Vehicle Description
Italy in the late 1960s was a hotbed of creative energy in the
automobile industry. GT cars were becoming ever more powerful and
exotic, while Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati battled for sports car
supremacy. Ferrari's proven front-mounted V12 layout was the
foundation of the traditional Ferrari road car, even while the
Scuderia was in the midst of a mid-engine revolution. Lamborghini,
on the other hand, tossed convention aside for a radical
transverse-rear-engine layout on their staggering new Miura of
1966. The arrival of the groundbreaking Miura signaled alarm bells
for many within Ferrari, as suddenly the gorgeous but traditional
275GTB/4 was on the back foot compared to the new kid from
Sant'Agata. While the 275 GTB/4 was still relatively new,
Pininfarina's design chief, Leonardo Fiavoranti, took a bare
chassis and engine from the floor to mock up a new design. The
muscular new shape was more modern than the 275, being wider all
around, with its crisp edges, more defined lines, and a bold
Plexiglas band across the nose. It so impressed Enzo that the green
light was given for production. When the new 365 GTB/4 "Daytona"
was introduced at the 1968 Paris Salon, the reception was lukewarm
compared to the radical Miura; the Ferrari was considered too
orthodox. However, while Lamborghini struggled with the development
of the Miura, the 365 GTB/4 and its open-topped 365 GTS/4 NART
relied on a proven platform that was reliable, strong and delivered
storming performance. The Daytona was magnificent GT car and a true
supercar, providing a 0-100mph sprint in 12.6 seconds on the way to
a top speed of 174 mph. This 1971 365 GTB/4 is an original,
European specification left-drive car, completed on September 1,
1970. The car was sold through the official Ferrari dealer, Motor
S.a.s. di Carle Allegretti in Bologna, Italy and originally
finished in Argento Metallizzato over blue leather. Serial number
13729 is an original and desirable "Plexi-nose" car, featuring
fixed headlamps behind a full-width Plexiglas panel that was unique
to early European models. In the late 1970s, this car was exported
to the USA, with Larry Crossan of Loomis, California noted as the
earliest known American owner. In 1981, Mr. Crossan handed the car
over to Michael Sheehan's European Auto Restoration where it
received an expert conversion to Spyder configuration. Mr. Sheehan
had performed a number of these conversions, and his cars, along
with those of Richard Straman, are among the most authentic and
widely accepted. The quality and attention to detail make them
difficult to distinguish from the Scaglietti-built originals. Aside
from the sheet metal changes, Sheehan's conversions also included a
reinforced front sub-frame, strengthened windscreen frame, and
steel inner fender panels to ensure no compromises to the handling
and performance. Steve Forristall of Houston, Texas would own S/N
13729 for some time in the early 1980s, and he offered it for sale
in 1987. It changed hands a few more times in 1990s and early
2000s, and the ownership chain is well-documented. A high-quality
cosmetic restoration was performed in approximately 2001, and the
most recent owner acquired it in 2007. Today, this fantastic
Daytona presents in excellent condition. The body, now finished in
classic Rosso Corsa, shows crisp body lines and excellent panel
fit. Doors open and shut with a satisfying and solid feel, and the
quality of the Spyder conversion is outstanding. Completing the
look is a set of beautiful Borrani wire wheels wrapped in
correct-type 215/70-VR15 Michelin radials. Exterior brightwork and
body fittings are in very good overall condition, showing some
light hazing in places yet remaining consistent and attractive. The
interior is nicely presented, with signature Daytona bucket seats
feature contrasting red inserts, black carpets, and black fabric
soft-top. The. The upholstery is in excellent overall order, and
while the leather seats and dash covering appear more recent, the
door panels and console possibly date to the original restoration.
Equipment includes power windows, air conditioning, a period
correct Becker Mexico cassette/stereo and a correct Daytona
steering wheel. Sheehan's conversion even includes the rare
pull-down sun visors which were unique to the factory-built Daytona
Spyder. Correct original instruments reveal the car's home-market
roots. Beneath the hood is Ferrari's legendary four-cam, 4.4-liter
V12 topped by a sextet of Weber carburetors. The engine is tidy and
well detailed, with correct wrinkle-finish cam covers and air
cleaner housing. It runs strong, pulling well through the rev range
while emitting a glorious soundtrack that enhances with the top
folded. It benefits from a recent service which included the
rebuilding of the carburetors, new ignition coils, new plugs, and
new wires. The brake system was also serviced with rebuilt calipers
and new pads. With its timeless design and astonishing performance,
the Daytona is one of Ferrari's most iconic road cars and one of
the greatest grand tourers of all time. This beautiful example is
road-ready and is sure to impress its future keepers for many more
miles.