More than a decade after its restoration, this is still a spectacular car, as the generous results of the Monterey auction indicate
Ferrari chose the October 1968 Paris Salon to launch the Daytona. A year later, at the Frankfurt International Auto Show in September 1969, it showed a Spyder version of the car, now unofficially nicknamed Daytona.
The seductive, sporty drop top painted in a unique yellow and black combination was met with critical acclaim. Officially in some Ferrari documentation and literature, the car was referred to as a GTS/4, reflecting its status as a Spyder, though most cars were badged GTB/4.
Ferrari enthusiasts applied the title Daytona to the sleek new front-engined sports car after the Maranello automaker’s now-legendary 1-2-3 victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. The win was so monumental that the marque’s diehard enthusiasts felt Ferrari’s replacement for the 275 GTB/4 should bear the name Daytona, which had been used internally at Ferrari, to commemorate the victory. Enzo Ferrari insisted, however, that the technical nomenclature be used as the official name.
Ferrari commissioned Pininfarina to design the 365 GTB/4, and panel fabrication was handled by the Modenese firm Scaglietti. Hand-formed and hammer-welded steel was used for every panel other than the lightweight aluminum doors, hood, and trunk lid. The 365 GTB/4 was one of the last hand-assembled, regular production Ferraris, making it a unique masterpiece.
The Daytona quickly became a legend in its own time for a number of reasons. Most notable was the fact that it was the last front-engined Ferrari gran turismo designed before the marque’s involvement with Fiat in 1969-an essential date for many followers of Enzo Ferrari.
One of the last genuine Daytona Spyders produced and meticulously restored to show quality, the example presented here is number 106 of 121. The subject of an extensive mid-1990s restoration aimed at concours-level, this Daytona Spyder has been honored at several prestigious events by its current owner.
The restoration is holding up wonderfully, with virtually no signs of use inside or out. It registers just over 29,000 miles, only a handful of which were accumulated post-restoration.
The bumper and detail chrome are impeccable, as are the proper five-spoke Cromodora alloy “Daytona” wheels, a unique and original feature given that many Spyders were fitted with Borrani wire wheels. Correct vintage-style Michelin tires are fitted to all four wheels. The proper orange lenses of this late Daytona Spyder flank its retractable head lamps.
Underhood, the 365 GTB/4 Spyder appears 100% correct and ready to pass close scrutiny by concours judges. Correct hoses, finishes, stickers, and labels appear throughout, including a 1973 U.S. emission control label, befitting the car’s U.S. specification.
This 365 GTB/4 features a correct black top and black leather interior, with immaculate gray carpeting. The interior shows only minute traces of wear on the floor mats. The dashboard is finished in the proper “mousehair,” and the seats and all trim appear to be without any flaws. The interior’s few chrome pieces are without pitting or nicks, as is the silvery finish surrounding the gauges.
Included in the sale of the Spyder is a folio documenting the extensive restoration process through invoices and photographs. At the time of catalog production, this Ferrari 365 GTB/4 had been submitted to the Classiche certification process; this important piece of documentation will be available onsite for those interested parties and included in the sale of the car.