Fantasy Junction

Description

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” Coupe
s/n 14599
Rosso Corsa with Black 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 an original US car, delivered new at the factory to Louis Witkin of Lakewood, Colorado. The car was delivered in its current color combination of red with black leather interior. The car is exceptionally well-documented with paperwork from the Ferrari factory. This includes invoices for the car and numerous parts (including palleting the car for shipment), insurance paperwork, and a letter from the factory dated 2nd December 1971 which states “We take pleasure in advising you that the Pan-Am has accepted to fly your above car (Ferrari 365/GTB.4 no. 14599), to CHICAGO, this week-end.” The original invoice for the car indicates that it was fitted with air conditioning, Voxson radio, and was delivered to the airport in Rome, for a total price of $16,665.00.

Mr. Witkin kept the car until 1997, when it was offered for sale via Ferrari of Denver and described it as a rust and accident-free unrestored 35,000 mile example at that time. The car was purchased by Harry Matthews, whose collection of significant McLarens is well-known. The car then passed on to its third owner in 2007, who spent a great deal of money (over $20,000) sorting the car mechanically but drove it less than 200 miles.

Included in the recent mechanical sorting was fitting a new exhaust system, replacing the rear suspension bushings, replacing the cooling system hoses, fitting a new thermostat and water pump, replacing the axle boots and repacking the CV joints, replacing the front shock bushings, replacing the front crank seal, fitting new brake pads, replacing the steering box seal, resealing the differential as necessary, addressing distributor and tachometer drive leaks, fitting new tires, rejetting and tuning the carburetors, replacing the caps and rotors, sorting the electrical system, and repainting the hood. Additionally, the car has just had new soft brake lines fitted by Patrick Ottis.

The car comes with invoices from the recent work, along with a binder containing magazine articles, the documents from the Ferrari factory, and photos of the car when it was in the Matthews collection.

The car is in excellent cosmetic condition at this time. The bodywork and paint are both exceptional, with excellent fit and finish over straight panels. The paint is in excellent condition, with only a few chips on the lower part of the nose. The front of the car is protected by clear bra. The chrome is very nice as well, as are the wheels. The glass and lights are excellent throughout, with the exception of one small chip in the windscreen. All four headlamps are Cibiés.

The interior appears to be largely original, and is excellent considering this. The dashboard is extremely nice, as are the instruments and switches. The leather upholstery on the doors and seats is very nicely preserved, and the remainder of the upholstery is very good as well. The carpets are a bit faded and discolored in a few areas, but are intact and very nice on the whole. The headliner and rear parcel shelf are excellent.

The engine compartment and trunk both have the appearance of a well-cared for unrestored car. The correct finishes are still in place in the engine, and the inner fenders support the impression that this car has never had any significant structural damage. The trunk retains most of its original carpeting in good shape, thought it is coming unglued in a few places, and the trunk floor is wood as was originally employed.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a low mileage Daytona with known history from new and exceptional documentation. The car is an unusually original example, and has had just three owners from new, making it an exceptionally unmolested example. Additionally, it has had much recent service work performed and comes with original complete manual pack with manuals and consumer information, warranty, and radio cards, as well as the tool roll with tools and jack.

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