Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
s/n 14647
Rosso Corsa with Black 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 classic Ferrari 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 is a US specification example that was completed on the 29th of October 1971 and delivered new in to an owner in Toronto, Canada on 29 March 1972 by Yonge Steeles Motors, the local Ferrari dealer. Finished in red as it was delivered new, the car is a lovely example that is reported to have covered less than 37,500 miles from new. Certainly its condition and presentation support that conclusion.

Its current owner is an enthusiastic collector who purchased the car on 16 June 1989, and has kept the car in Southern California for the duration of his ownership. At the time of purchase, the car was showing 31,000 miles. Since then, he has covered an additional 6200 miles. He has had much work performed over the years, including a complete repaint, rebuilt transaxle, new clutch, new ignition boxes (Permatune internals inside Magnetti Marelli boxes), and much other work totaling over $100,000. The car was serviced in April of 2015 and new tie rods were installed at that time as well. The repaint was recently completed and the car is cosmetically excellent. The mechanical work was performed by Rod Drew at FAI and the car was shown at the Quail Motorsports Gathering in 2014.

The car is exceptionally complete with tool roll with tools (one of the best sets we have ever seen), light bulb holder, a very complete books set, service invoices since 1989, and miscellaneous documents from the car’s early life. The books set includes owner’s manual, USA model supplement, consumer information pamphlet, dealer directory, warranty card, parts book, Voxson radio booklet, and Voxson radio warranty card. The early documentation includes copies of the importation documents from when the car entered Canada in January of 1972, along with Daytona s/n 14663, Daytona Spider s/n 14699, and 246GT s/n 02882. A copy of the original invoice, showing a purchase price of $24,900 CAD and a a $12,900 trade in allowance for a 1970 Maserati Ghibli is also included.

Cosmetically, the car is extremely nice. The body is straight and displays excellent gaps and panel operation. The paintwork was done to high standards and is virtually unmarked beyond two very small surface cracks at the corners of the front deck lid aperture, which is common on Daytonas. The chrome is in very nice condition with few signs of aging, and glass and lights are excellent overall. The wheels are excellent and wear Michelin XWX tires.

The interior is original and has survived very well. The leather upholstery is excellent overall and is supple with some creasing and a few surface cracks to the seat inserts and emergency brake boot. The bolsters are excellent and may have been redone. The original dashboard is very good, with some of the discoloration that invariably affects these cars. The door panels, center console, and parcel shelf are all in excellent order. The carpets have been redone and are excellent. The steering wheel is unrestored and shows some cracking to the leather trim. The instruments, switches, and controls are correct and in excellent condition and the car is equipped with its original Voxson 8 track player.

The engine compartment is very clean, correct, and nicely detailed. The smog pump, which is almost always missing, is still present. While not quite show condition, the engine compartment is well above that of most nice driver level cars, and has only a few signs of aging. The trunk appears to be original with correct type carpeting in good unrestored condition. The spare is a matching Cromodora alloy.

The car runs and drives extremely well. The engine starts easily and is well-tuned, making ample power and the famous Ferrari V12 engine noises. Even by today’s standards, the car is rapid and exhilarating to drive. The steering lightens once the car is on the move, and the gearchange on this car is particularly nice, with good synchromesh even from cold. The brakes are effective and the chassis and steering tight. The AC blows cold, an exceptional achievement for any vintage Ferrari.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a wonderful Daytona that is well-documented, complete, and drives great. A fundamentally undisturbed low mileage example with tools, books, and fantastic period documentation, this Daytona even has its original Voxson radio. The car stands out among Daytonas and will appeal to the enthusiast or collector looking for a very high quality, honest car that is a pleasure to look at and to drive.

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