Some Ferraris are made to turn heads. Others, like the 1972 365 GTC/4, were built to stay on the road for hours without wearing you out. Designed as a grand tourer with real-world usability, this V12-powered coupe gave drivers the sound and speed they wanted—without sacrificing ride quality or comfort.

But this specific GTC/4 carries more than just a smooth gearbox and a Colombo engine under the hood. With ties to Hollywood heavyweight Michael Ovitz and later action legend Sylvester Stallone, it brings rarity, pedigree, and serious collector appeal together in one very underappreciated Ferrari.

Ferrari’s Softer Side of Speed

Ferrari isn’t known for taking it easy—but the 365 GTC/4 was a rare exception. Built as a comfortable grand tourer, this model gave drivers most of what the Daytona offered without the daily struggle. It still had a 4.4L Colombo V12 and a five-speed manual, but now it came with power steering, a quieter cabin, and more usable rear seats.

Instead of chasing lap times, the GTC/4 leaned into long-haul comfort without straying from Ferrari’s performance DNA. It may not have topped 175 mph like the Daytona, but at just over 160, it wasn’t far behind—just a little more polite about it.

One of Just 505 Ever Made

Ferrari only built 505 GTC/4s between 1971 and 1972, making it a pretty rare machine. Compare that to the 1,400-plus Daytona coupes and spyders, and it’s easy to see why this model is starting to turn heads among collectors who once overlooked it.

Its limited production run wasn’t because of a lack of quality or performance—this car just got lost in the shadow of its louder sibling. But now that people are paying closer attention to Ferrari’s V12 2+2s, the GTC/4 is gaining respect for its balance of performance, rarity, and usability.

A Real 2+2 That Actually Fits Four

Unlike some 2+2s that barely fit a gym bag in the back seat, the GTC/4 had a legitimately roomier cabin. You could actually fit adults in the rear—at least for short trips—and the added interior space didn’t ruin the lines, either.

Inside, it was all about subtle luxury. Leather-covered everything, a clear set of Veglia instruments, power windows, and optional air conditioning made it feel more refined than the bare-knuckled Daytona. Even the dash design and center console were more driver-friendly, with a layout that felt modern for the era.

V12 Performance That Doesn’t Punish

Under the hood sat a 4.4L Colombo V12 with six side-draft Weber carbs, making 340 hp. That engine was tuned for a smoother torque curve, and it made for easier low-speed cruising without giving up the roar when you got on it.

A five-speed gated manual kept things engaging, while the self-leveling rear suspension helped absorb bumps—especially helpful on long trips. Ferrari even added vacuum-assisted power steering to make maneuvering less of a chore. It’s a grand tourer that’s still very much a Ferrari, just one that doesn’t wear you out.

Finished in Black Over Black

This particular 1972 example—chassis 15471—was finished in Nero over Nero leather. It was recently sold by Daniel Schmitt Classic Cars to a Las Vegas movie producer and restaurateur. It’s a rare and timeless combo that gives the car a serious presence. A lot of GTC/4s came in more playful shades, but black on black gives this one a more muscular, no-nonsense vibe.

The black finish works well with the chrome accents and the classic five-spoke Borrani wire wheels. The interior matches perfectly, keeping the whole look cohesive and understated. It’s the kind of spec that ages well and looks just as sharp today as it did rolling out of the factory in the early ’70s.

Celebrity Provenance: Stallone’s V12

While many Ferraris have interesting pasts, this one’s got Hollywood attached. The car ended up in the hands of Sylvester Stallone in the mid-1980s after being owned by industry power player Michael Ovitz. Stallone, no stranger to high-end cars, reportedly kept it well-maintained.

Unlike a movie prop or a one-off showpiece, this was a Ferrari that Stallone actually used and enjoyed. Its time under his ownership added another layer of story to an already rare machine—one that blends European style with a touch of Hollywood grit.

Maintained Like a True Classic

Throughout its life, this car received meticulous care. It was regularly serviced at Hollywood Sports Cars during both Ovitz and Stallone’s ownership. It wasn’t some forgotten garage queen—it got driven, looked after, and kept in road-ready condition.

In 2024, it underwent a fresh round of maintenance by Ferrari specialist Tom Yang, including new motor mounts, a rebuilt alternator, and an updated center exhaust section. It comes with service records, tools, and even a spare alloy rim—proof that it’s been treated as more than just a collector’s piece.

The Right Mix of Vintage and Modern

The 365 GTC/4 walks a fine line between vintage rawness and daily comfort. You get the classic gated shifter and a howling V12, but with drivability that feels a little more relaxed than its racier siblings. That makes it ideal for longer road trips or even casual weekend use.

It doesn’t scream at you with race-ready suspension or stripped interiors. Instead, it makes you want to get in and just keep driving. That usability doesn’t come at the expense of the Ferrari experience—it just smooths out the edges.

Built for the Long Haul

This car wasn’t designed to sit in a museum. It was made for covering ground in style and speed. With a fuel-injected V12 and a solid five-speed, it was more than capable of eating up miles across Europe—or the Pacific Coast Highway.

The ride is comfortable enough for all-day cruising, and the cabin is quiet enough to have a conversation without yelling over engine noise. Add in working A/C and decent trunk space, and it’s easy to see why someone like Stallone would hang onto it for years.

A Ferrari That Still Flies Under the Radar

Even now, the 365 GTC/4 doesn’t get the same spotlight as the Daytona or the 365 GT4 BB—but that’s part of its charm. For serious collectors, that means you’re getting rarity, heritage, and a V12 Ferrari with celebrity history for less than some newer models.

Whether you’re into its connection to Stallone or just want a Ferrari that stands apart from the usual suspects, this GTC/4 delivers on every front. It’s the kind of car you buy to drive—and the kind that tells a story every time you turn the key.

*Created with AI assistance and editor review.