Guide: Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Background
The 365 GTC/4 arrived almost production-ready at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971. It was offered in a Ferrari model line-up that comprised the flagship 365 GTB/4 and GTS/4 plus the V6-engined Dino 246 GT.
Derived from the 365 GTB/4 (a two-seat Berlinetta), the GTC/4 was more a more civilised Coupe variant that notably came with power steering, a self-levelling rear axle and de-tuned wet-sump engine.
The GTC/4 was further customised by way of a longer wheelbase that enabled the designers to accommodate a pair of tiny rear seats.
Although production only lasted 18 months, 500 GTC/4s were built. It replaced both the two-seat 365 GTC and the opulent 365 GT four seater. However, the GTC/4 was dropped when Ferrari’s new line of proper four-seat Berlinas came on stream from October 1972 (starting with the 365 GT4).
Chassis
Ferrari introduced a new chassis numbering system for the GTC/4. This latest tubular steel frame was designated Tipo F101 AC 100.
The wheelbase measured 2500mm compared to 2400mm for the 365 GTB/4 and 2650mm for the recently discontinued 365 GT four seater.
Suspension was independent all round via unequal length wishbones, coil springs and telescopic shocks. The front arrangement was lifted from the 365 GTB/4 while the back used a Koni self-levelling axle like the 365 GT. Anti-roll bars were installed at each end.
At 1470mm front and back, the GTC/4 had a wider track than any other production Ferrari.
Power steering was fitted as standard along with a hydraulic twin circuit brake system and ventilated discs to all four corners.
Five spoke star-pattern Cromodora alloy wheels were standard. They measured 15 x 7.5-inches and normally came shod with Michelin tyres.
Fuel tanks were mounted in the boot floor and rear wings and had a combined 105-litre capacity. This was quite a bit less than the 128-litres offered by the 365 GTB/4.
The floorpan, footwells and firewall were all manufactured from fibreglass.
Engine / Gearbox
A new numbering sequence was also introduced for engines.
The all-alloy GTC/4 motor (Tipo F101 AC 000) was based on the Colombo-derived 60° V12 from the 365 GTB/4. It came with dual overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder and single plug ignition with two coils.
Displacement was the familiar 4390cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 81mm and 71mm respectively.
Significantly, the GTC/4 switched from the GTB/4’s dry-sump arrangement to a to wet-sump lubrication system.
Another major change was down to aesthetics: to allow for a lower bonnet profile, the induction system was altered from a downdraught to sidedraught layout. Six twin choke Weber 38 DCOE 59 / 60 carburettors were installed and compression was set at the usual 8.8:1.
Peak output was 340bhp at 7000rpm and 318 lb-ft at 4000rpm. This compared to 352bhp at 7500rpm and 318lb-ft at 5500rpm for the 365 GTB/4.
The GTC/4 used a conventional gearbox location and a propeller shaft running in a rigid torque tube to the differential. The gearbox was a five-speed unit coupled to a mechanically operated Borg & Beck single plate clutch. A ZF limited-slip differential was standard.
Bodywork
Bodywork was designed and manufactured by Pininfarina. Completed shells were delivered to Maranello from Turin where they were kitted out with mechanical components.
Panels were fabricated entirely from steel with the exception of the bonnet and boot lid which were aluminium.
Pininfarina's design for the 365 GTC/4 hinted at the flat surfaces and straight lines that would come to define the seventies wedge era.
At the front, a full width grille was given a distinctive matt black noseband that replaced traditional chrome bumperettes. The move away from chrome was further evident at the rear where a full-width steel bumper was painted matt black to match the front. There was also a matt black tail fascia insert with three circular lights per side.
Elsewhere, the windscreen wiper assemblies were also switched to matt black but parts like the window frames, door handles, badges and bezels stayed chrome.
Interior
Inside, a completely new cabin was created for the GTC/4.
Pininfarina adopted an integrated dash and centre console that had a very contemporary feel with its black and brushed alloy fascias.
The main binnacle housed two large read outs for road and engine speed. In between were smaller gauges for oil pressure and water temperature. Another four small instruments (a clock, fuel read out, oil temperature gauge and ammeter) were located at the top of the centre console and angled towards the driver.
All eight instruments were set within modern-looking satin black square shrouds.
The seats were also entirely new. Instead of coming upholstered in full leather, they had fabric centres as standard. Matching fabric inserts were used for the door panels.
Other standard equipment included air-conditioning, electric windows and a leather rimmed steering wheel.
The cockpit was more comfortable and refined than the GTB/4 and also offered increased luggage space.
A pair of tiny rear seats were fitted, although these were best folded down and used for additional storage as there was very little head or leg room in the back.
Options
Buyers could enhance their cars with Borrani wire wheels and a full leather interior.
Weight / Performance
The GTC/4 weighed in at 1450kg which was 170kg more than the 365 GTB/4.
Ferrari quoted a top speed of 162mph and 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds.
Production
After its launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971, production lasted for just 18 months.
During this time, 500 GTC/4s were constructed, 41 of which were right-hand drive.
Chassis numbers ranged from 14179 to 16289.
USA Version
In order to export the GTC/4 to the USA, a special North American version was built.
It featured a variety of additional safety and emissions equipment to include extra side marker lights on the fenders and some additional warning lights on the dash.
Mechanical upgrades required to make the car US-legal included a new Marelli Dinoplex ignition, twin instead of single Marelli distributors, an anti-smog exhaust system and sealed fuel tanks.
There were also different carburettors (Weber 38 DCOE 59/A and 60/A) plus revised intake and exhaust manifolds.
All told, these emissions-equipped GTC/4s lost around 20bhp and put on over 100kg.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ferrari - https://www.ferrari.com
