Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' Spider Conversion (1975)

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.

This example was supplied new as a RHD coupe by Maranello Concessionaires to Mr W.J.’Billy’ Skelly of Motherwell. With his father running a Ford, Morris and Lea-Francis dealership in Motherwell, and a student upbringing building race specials with help from Norman Dewis and Ken Wharton, he was no stranger to competition. No doubt inspired by his motorsport endeavours, Mr Bealey of Maranello Concessionaires noted Skelly’s request for ‘Bugatti Blue’ on the Daytona to succeed his GTC of the time.

‘Bugatti Blue’ would be granted in the form of Azzurro Dino, with the interior in tan and factory fitted air-conditioning. On a trip to Monaco in June 1973, Billy saw a freshly arrived Daytona in the local Ferrari dealership. Upon his return, he wrote once more to Maranello Concessionaires to request they leave the plastic coverings on the sills as they were prone to damage. He further noted the request for ‘transparent side light glass for the car’ as he was concerned they would look odd in yellow with the car ‘almost Royal blue’ in colour.

Mr Skelly retained the Daytona for a year and shortly after that it would end up in the care of Mr Gordon Claridge of Berkhamstead. Claridge was known for his Ferraris, each wearing a cherished registration mark beginning ‘PAR’ and for his unusual colour choices. Claridge had previously owned a 275 GTB/4, new to the UK in Nocciola, a warm metallic caramelised hazelnut shade.

With this Daytona still resplendent in its Azzurro Dino hue and now with gold wheels to match the P-Series cars of the time; Claridge would retain the Daytona for 20 years. The Daytona was used as he did all of his Ferraris; on longer trips to his residence in Cornwall. Ensuring each of his cars were kept in fine fettle, the Daytona was exclusively serviced by Maranello Concessionaires during his ownership. He finally sold the car in 1994 with 40,000 miles through Coys of Kensington.

The car’s second owner, a prominent Ferrari collector, purchased the Daytona from a Bonhams auction, the catalogue highlighting the Azzurro Dino hue. The car was kept the car within his UK based stable and meticulous servicing continued with Maranello Concessionaires. When the car was sold, once more through a Bonhams auction, the new owner refinished the Daytona in the period shade of Rosso Rubino.

This Daytona was purchased by its current custodian in 2001. Shortly after purchase, the 365 was entrusted into the capable hands of Kevin O’Rourke of Mototechnique. Renowned for their work on Ferrari’s of all levels, the Daytona was subjected to a total restoration, and at that time, a conversion to 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder configuration. With the car taken down to bare metal, the car was refinished in the iconic Rosso Corsa coachwork it presents with today.

Accompanied by a comprehensive history folio, this Daytona spider presents superbly as an eminently usable proposition and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.

• Meticulously serviced by Maranello Concessionaires for over 20 years
• Restored and converted to GTS/4 Spider configuration by Mototechnique in 2001.
• Offered for sale from 23 years of private ownership