The Daytona was the most "macho" of all Ferraris, the last of the great front-engined Berlinettas.





When announced, Ferrari claimed the new engine developed 355bhp at 7,500rpm and provided a top speed in excess of 180mph, making it the fastest production car in the world, a title it retained during the six years it was on sale. Because of this, many enthusiastic would-be owners, particularly on the West Coast, eagerly awaited a soft-top Spyder version.

Their requests were fulfilled in September 1969, when the factory Daytona Spyder was unveiled by Pininfarina at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Their conversion of the basic Berlinetta into Spyder form has been described by Ferrari authority Antoine Prunet as remarkably successful, and the sharp edge formed by the rear deck and the rear fenders harmonized perfectly with the rest of the design, which was not changed from the Berlinetta. Only the Borrani wire wheels, which replaced alloy wheels, were different.

It appears that about 1,383 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona cars were manufactured between 1968 and the end of production in 1973, among which the genuine Spyders such as this one form a much sought-after minority.

This example has a known history from new and shows a recorded mileage of 31,952. It has unmarked fly yellow paint and excellent panelwork with perfect shut lines to the doors, hood and trunk. The interior has its correct black leather Daytona seats with black trim and gray carpeting.

Less than 100 Daytona Spyders were built for the U.S. market, and this car is number 65; only 16 of the US cars were produced in fly yellow with black interior. The Ferrari was a Class Award Winner at the Reading, Pennsylvania, Ferrari Concours in June 1990.


SCM Analysis

Detailing

Vehicle:1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona
Years Produced:1972-1973
Number Produced:124
Original List Price:$24,000
SCM Valuation:$300,000-$400,000
Tune Up Cost:$2,500
Distributor Caps:$294
Chassis Number Location:Fenderwell data plate; top of steering column; right side shock tower
Engine Number Location:Right rear of block on raised boss above starter motor. (Chassis and engine numbers are not usually the same.)
Club Info:Ferrari Owners Club, 8642 Cleta Street; Downey, CA 90241. 562/861-6992
Website:http://FerrariOwnersClub.org
Alternatives:Maserati Ghibli SS Spider, Aston Martin DB5 drophead coupe, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

The car shown here was sold at Christie’s auction at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York, on April 24, 1999, for $354,500, including buyer’s commission.

Daytona Spyder prices remain a long way below their peak of ten years ago. It’s interesting that the value of this particular model has not recovered as much as that of other significant Ferraris.

The sale price of $354,500 is squarely in the middle of the SCM Price Guide range of $300,000-400,000. Considering its low mileage and the fact that it is a genuine factory Spyder and not a conversion, this car appears to be well bought.

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