Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe
s/n 14481
Red with Tan Leather Interior

As the last of the classic front-engined V12 flagship Ferraris, the 365GTB/4 \"Daytona\" needs little introduction. Despite retaining the traditional front-engined layout of previous Ferrari's, the Daytona's creased styling was decidedly modern, and the specification was very much up to date as well. Its 4.4 liter quad cam V12 produced over 350hp, and was joined to a rear-mounted 5-speed transaxle for optimum weight distribution. The suspension was independent all around, and there were disc brakes at all four corners as well. The car was extremely fast as well, with a genuine 174mph top speed as confirmed by contemporary testers. Despite less than universal praise for the styling when it first appeared, its near perfect proportions have made widely considered to be one of the greatest classic Ferraris of all time. It captures the essence of the classicFerrari experience while also supplying performance that is exciting even by today's standards. Indeed, Ferrari's 1997 return to this layout with the 550 Maranello has proven that the front-engined V12 layout is a timeless concept that still competes with the most exotic mid-engined cars. Just 1284 Daytonas were built before the car was replaced with a new mid-engined car, the Berlinetta Boxer.

This particular car was originally finished in blue with a black interior. It was sold new to Earl Gorman of Toronto, Ontario, Canada by Yonge-Steeles Motors. While stopped at a light, Mr. Gorman was hit by a VW and the front of the car damaged. It was then sold to the owner of Antica Auto Body, Vito Scavone, who repaired the car and repainted it in its entirety, changing the color to red. The car was sold to Clifford Pak, also of Toronto, who retained the car until 1982. By 1988, the car was with a Robert Fung of Etobicoke, Ontario. In 1994, the car was offered by Ferrari of Los Gatos in California, having been recently and comprehensively restored. Michael Sheehan offered the car in 1997, reportedly with new paint, interior, suspension, gearbox, and engine completely rebuilt. In 1999, the car belonged to an owner in Santa Cruz, California, and was then offered by a dealer in Northern California in September of 2006.

Today, the car remains cosmetically striking, having been carefully looked after since the restoration. The paintwork was done to high standards and remains in very good condition, with some surface cracks at the edges of the hood and trunk lid opening, and two scratches in the front right fender. There are also some chips on the front of the car that have been touched up. The body is straight and displays excellent panel fit other than the trunk lid, which sits a bit proud. The undercarriage is generally solid, although there are some areas of perforation in some of the outriggers connecting the main frame tubes to the rockers that should be corrected eventually. The chrome is in very good condition, with minor swirls and extremely light pits only. The glass and lights are very good to excellent throughout. The wheels are excellent as well, and the rears are 9-inch “Boxer” wheels.

The interior is in very good shape. The dashboard is excellent and was redone with correct appearing material. The leather upholstery is showing some aging and discoloration in a way that is consistent with how the factory upholstery in these cars ages, giving it an appearance consistent with an unrestored original interior. The leather remains supple and is free of major creasing or other wear. The center console and two panels of the passenger seat have been retrimmed with incorrect material. The carpets are in very nice condition, as are the instruments, switches, and controls. The car is equipped with vintage Blaupunkt radio. The steering wheel appears to have been restored and is in excellent condition, as are the headliner and rear parcel shelf.

The engine remains very clean following the restoration, with an attractive and reasonably well-detailed presentation, certainly as nice as one would want in a car that is regularly driven. Markings on the oil filters indicate the oil and filters were last changed in September 2014. The car is equipped with MSD electronic ignition and the ancillaries, airbox, and engine itself all present very nicely and is exceedingly dry. The trunk presents correctly, with excellent carpet of the correct type. The spare is unrestored but is a correct Cromadora alloy.

The car runs and drives well. It starts easily and has a wonderfully precise and responsive throttle. The engine is well-tuned and sounds great. The transaxle is excellent, including second gear synchromesh. Although the Daytona has a reputation as being unwieldy and difficult to drive, this example is confidence inspiring and straightforward to use. The brakes bite well, the steering is communicative, and the chassis composed.

This is an excellent Daytona to drive and enjoy. A cosmetically attractive example that drives well and presents attractively, this example is ready to be enjoyed. Desirably equipped with 9 inch rear wheels, the car also has original large tool kit with tools.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608