Lot 213: 1971 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' is one of the most significant models in the history of the world's most famous car company. As well as revolutionising the company's styling, the Daytona was the most powerful road car Ferrari had produced at that time, and would sell in large numbers around the world. Even today, the car is an icon in performance car terms, and one to which Ferrari owes much of its reputation as the builder of the greatest road cars. The Daytona came at a time when Ferrari was dominant in sports car racing with its sports prototypes, and the road cars the company developed were increasingly distanced from the racing cars with their associated improvements in reliability and creature comforts. In the word of one enthusiast, "There is no greater adrenaline pump". With its brutally aggressive yet somehow classically elegant lines and such a wonderful 4.4 litre four-camshaft V12 under its bonnet, there was nothing that could challenge it when new, and precious little that can do so today. True, such cars have never been considered easy to drive, but then again the best things in life always demand a little more commitment. Indeed a motor car such as the Daytona, once mastered, can provide thrills beyond its owner's wildest expectations. Acquired from second owner Clementino Borghi by Aldo Cudone in 1981, this Daytona was up-rated to full factory specification by Michellotto with coachwork by Bacchelli & Villa, to whom works drawings were made available to ensure its accuracy to exact works specification. At this time, the Daytona was still being campaigned as late as 1979 as a competitive modern race car, and therefore the skills to convert this car and the engineers involved were all current. The riveted Group 4 bodywork includes side-exit exhaust pipes, flared wheel arches covering wider competition wheels, full height faired in headlamps, air splitters atop the front wings, a chin spoiler, twin exterior fuel fillers, Plexiglas side windows and a single pantograph wiper. Inside the cabin is trimmed in lightweight materials and there are seat harnesses for both occupants, together with a fire extinguisher, roll cage and other competition necessities; nonetheless the boot still manages to accommodate a space-saver spare and a tool kit! Mechanically the car was fully rebuilt by Michelotti to competition specification and the presentation of the engine bay, dominated by the ram air induction box, speaks for itself. Mr. Michelotti has confirmed the work carried out on this car and that the engine was modified to ultimate circa 450bhp Group 4 specification with forged Borgo pistons, an 11.4:1 compression ratio, polished connecting rods, competition valves and valve gear, higher lift camshaft profile, lower final drive ratio, up-rated brakes with servo assistance, twin fuel pumps, alloy suspension springs and much stiffer anti-roll bar. When purchased by its current owners in 2001, this wonderful competition Ferrari had covered only some 2,000 kilometres since its rebuild by Michellotto and to date has covered a mere 8,000 kilometres. Since then, the Daytona has competed in many Ferrari classic races, where it has won overall in each event entered, and also the Adelaide Classic in Australia, performing faultlessly on every occasion. Maintenance and race preparation have always been carried out by either GTO Engineering or Strint Automotive, both well-respected British race engineering companies and Ferrari specialists, the invoices for which are included in the car's history file. This superb competition Group 4 specification motor car was fully serviced in only April this year and it accordingly performs impeccably. In addition to the work already mentioned, included with the vehicle are a set of racing open side-exhaust pipes and a set of rear-exiting exhaust megaphones which have silencer inserts for restricted noise events. New competition seatbelts and fire extinguishers were also fitted this year. This rare and highly desirable Ferrari also has current FIA papers and HTP papers are currently being processed following the necessary inspection and approval. The owner has confirmed that no further work whatsoever is required and that this great competition Ferrari is ready to go on the track for its next owner's enjoyment and pleasure. Cette voiture représente une des meilleures Ferrari de compétitions qui apportera a son nouveau propriétaire l'opportunité de participer immédiatement a des courses d'automobiles. Elle est mise en vente avec un dossier important et des papiers FIA et HTP.