an era for this unique blend of sportiness and practicality. | G4pi3Ye9i2Y |

The Ferrari 365 GTC/4 remains a fascinating chapter in Ferrari's history, representing a rare instance where the marque balanced performance with a more versatile, family-friendly design. It stands as a testament to Ferrari’s ability to innovate and adapt, even within the niche world of high-performance sports cars. This model continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts for its distinctive design and engineering, embodying the spirit of Ferrari in a form that dared to be different. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | SILODROME | BRINGATRAILER | 365GTC4 | EXOTICTRADER | GTPLANET ]

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