Lot 333: 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona'

The first cars to bear the name of Enzo Ferrari appeared only 50 years ago, but in that time they have built a legend for delivering uncompromising performance from their V12 power units whilst clothed in some of the most exciting and elegant Italian coachwork designs. From the earlier 275 GTB/4 a natural development was the larger engined 365 GTB/4 (commonly known as the Daytona after the car's strong result in the 24 hour race of the same name in 1967) and this was the swansong for the successful front-engined berlinetta series. The deliberately aggressive shape styled by Pininfarina and the uncompromising mechanical specification ensured its success in the very demanding sports car market. The 352bhp delivered by the race-bred engine was delivered via a five-speed rear transaxle mounted in a welded steel tubular chassis frame. Independent road tests gave a top speed of over 170mph in standard form, which in the early '70s was an amazing feat. Such capability confirmed the 365 GTB/4 as the last and fastest in the long line of competition-bred front-engined Ferrari grand touring cars. This exceptional, very early, 1970 example was originally delivered with wire wheels to a discerning gentleman in Great Britain in the striking and rare colour combination of white with a contrasting black leather interior with black and white leather seat inserts. It has to be noted that this is a very early example of the 365 GTB/4 with the 'plexiglass front' and the omission of both headrests and exterior mirrors, adding even more elegance by not disturbing the lines of the mind-blowingly beautiful shape. The minimal mileage of some 39,000 miles is believed to be correct, such is the condition of this sought-after Ferrari. Subsequently the car spent most of its life in the sunny state of California in America, where it has always been looked after by a fastidious Ferrari mechanic, and in whose workshop the car remained for some 15 years. The current vendor informs us that this beautiful Ferrari has had just three owners from new. This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase a right-hand drive Daytona with the all-important matching engine and chassis numbers, which performed very well on a recent test and will undoubtedly be the pride of any serious Ferrari collection. Having recently arrived from California, this car is offered with its American title document. All European taxes have been paid.