Vehicle Description
Italy in the late 1960s was a hotbed of creative energy in the
automobile industry. A group of ambitious young engineers at
Lamborghini caused a stir with the introduction of the radical,
mid-engine Miura, spurring on a supercar war between Ferrari,
Maserati and Lamborghini. Despite the sensation caused by the
Miura, Enzo Ferrari (ever the staunch traditionalist) stuck to his
proven formulae, as the front-mounted V12 layout had proven so
successful for many years. It was to form the foundation of the
next Ferrari supercar, even in the face of the mid-engine
revolution from their Italian rivals and even from within their own
competition department. Pininfarina's design chief, Leonardo
Fiavoranti, admitted that he was never a huge fan of the 275 GTB/4,
and while that car was still relatively new, he was inspired to
take a bare chassis and engine from the floor and mock-up a new
design - all in his spare time. The new shape was more modern than
the 275, being wider all round, with its crisp edges and a
signature Plexiglas band across the nose. The design impressed Enzo
Ferrari who gave his blessing for production. Named for Ferrari's
1-2-3 sweep at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hour Race, the 365GTB/4
"Daytona" was judged as a being conservatively styled compared of
the Miura. But on its own, Fiavoranti's styling work was exquisite;
modern, fresh and elegant with an understated muscular presence.
The Daytona was the sophisticated counterpoint to the outrageous
Miura, yet it came to performance, the Daytona was every bit as
exciting, delivering a 0-100 mph sprint in 12.6 second on the way
to a thundering 174mph top speed. Like the 275GTB/4 before it,
American importer Luigi Chinetti lobbied the factory to offer a
convertible version of the Daytona for the American market. The
Daytona shape lends itself well to being a convertible, though just
122 examples were officially offered by the factory. Over the years
a number of coupes have been converted into Spyders to varying
degrees of success. Far and away, the most respected shop to
perform such conversions was that owned by Richard Straman. A
talented engineer and coachbuilder, Straman has built numerous
convertible conversions for Ferraris ranging from the 275 GTB to
the 550 Maranello. His work his highly regarded for its quality
engineering and factory-grade finish work, often employing original
parts when possible. As such, any open-topped Ferrari to carry the
Straman name is given a blessing by collectors and experts alike.
We are very pleased to feature chassis number 13933, a 1971 365
GTB/4 Daytona "Plexi" originally delivered in European
Specification to the Canadian dealer Clarke Simpkins. The
subsequent history of 13933 is well documented: In the late 1970s,
the car was in the possession of Carl Cantera, a highly-respected
Ferrari aficionado and collector. Early in Mr. Cantera's long
tenure with the car, it was entrusted to Richard Straman for
conversion to open Spyder configuration and a change to its current
livery of black over tan. Included receipts show Mr. Cantera
enjoyed and maintained the car through the 80s and 90s before it
was consigned to the legendary Ferrari dealer, Algar of
Philadelphia in the early 2000's. Subsequent owners would continue
to cherish and enjoy this Daytona on the road and in casual shows.
In 2016 and in the hands of its most recent owner, S/N 13933 was
treated to a comprehensive restoration performed by the respected
marque experts Automotive Restorations, Inc. of Stratford, CT. The
work included a bare-metal respray in black, as well as extensive
detailing of the engine and chassis. In addition, the interior was
retrimmed in tan leather with black "Daytona" inserts, fresh
carpets, a recovered dash in correct mouse-hair material and a
fully retrimmed trunk compartment as correct. It retains its
factory-optional air conditioning for comfortable cruising in all
conditions. The top was replaced with a new one in Haartz Stayfast
canvas, custom made to original specification and precisely fitted.
In the short time since the restoration was completed, 13933 has
seen light and careful use and remains in outstanding order. The
black paint is beautifully presented with crisp, straight
reflections and excellent panel fit. We are particularly fond of
the black livery which suits the muscular styling perfectly -
particularly in "Plexi-nose" form and with this car's gorgeous
polished Borrani wire wheels on proper Michelin XWX rubber. Engine
presentation extremely tidy with correct hoses, fittings, clamps
and hardware. Correct silver quilted insulation is in place under
the hood and most importantly, this Daytona runs and drives
exceedingly well. The chassis feels very well-sorted and the big
V12 pulls with the intensity of train, emanating a magnificent bark
from the quad Ansa exhaust tips. This is an outstanding opportunity
to acquire a freshly and expertly prepared Daytona Spyder in
desirable Plexi-nose spec with solid provenance and outstanding
cosmetics. Recently having taken Best in Class at the 2017 Boca
Raton Concours, this Daytona is an exquisite example of Ferrari's
seminal 1970's supercar that is suitable for show, touring and
events. S/N 13933 is certain to bring great pleasure to its next
keeper for years to come.
