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. There were several models of the GTS/4, including: European-spec RHD, US-spec LHD and European-spec LHD. Only 19 of the 122 Daytona Spyders built were Euro-spec LHD (including the sole "Plexiglass" headlight prototype). The US-spec cars featured rather unappealing additional side lights and slightly less power due to the more complicated exhaust system to combat smog laws.
The exterior of the Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder was nothing short of beautiful. The 365 was one of the final Ferraris to be 100 percent hand built. The entire main structure of the body was made from steel that was painstakingly hammer formed and hammer welded to perfection.
This is example is one of the eighteen most desirable European specification LHD "pop-up" headlight Spyders built. Originally supplied in November 1971 to its Italian first owner it was presented in the colour combination it retains to this day of Rosso Chiaro with Nero interior. It was equipped with factory air conditioning, a Voxson radio and the instruments in kms. The car has a well-known and extremely well documented history. It was enjoyed by its second private owner, David Morris, in England from 1977 to 1984. Then it was purchased by its third private owner, Henk Van de Meene, of the Netherlands who the car remained with for twenty years. In 2005 the car was purchased by its fourth private owner, Anthony Mak van Waay, also of the Netherlands.
During the ownership of Mr Mak van Waay the car was subjected to a full mechanical restoration by the renowned and leading Dutch Ferrari specialist "Roelofs". At that time the car was stripped to bare metal and repainted by Autoclassica Rubbio (also on Holland). The only item was not restored was the interior, which is the original, and this was retained as it is in such good condition. As such, the car is in exceptional mechanical condition and is amongst one of the strongest and best driving Daytonas one could find.
Since 2010 the car has been with its fifth private owner and has recently been Classiche Certified by Ferrari where it states and confirms in its red book that it is matching numbers and original throughout. The car is now UK registered, presented in superb condition and available to view immediately at our showrooms just outside London.
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