Ferrari 365 GTS/4 'Daytona' Spyder (1972)

In 1968, Ferrari saw it fit to replace the four-year-old 275 GTB/4. The 365 the GTB/4 was introduced and Ferrari enthusiasts took it upon themselves to dub it the Daytona in honour of Ferrari's 24 Hours of Daytona win. The nickname was so popular that the GTB/4 became almost more noticeable under its nickname than its given name.

The 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta, that replaced the earlier 275 GTB/4, differed dramatically in styling, though the tubular steel chassis bore many similarities to its predecessor and provided superior balance. Where the curvaceous 275 GTB/4 was clearly a traditional Pininfarina design, the 365 GTB/4 was at once modern, edgy, sleek and forward-looking. Penned by Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, who continues to maintain an independent styling studio, Fioravanti Srl., outside of Turin, the 365 GTB/4 features a number of styling cues that continue to influence modern Ferrari design.

The outgoing 275 GTB/4 lent the basic design of its 60-degree V-12 engine to the 365 GTB/4, though it was enlarged from 3.3 to 4.4 litres or 4,390 cc. Power output rose accordingly. The new engine, designated Tipo 251, delivered 352 bhp and 315 foot-pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm through six Weber twin-choke carburettors. A five-speed manual transaxle was, of course, the only available transmission. Ferrari debuted the new model at the October 1968 Paris Salon. A handful of coupes were produced for customers in the 1968 model year. At the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 1969, Ferrari unveiled a Spyder version of the car.

Unsurprisingly, the seductive drop-top enjoyed critical acclaim that continues unabated today. The Frankfurt prototype show car was the only Spyder to be fitted with Perspex headlamps; all subsequent production models utilised retractable headlamps. Production of the Spyder and Berlinetta continued through 1973 before being replaced with the mid-engine 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer.

The history of this Daytona Spider begins in late 1972. Completed at the factory as the 72nd example assembled, this left hand drive example was supplied new to the USA and desirably optioned with air conditioning. It was completed in the same colour it wears today, the classic 20-R190 Rosso Chiaro over VM 8500 Pelle Nera.

Ordered in October of 1972, the car would not be completed until June of 1973 when at which point it was shipped to the Western US Ferrari importer, Modern Classic Motors, owned by Nevada gambling pioneer and renowned collector William F. Harrah.

The Daytona moved from Modern Classic Motors and instead finding its first owner at one of California's most prominent and influential dealerships at the time, Chuck Vandagriff's Hollywood Sports Cars. At the time, it was the oldest Ferrari dealer in the US and had become the place to buy European sports cars; often welcoming the likes of Pedro Rodriguez, Phil Hill, Richie Ginther and Dan Gurney.

In February ‘74 the Daytona Spider was offered for sale in the Los Angeles area with 6,600 miles on the odometer. It is understood to have remained in the Los Angeles area for the next eight years, after which it was purchased in 1982 by Mr Steven Nanny through S & A Italia Sports Cars of Los Angeles. The mileage recorded at the time was 25,000 miles. Mr. Nanny would keep the car in his collection until the mid-1990s.

Remaining in California, the next caretaker of the Spider was Mr. Gerald Barnes of Anaheim Hills. Soon after acquiring the car, Mr. Barnes embarked on a complete restoration, to make the nearly thirty-year-old car a show winner at Concours events. Seeking the most talented restorer for the job, Mr. Barnes entrusted the car to automotive paint legend Junior Conway and his Bell Gardens, California based facility, Junior's House of Color.

A comprehensive restoration, the Daytona was completely dismantled, and all cosmetics and the bodywork and undercarriage stripped and re-finished to an exceptional quality in the car's original red hue. The Daytona's mechanicals were also thoroughly restored, with its original, matching numbers engine and transaxle refurbished by Norbert Hofer's Gran Touring Classics.

Upon completion, the Daytona was displayed at the 1999 Concorso Italiano, and subsequently at the 2002 Ferrari Club of America National meet in Los Angeles, where it was bestowed with the coveted Platinum Award. In 2007, the Spider earned its Ferrari red book Classiche certification acknowledging that it still retains its original, factory delivered chassis, engine, transaxle and body.

Fitted with Michelin XWX tires and a period Becker radio, this example is accompanied by many desirable original items, including a set of manuals and books in pouch, tools, convertible top cover, emergency triangle, radiator blind, spare light bulb set, and a matching Borrani spare wheel and tyre.

Sold by DK Engineering to its current custodian in 2023, this example has since resided within a prominent collection and used sparingly. Today this fabulous example of one of Ferrari’s greatest hits is available to view in the USA by appointment.

• Supplied new in June 1973
• Presented as optioned in Rosso Chiaro over Pelle Nero
• Optioned new with air-conditioning
• Owned and kept in California from 1973 to 2014
• Restored by Junior's House of Color and granted a platinum award at its debut concours after
• Awarded Ferrari red book Classiche certification confirming its original chassis, engine, transaxle and body
• Accompanied by toolkit, manuals pouch and spare wheel
• Sold by DK Engineering to its current custodian in 2023