Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder Conversion
s/n 16459
Dark Red with Tan Leather and Black Inserts

At the 1969 Frankfurt motor show, the Ferrari Daytona Spyder was literally a design revelation. Only a year earlier, Pininfarina had designed a chiseled sports car with smooth bodylines and sweeping elegance, making the Ferrari a substantial leap ahead of everyone in both technical and visual sophistication. But it was the Spyder that that would prove to be the most amazing of the Daytona series. Only 124 genuine Daytona Spyders would be built, making them exceedingly rare, and prohibitively expensive. Within a decade, the Daytona would become iconic in movies and TV shows, becoming a fixture of performance and rarity. Due to this popularity and desirability, many coupes have been reconfigured to replicate this legendary open GT car. Today, high quality conversions to Spyder format are accepted cars in the Ferrari enthusiast realm, capturing values similar to a Coupe of the same quality and condition. Spyder conversions represent excellent open V12 motoring values, offering fantastic performance and touring capability.

This stunning, long-term California car was purchased by the current owner on September 22, 1982, from Scott Cote of Ferrari of Los Gatos. Purchase records indicate the car had just 44,254 miles recorded at that time. The owner had Phil Reilly Restorations rebuild the engine and transaxle in February 1990, and later engaged Patrick Ottis for service and repair work in 1997. Experts at Straman Coachbuilders did the original conversion to a very high standard, but the owner wanted this car to be something far more than a conversion. His goal was to create a car that would be virtually indistinguishable from any of the 124 Spyders built in period. Expert Chris Springer in San Jose, was called upon to study the car and determine what was needed to accomplish these goals. After over 1000 hours of dedication, research, and detailed craftsmanship, the car emerged with virtually no signs of deviation from a factory built Spyder. Conversion details included correct roll down visors, proper steel inner fenders, and a complete repaint in beautiful dark red from the tub up. During the restoration a correct steel body clip was used, facilitating excellent finish on door caps and window framing. Correct ignition boxes and hood struts were installed, as was a new top, which still fits beautifully today. Air conditioning and power windows complete the package allowing for easy and comfortable GT touring. The restoration and detailing totaled over $300,000 in 1992. Surely an unprecedented amount spent at the time, but indeed creating a unique car.

Today the car remains in spectacular condition, still reflecting low miles and mild use since the detailed restoration was completed in the early 1990s. Currently showing 53,364, it is very likely these were pampered miles accumulated several years ago. The paint is amazing in gloss and overall finish, still appearing as though it were new. All exterior trim, emblems and details are beautifully finished, showing excellent fit throughout. Chrome and polished metals are gleaning and show little to now evidence of use. All openings function as expected with tight closures and excellent gapping on the hood, doors and deck-lid. All four stunning Borrani wire wheels are all stamped 15 x 8L RECORD W4301, confirming their status as rare wide-rimmed Borrani wire wheels. XWX 215/70 R15 tires are in excellent condition.

The interior is a visual feast of tan and black contrast from the perfectly trimmed Daytona seats to the properly finished mousehair dash. The instruments and switches are in excellent condition throughout and function as expected. Tan leather console and door panels are taut and properly stitched with excellent fit, crisp corners, and proper padding. Carpeting and doorsill trim is also tight and well maintained. One would be hard pressed to find a more breathtaking display of craftsmanship, until the hood is opened.

The engine bay and engine are meticulously detailed and show the care and finish that only Ferrari experts can achieve. Finishes are both correctly applied and have been properly cared for over the years since the restoration was completed. There is only mild indication of use on the engine surfaces and hoses. The hood insulation pad, proper engine compartment plaques, and hallmark V12 designations are all present and factory correct. The trunk compartment is finished off in correct low pile black carpet with excellent edge beading and proper fit. Under the spare tire cover is a fifth Borrani of the same size also shod with a correct XWX tire.

The underside of the car continues the amazement in detail and finish with exceptional attention to authenticity and cleanliness. Only a few sections of the exhaust pipes have succumbed to the effects of heat during the past 25 years. The chassis is in excellent condition with no evidence off structural damage or compromise of any kind. Much, if not all of the underside components appear virtually as-new.

The car starts easily and settles into a wonderful deep burbling idle, which is a further delight once at speed as the carburetor and tune is absolutely stunning. The driveline performance is smooth and engaging with excellent gearbox and clutch. Brakes are very good overall, importantly, as acceleration is one of the feature points of the Daytona series! The car is steering nimble and quite quick, lending itself very well to high speed cruising and sweeping canyon roads.

Finished beautifully with attention to authenticity and detail beyond any other Spyder conversion, this example comes with records and receipts from the current owner showcasing more than 25 years of service, repair, and restoration to an impeccably high standard. Included with the car are a full complement of tools in a proper tool roll and a set of books, all of which are in excellent condition. This beautiful dark red Daytona Spyder conversion has been completed with excellence and distinction unlike any other. All that remains is for a dedicated enthusiast to continue the joy and preservation associated with the care and use of this fine Ferrari Spyder.

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