Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder Conversion
s/n 14185
Black with Tan Leather Interior

Originally shown at the Frankfurt motor show in 1969, the Daytona Spyder was almost instantly collectible. Only 124 genuine Daytona Spyders were built, making them exceedingly rare finds, and prohibitively expensive for most private individuals today. In spite of their rarity, or perhaps because of it, they found their way onto the silver screen on such memorable occasions as in ‘The Gumball Rally’ (who can forget Raul Julia’s opinions on the topic of Italian driving: “What is behind you is not important!”) and also in ‘Miami Vice’. As a result of the collector car boom of the late 80’s, many coupes were reconfigured to replicate this legendary open GT car, and today high quality conversions to Spyder format are accepted cars in the Ferrari enthusiast realm. Fetching prices similar to a Coupe of the same quality and condition, Spyder conversions represent excellent open V12 motoring value.

This particular car has excellent history, having been in California its entire life with essentially two owners. Its first owner purchased it on 31 July 1971 and was a resident of North Hollywood, California. Its second owner purchased it at Hollywood Sports Cars in Los Angeles with 2800 miles on 10 November 1972. He kept the car until his death, at which point his son inherited it. In 1980, the car was converted to a Spyder by Richard Straman, who was well known for his high quality conversions, and changed from its original color scheme of dark red with red leather interior to black with tan interior. The current indicated mileage of 29,000 is from new. The owner’s son sold the car in 2014 and the car was taken to The Finishing Touch in Arizona, who did a complete repaint, fitted a new exhaust system, and did a light mechanical service. The car is complete with books, original warranty card, tools, knock-off hammer, and many photos of the car, before, during and after the conversion.

The car makes a strong cosmetic impression. The body is impressively straight and displays excellent gaps and fit. The paint is excellent overall, with minimal wear or blemishes. The chrome is very good with very light pitting and some swirls, but attractive presentation overall. The glass and lights are excellent. The wheels are in very good condition, with some light deterioration to the chrome on the hubs but nicely polished rims. The top is in good physical condition although it is showing some fading. The rear window is clear.

The interior is in very good condition. The leather trim is excellent throughout and is mellowed but not significantly worn. The dashboard has been retrimmed in an incorrect material but is in very nice condition. The gauges and switches are excellent and the car has the correct retractable sun visors which are unique to the Daytona Spyder. The steering wheel is in very nice unrestored condition and the carpets are very good as well.

The presentation of the engine compartment is consistent with that of a well-maintained but unrestored car with relatively low mileage. It is tidy although there is minor aging to some of the finishes. The original fiberglass fender liners are present. The air pump, which is almost always missing, is still present, as are the Dinoplex ignition boxes. The windscreen washer bag is also present and the overall impression is of an honest and undisturbed original engine compartment. The trunk has correct carpet and is in excellent shape. The car has an original tool roll along with matching spare wheel.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive and extremely straight Daytona Spyder conversion. With known history back to new and basically two owners, the car spent its entire life in Southern California, and is a matching-numbers example with no accident history. The car comes with tools and a very complete books set that includes original leather pouch, guarantee booklet (filled out with the first owner’s information), USA supplement, owner’s manual, and parts book. There is also some documentation, including a copy of the purchase invoice from 1972, photos of the car dating back to the 1970s, and some correspondence describing the car’s history.

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