From the stable of arch enthusiast and consummate perfectionist, the late Aldo Cudone, this fearsome Daytona was prepared to competition specification in 1981 for Signor Cudone in the workshops of Giuliano Michelotto, the factory-appointed tuner responsible for the 308 Group 4, F40 LM, 333SP and many other Ferrari racing cars. This work was carried out under the supervision of Gaetano Florino, head of Ferrari Assistenza Clienti at the time, without regard to expense.
In the modern classic car market, the big four-cam V12 front-engined Ferrari Daytona is rightly regarded as offering a tremendous amount of machinery-and of public road performance-for the money such cars cost. Most sought-after of all, however, are the handful of Daytonas assembled for endurance racing in the Assistenza Clienti center neighboring the old pre-war Scuderia Ferrari building.
Acquired from second owner Clementino Borghi by Aldo Cudone in 1981, this Daytona was uprated to full factory specification by Michelotto (mechanics) and Bacchelli & Villa (bodywork). Works drawings were made available-after all, the Daytona had been racing until 1979 and the know-how was still fresh.
The riveted Group 4 bodywork includes six side exhausts, flared arches covering wider competition wheels, full height faired headlamps, air splitters atop front fenders, a chin spoiler, twin exterior fuel fillers, plexiglass side windows and a single pantograph wiper.
Inside, the cabin is trimmed in lightweight materials and there are harnesses for both occupants, plus a fire extinguisher, roll cage and other competition necessities. Nonetheless, the trunk still manages to accommodate a space-saver spare and full toll kit.
Mechanically, the car was fully rebuilt by Michelotto to competition specs. Although we do not have a record of the horsepower figures, the presentation of the engine bay, dominated by the ram air induction box, speaks for itself.
Judging from its still concours condition 20 years later, Sig. Cudone’s “Comp Daytona” was used most sparingly. We know he drove the car, accompanied by an Italian rally ace, on the 1985 Coppa d’Italia, but since then the car appears to have been carefully stored in climate-controlled conditions. It is offered today by his family with current FIA testament to the enthusiasm and perfectionism of one man and the talent of two great Ferrari specialists.
