Vehicle Description
The Italian auto industry in the late 1960s was a hotbed of
creative energy. The sense of unbridled optimism bore a string of
increasingly powerful and exotic super sports cars from Ferrari,
Lamborghini, and Maserati. Ferrari's new rival Lamborghini had
tossed convention aside for their radical new Miura, with its
sophisticated transverse-rear-engine layout and lightweight
sheet-steel chassis. Ferrari, however, remained steadfast in their
commitment to the front-mounted V12-powered road cars, even as
theScuderiafielded rear-engine racing cars. The Miura's arrival
signaled alarm bells for many within Ferrari, as the new kid from
Sant'Agata made Ferrari's 275 GTB/4 look a bit old-fashioned.
Pininfarina's design chief, Leonardo Fioravanti, had never been
entirely satisfied with the 275 GTB/4 and was eager for a new model
that reflected the spirit of the times. Shortly into 275 GTB/4
production, he "borrowed" a bare chassis and engine from the
assembly floor, which he used to mock-up its potential replacement.
He created a modern and muscular shape far removed from the 275,
defined by crisp lines and a bullet-like profile. Enzo Ferrari was
so impressed with Fioravanti's experiment that he immediately
green-lit the car for production. The new 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" was
introduced at the 1968 Paris Salon, boasting a quad-cam V12 engine
of 4.4-liters, giving a top speed of 174 mph. At the Frankfurt Auto
Show in September 1969, Ferrari unveiled the open-topped companion
to the coupe, known as the 365 GTS/4. The Daytona's gorgeous lines
adapted gracefully to the convertible version, and thanks to
strategic strengthening, the performance remained as sharp as ever.
Just 122 were produced for the world, and it was instantly one of
the most eminently desirable Ferraris of the period. According to a
comprehensive history report compiled by marque historian Marcel
Massini, S/N 16455 is number 68 of the coveted 122 official works
365 GTS/4 Daytona Spiders produced by Scaglietti. Production
records indicate 16455 left the gates of Maranello finished in
Grigio Ferro over Rosso Connolly hides. It left Modena in 1972,
destined for William F. Harrah's west coast Ferrari
distributorship, Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada. From there,
it went on to Service & Diagnosis of Santa Monica, California - the
official dealership of longtime Ferrari family friend Francisco
"Frank" Mir. Later in 1972, Mr. Lanvin of Los Angeles became the
first official owner, and he kept the Daytona through 1976. Further
records show it was briefly in the care of a New York resident
before being sold in 1979 to Allan Jerry Siemons of Malibu, CA. Mr.
Siemons was the first long-term custodian of 16455, keeping the car
in his care from 1979 to 1991, during which time it was resprayed
in its current metallic gunmetal gray and treated to an engine
rebuild in 1983. Subsequent owners are well documented through the
1990s and early 2000s, including a brief stint with notorious Dutch
drug smuggler and Ferrari enthusiast Charles Zwolsman, Sr. Finally,
in 2005, the Daytona was acquired by the most recent owner and has
been quietly maintained in their extensive private collection ever
since. As offered, 16455 remains in highly original condition save
for one respray, displays just over 35,000 miles, retains its
original engine, and is presented with an appealing character
earned through years of attentive care and enjoyment. The gray
paintwork is consistently finished and attractive while the
underlying coachwork is crisp and well-defined, with exterior trim
in excellent order all around. Borrani wire wheels are correct per
the build records and shod with proper Michelin XWX radial tires.
Supportive form-hugging bucket seats are trimmed in Rosso
3171Connolly leather with contrasting black accents, as originally
specified in the build sheets. The seats are exceptionally well
preserved, and much of the interior soft trim appears to be
original. The original "mouse hair" dash exhibits slight
discoloration appropriate for the age, though it remains free of
significant flaws with no apparent shrinking or pulling. Original
equipment includes desirable air conditioning, electric windows,
instruments in miles, a Becker Mexico stereo cassette player, and
an original jack/bag. Beneath the bonnet sits Ferrari's legendary
4.4-liter, four-cam V12, topped with a sextet of downdraft Weber
Carburetors. The mighty 'twelve is the original unit, as confirmed
by Ferrari Classiche. It is well-presented with an honest character
and authentic detailing appropriate for a preserved, and unmolested
car such as this. It sends 350 Italian thoroughbreds rearward to a
5-speed transaxle, capable of pushing the Daytona to a heady 170
mph top speed. Offering storming performance, gorgeous lines, and
guaranteed exclusivity, the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider sits in the
upper echelon of the Ferrari hierarchy. This extraordinarily
well-preserved, well-documented example is offered publically for
the first time in over 15 years, now ready for a new passionate
custodian. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7093-1972-ferrari-365-gts-4/
