Lot 145: 1969 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Plexiglass

The first cars to bear the name of Enzo Ferrari appeared only some 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 1-2-3 victory in the 24 hour race of 1967) but sadly 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 mated to 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. Chassis 12521 is finished in the classic combination of 'giallo fly' with contrasting black leather interior. The car is the property of a well known Swiss collector and dating from 1969 is one of the earliest of the approx. 1200 'Daytonas' built'. It is an original European supplied model and being such an early car it features a wood rimmed steering wheel and a plexiglass noseband as opposed to the arguably less attractive pop up headlights of the later cars .The car has also been fitted with an air conditioning unit. This example benefited from a very comprehensive restoration in Italy that was carried out between 1989 - 1991. The interior was retrimmed by Lupi whilst the bodywork was entrusted to a Modena based Ferrari specialist. The engine and gearbox are freshly rebuilt and the car has only covered 4.500 kilometres since this work was completed. It is only now 15 years after this work was completed and the restoration has been allowed to 'mellow' that we are able to appreciate the level to which this car was originally restored: without regard to expense. Potential purchasers are advised that this car is Swiss registered. Therefore if the car were to remain in the European Union taxes would be payable.