Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Coupe
s/n 16449, Engine no. B2186
Rosso Bordeaux with Beige Leather

The V12 flagship 365GTB/4 “Daytona” arrived in 1968 at the Paris Auto Show, much to the joy of enthusiasts everywhere. Unofficially named the Daytona by the press, commemorating the recent 1-2-3 finish by Ferrari at 24 hours of Daytona, the media name stuck and rightly so – the car and the win was inspirational for Ferrari and critical to their future. The Daytona featured unique delicate, creased styling, creating a fresh design over perfect proportions. Given the mid-engine surge from Lamborghini and other sports car manufacturers, the Daytona might have been considered dated, but performance quelled any doubts in 1971 when Dan Gurney and Brock Yates won the rigorous Cannonball Run in their Daytona at an average speed of 80.1 mph.

Technical specifications included a 4.4 liter quad cam Colombo V12 producing over 350hp, linked to a rear-mounted 5-speed transaxle, delivering optimal weight distribution. With independent suspension, disc brakes at all four corners and superb weight balance, the Daytona was extremely fast (174mph top speed) and quick (0-60 in 5.3 sec). The Daytona’s near perfect proportions coupled with superb performance capabilities regularly result in experts listing it as one of the greatest classic Ferraris of all time. 1284 Daytonas were built before being replaced by the new mid-engine Berlinetta Boxer. In 1997, Ferrari returned to this layout with the 550 Maranello, proving the front-engine V12 layout still remains a viable performance package.

According to a 2016 Marcel Massini report, this particular Daytona was ordered for US delivery with left hand drive, Air Conditioning, and Power Windows. It was completed at the Ferrari factory March 9, 1973 in Rosso Bordeaux (20-R-351) with Beige Leather interior (VM 3218) and delivered new to William F. Harrah’s official West Coast Ferrari dealership “Modern Classic Motors” in Reno, Nevada. The first owner was Mr. Grisco, located in California. According to the Ferrari Owners Club membership rosters, subsequent owners are recorded from 1984-1991 as Robert and Sharon Foley of Quincy, Ca. Long term California ownership is further supported by the blue and gold license plates and thick stack of annual tabs that indicate many years of registration renewal (included with the car). The car was offered for sale in 2013, in San Carlos, CA by Brad Goldstone’s San Francisco Sports Cars, which is when the current owner acquired the car. During the current ownership, service on the car has included new ignition boxes, coil, wires, spark plugs, rotors and distributor cap, suspension and steering bushing replacements, converting A/C to 134A Freon, new battery, new front crank seal, and new accessory belts ($8,300.00 in 2013 with 44,328 miles). Also in 2013 a new leather steering wheel was installed. In the same year, with roughly the same mileage on the car, Taormina Imports in San Carlos, CA performed roughly $11,000.00 worth of service on the car, including radiator service, water hose replacements, new half shaft boots, oil seals, rebuilding all four brake calipers, and replacing all brake lines, removing all four shocks and springs, powder coating springs and replacing shocks with rebuilt Konis, a new fuel filter, thermostat, and fuel line flush was also done.

Today this Daytona has covered 44,600 miles, which are believed to be original. Retaining the smog pump and plumbing on the car, it exhibits excellent oil pressure, a charging alternator, and AC that blows cold. The AM/FM radio, instruments, and electric windows function properly. The body is straight and shows no signs of rust under general visual inspection. The paint was applied several years ago and is now showing signs of use with scuffs, some touched up chips, and various cracked areas. While the overall finish is certainly driver quality, there are slight color variations in the paint. The doors, hood, and trunk open and close with good panel fit, and the headlight doors open and close smoothly. Emblems and various trim are all in good condition, as are the chrome bumpers and window trim, showing only minor cosmetic imperfections, and one area where the side glass weatherstrip channel has come loose. Lighting and lenses are all in reasonably good original condition, as are the emblems. The glass appears to be largely original and in generally good condition, however the windshield has minor wiper marks on the passenger side and the wing window latches are missing (although included with the car). The Cromodora wheels are in very nice condition with one rear rim showing a 1” flaw along the inner rim edge. Correct size Michelin XWX tires are fitted on the car with very good tread remaining.

The tan leather interior appears to be partially original exhibiting tidy finishes, ready for further enjoyment. The original mouse fur dashboard has weathered well, but the mouse fur texture has diminished over time. There are some holes on top of the dash that appear to have been for a (now removed) radar detector. The heater controls move freely and the fans appear to function when activated. The general presentation throughout the interior is one of nice driver quality with good visual presentation including very nice instruments, clean and taut center console trim, detailing on various switches and components, and supple, but nicely settled leather seating and inserts.

The engine and engine compartment appear to have been well maintained over the years, retaining largely original components and finishes. The underside hood blanket is in very good condition. Although not a cosmetically restored engine, the finishes, hardware, and assorted components are clean and honest representations of the original build. The matching numbers engine has correct carburetors, air cleaner, and proper wiring, hoses, and fittings, which have been repaired or replaced using correct specification parts. The underside is further evidence of a clean and rust free car that has been serviced as needed, showing no visual evidence of damage or structural compromise. Suspension and brake components all have been serviced properly.

This Daytona fires up easily and settles into a nice deep and smooth idle. The engine revs smoothly and responsively with no excess vibration. The clutch takes up normally without any shuddering and the gearbox works well, both cold and quite nicely when warm. The suspension feels supple and fluid, and supports the recent Koni rebuilds and bushing replacements. The car is offered with a correct tool set (though missing some tools), a complete jack bag, California blue and gold license plates, a reproduced parts booklet, copies of recent repairs and service records, and a complete set of owners books (including the warranty card and parts book) with leather pouch. This matching numbers Daytona is ready bring a new owner driving pleasure without the burden of perfection or concours demands. A Ferrari that is ready to enjoy as is, fulfilling its original purpose as a capable and genuine front engine V12 sports car - on the road to high speed motoring adventures.

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