Lot details
Registration No: 365 GT
Chassis No: 16879
Mot Expiry: Nov 2008

"It's a hard-muscled thoroughbred, easily the most awesome but disciplined road-going Ferrari yet. The Daytona isn't just fast - it's blinding. It is the perfect extension of its driver" (Car and Driver, January 1970).

Prized as the last front-engined Ferrari GT to be developed without Fiat's assistance, the 365GTB/4 debuted at the 1968 Paris Salon. An evolution of that fitted to the outgoing 275GTB/4, its Tipo 605 tubular steel chassis frame was equipped with all-round independent double-wishbone suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and precise rack and pinion steering. Notably well-balanced, the model enjoyed 50:50 weight distribution thanks to the rigid torque tube drive which linked its rear-mounted five-speed transaxle and Tipo 251 4390cc DOHC dry-sump engine. Fed via six twin-choke Weber carburetors, the latter was quoted as developing some 352bhp @ 7,500rpm and 318lbft of torque @ 5,500rpm. A further development of Aurelio Lampredi's already race proven V12 design, it reputedly enabled the 365GTB/4 to sprint from 0-60mph in 5.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 12 seconds and on to 174mph.

Such staggering performance inevitably brought comparisons with that other contender for the title 'World's Fastest Production Car', the Lamborghini Miura (though, road testers were almost unanimous in placing the Prancing Horse ahead of the Rampant Bull). Where its Marcello Gandini-penned rival charmed onlookers with a combination of sensual curves and delicate detailing the Pininfarina-styled Ferrari proved a visual masterclass in muscularity and menace. The Lamborghini's headlamp 'eyelashes' being in sharp contrast to the black 'bandit mask' worn by early 365GTB/4s. Bodied by Scaglietti in a mixture of steel and aluminium, the Maranello car utilized fibregalss for its inner tub. Typically inviting, the GT's two-seater cabin played host to a vinyl (later suede) topped dashboard, aluminium fascia panel, leather-trimmed bucket seats and electric windows (while, air-conditioning was a highly desirable option).

Facelifted in early 1971 so as to comply with US safety legislation, the 365GTB/4 gained retractable headlights. Nicknamed the 'Daytona' on account of Ferrari's dominant 1-2-3 finish at the famous circuit in 1967, the model soon acquired a formidable competition pedigree of its own. Campaigned by a variety of independent teams - often with little factory recognition - suitably prepared 365GTB/4s achieved some exceptional results at Le Mans including: 5th o/a (1971), 5th - 9th o/a (1972), 6th and 9th o/a (1973). Though, perhaps even more impressive were the two 2nd places achieved at the 1973 and 1979 Daytona 24 hours. With apologies to Thomas Hobbes, short journeys aboard a 'Daytona' might be brutish and short but long high-speed ones can still be the stuff of motoring heaven. Properly warmed-up and with some clear road ahead of it, a good 365GTB/4 can thrill its pilot like few other cars. A triumphant last stand in the face of the mid-engined revolution, Ferrari called time on the 'Daytona' during late 1973 after some 1,284 coupes had been made (just 158 of which were supplied to UK right-hand drive specification).

Finished in red with tan / black leather upholstery, this particular UK right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, five-speed manual transmission, electrical equipment, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, he rates the interior trim as "good"). Ordered new via H.R. Owen in June 1973 for delivery that autumn, chassis 16879 boasts a weighty history file. Fettled by the likes of Bob Houghton and DK Engineering in the past, more recent work has seen it treated to a new exhaust system. Running well upon inspection, the 365GTB/4's last proper outing was to a Ferrari Owners' Club meeting this summer. Sporting Cromodora alloys, air-conditioning and the highly appropriate registration number '365 GT', this late and increasingly desirable right-hand drive Daytona is worthy of close inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now has a MOT certificate valid until November 2008.