Lot 579: 1969 Ferrari 365GTC/S Spyder Conversion
Coachwork by Pininfarina/Graypaul

A rarity produced only during the 1969 season, the Ferrari 365GTS was in essence the preceding 330GTS with its engine further enlarged to 4.4 litres. This particular line of luxurious Ferrari spyders had commenced in 1964 with the arrival of the 275GTS, succeeding models retaining the same basic underpinnings while undergoing subtle re-styling courtesy of their creator, Pininfarina. All three employed the same short, 2400mm-wheelbase chassis: a multi-tubular spaceframe tied together by oval main tubes in the Ferrari tradition, but breaking new ground in its adoption of independent rear suspension - the latter a double wishbone and coil-spring arrangement similar to that of the 250LM sports-racer - and a rear-mounted five-speed transaxle combining the gearbox and differential in a single unit.
Stylistically, the 330GTS combined the rear of the 275GTS with a lengthened, more penetrative nose reminiscent of the 500 Superfast’s frontal treatment, and this was retained for the 365GTS, though with the engine cooling vents re-located to the bonnet, an alteration which also characterised the last of the 330s. Mechanical changes were few; the most significant being the adoption of torque tube enclosure of the prop shaft with the advent of the 330GTS, a development which eliminated criticism of the handling of early 275s. Progressive enlargement of the Columbo-type 60-degree V12 brought with it commensurate improvements in performance, maximum power increasing from the 275’s 260 to the 365’s 320bhp, and top speed from 140 to over 150mph.
The need to accommodate the demands of the increasingly important United States market meant that by the mid-1960s Ferrari road cars were becoming more luxurious, and by 1966 electric windows and a heated rear screen were standard equipment on the 330GTS, and air conditioning an option. But however much it tailored its cars to American tastes, Ferrari found it less easy to accommodate the US Government’s increasingly stringent safety and emissions legislation as the 1970s approached. The 365GTS was an early casualty, production ceasing after less than one year during which time a mere 20 cars had been completed.
Originally a closed coupé, chassis number ‘12249’ is believed to be the only right-hand drive Ferrari 365 in Spyder configuration, having been converted by marque specialists Graypaul Motors in the late 1970s alongside an original 365GTS used for reference (see Graypaul’s letter on file). Other documentation contained within this substantial file, close inspection of which is recommended, includes UK importer Maranello Concessionaires’ invoice to John Haston Automobiles, Glasgow dated 25th April 1969, while the first service record, dated 20th December 1969 at 9,332 miles, is made out to A P Bamford, JCB Sales Ltd, the registration mark being recorded as ‘JCB 4’. Graypaul’s first invoice relating to the car’s restoration and conversion is dated 6th April 1979 and made out to Big Scene Ltd. The rebuild appears to have occupied the next four years, being completed in 1983, and is recorded in Graypaul’s letter to Mr Brian Classic dated 26th March 1984 detailing costs of £28,250.
The Spyder’s next recorded private owner is Mr Brian Hatfield, there being numerous Graypaul invoices on file made out to him, followed by Mr L Page, of travel agents Page & Moy, who owned the car – at this time registered ‘7 GWP’ – in the late 1980s. The current V5 registration document records the previous keeper as Mrs Ruth Baxter from 27.04.92 to 01.01.04.
In more recent times the Spyder has been owned by a noted private collector in the North of England, who spent in excess of £15,000 on its refurbishment with TDH Classics Ltd between October 2007 and January 2008 (see bills on file). The car was acquired by the current owner on 1st May 2008, since when the Borrani wire wheels have been refurbished; all instruments and switches removed, polished and refitted; seats removed, carpets shampooed and all leather treated; soft-top removed, renovated and refitted; bumpers removed, cleaned and refitted; window rubbers refitted; and the under-bonnet area, chassis, suspension and brakes detailed.
Superbly presented, ‘on the button’ and ready to drive away, this unique and wonderfully elegant Ferrari soft-top is offered with the aforementioned restoration/maintenance/service history, a quantity of expired MoT certificates, current road fund licence, Swansea V5 registration document and MoT to June 2009.