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.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 |
| Number Produced: | 121 |
| Original List Price: | $25,000 approx. |
| Tune Up Cost: | $3,500 |
| Distributor Caps: | (2) $625 |
| Chassis Number Location: | On frame, above right front spring mount |
| Engine Number Location: | Below head on rear left block |
| Club Info: | Ferrari Club of America PO Box 720597 Atlanta, GA 30358 |
| Website: | http://www.ferrariclubofamerica.org |
| Investment Grade: | A |
This 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spyder sold for $1,485,000 at RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey auction on August 16, 2008.
The late Dean Batchelor, automotive historian and author, once wrote, “When the Daytona first came out, Ferrari enthusiasts and the motoring press seemed divided about its appearance. Ten years later those who liked it love it, and those who didn’t like it, do so now.” I think that statement can be taken a step further by adding that many enthusiasts who are just lukewarm to the Daytona coupe love the Daytona Spyder, and those who love the coupe can be pushed over the edge by the Spyder.
There are passionate collectors, and there are over-the-top collectors. In 1994, our subject car landed in the Dani Investment Collection. The Dani Collection’s claim to fame was a passion for Daytona Spyders, with the cash to back it up. At one time, the collection owned five, count ’em-1, 2, 3, 4, 5-real Ferrari Daytona Spyders. Two of the five became part of Ferrari history.
Spyder #14699 was chosen to be restored as the best Daytona Spyder in the world. Truly a bespoke creation for its owner, plating, paint, and trim were all targeted for improvement over Maranello’s vision. The vinyl trim was replaced with leather and even the smallest details were painstakingly attended to. It’s rumored that days of work went into finishing just the insides of the bumpers. Unfortunately, Ferrari enthusiasts frown on reinterpretation of what the factory produced, and there are few ribbons to reward the restoration effort.
Restored only to Ferrari show standards
It’s no fun to build a show car and not bring home the hardware, so the Dani Collection decided to restore our subject car, chassis #17001, to Ferrari show standards. The restoration team of Mike Regalia and Don Rudd was chosen for their restoration and show experience, as well as their attention to detail. This time the goal was to keep the car authentic rather than to make it better. They were rewarded with many show awards. Now, more than a decade later, it is still a spectacular GTB/4 Spyder, as the generous results of this auction indicate.
Earlier this year I ran across an old friend who indicated an interest in selling his Daytona Spyder. I made a few calls and quickly found out that a buyer could have a Spyder in his choice of colors, as at least six were actively on the market. There’s a thin market for million-dollar cars, and six for sale was probably more than the market would bear.
This year at Monterey there were four Daytona Spyders at the auctions. RM had two, Gooding had one, and Russo and Steele had one. Four was probably three too many for the weekend. The Russo car was a “no sale,” the Gooding car sold at just over $1 million, and RM hammered its other Spyder sold at just over $1.1 million-both cars selling for under auction estimate. Our subject car cashed in at nearly $1.5 million, about mid point of the auction estimate and nearly $200,000 ahead of SCM’s price guide. The strong showing proves once again that there is always someone out there for the best example. I’d call this one well sold.