Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder
s/n 16483, Engine no. B2360
Silver with Black Leather Interior

Road and Track described the 365GTB/4 as “The best sports car in the world-or the best GT. Take your choice; it’s both.”, and indeed it remains one of the greatest and most legendary cars ever made. Representing Ferrari’s absolute top of the line offering in period, and with just 124 genuine “Daytona” Spyders produced, they are among the most collectable Ferrari road cars of the era, and are inarguably a true “blue chip” investment vehicle. Even among that limited group, this particular car stands out in terms of its low mileage and freshly restored, irreproachable condition.

s/n 16483 is the 75th Daytona Spyder constructed, and was sold new through Luigi Chinetti’s dealership in Greenwich, Connetticut in June of 1973. Optioned for the US market, this car was equipped new with air conditioning, power windows, Borrani wire wheels, and finished in this exceptionally attractive “argento”. By 1985, this example was owned by Donald \"Don\" Cornelius, an American television show host and producer who is best known as the creator of the nationally syndicated dance/music franchise Soul Train, which he hosted from 1971-1993. Cornelius retained the car for over 20 years, using it on occasion when in California and generally keeping the car at the Beverly Hills Hotel where it was accompanied by s/n 14389, another celebrity-owned Daytona Spyder which Fantasy Junction had the opportunity to handle in 2007. This example was purchased directly from Cornelious in 2005 by a southern California based Ferrari collector who performed a sympathetic restoration and proceeded to enjoy the car on the open road. The current owner purchased this car in early 2008, and after driving the car for a short time, commenced a no-expense-spared restoration of the highest international caliber, with all work being overseen or performed by Ferrari expert Rod Drew of Francorchamps of America, Inc.

As evidenced by several hundred pre-restoration photos, and compression and leak down readings, the car was largely original exceptionally solid, and remained silver at the start of the restoration process, with the appropriate wear on the mechanical components and upholstery to support 13,750 as mileage from new. Virtually every aspect of the car was included in the restoration. Both the engine (including all ancillary items, and carburetors), and transaxle were rebuilt, as were all five Borrani wire wheels. All four suspension corners were fully disassembled and restored with rebuilt shocks, new bushings, and re-plated arms. The brake system was overhauled including the installation of a NOS booster. The electronic ignition system was restored, retaining the original Magneti Marelli ignition boxes. Even the original US model emissions system is complete and in place. All new interior upholstery including correct dash, convertible top, and trunk material was installed. The gauges, A/C unit, and even the original Becker Mexico cassette radio were restored and reinstalled in working order. The exceedingly straight and solid body was fully dissembled, prepped, and painted. All the chrome was refinished. The engine bay and underside with also restored and correctly detailed. Receipts on file for this very recent work total almost $200,000 between 2009 and 2011.

The end result is a near faultless, breathtaking automobile. The paint and body work is marvelous. Every aspect of the car sparkles, including the engine bay and underside. The interior has an as-new appearance, as does the top and trunk. This example drives exceptionally well, with a strong, tight feel of an essentially new car. At the end of restoration process the coveted Ferrari Classiche Certification was granted, further confirming the correctness in equipment and quality of the workmanship.

Included with the sale of this highly complete Daytona Spyder is an original book set including the consumer information supplement provided with US model cars in a leather pouch, the correct tool suitcase with tools, jack and jack bag, matching Borrani spare wheel, 641 pre-restoration, in process, and current photos, records for all the restorative work performed during the current and previous ownership periods, a copy of the Don Cornelius California title, an extra key, and the Ferrari Classiche Certification book confirming the engine and chassis to be matching numbers.

In spite of their rarity, or perhaps because of it, Daytona Spyders 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!”). As a result of the collector car boom of the late 80’s, many coupes were decapitated to replicate this legendary car and consequently, a genuine Spyder is an even more remarkable find today. They are certainly among the most coveted and usable road-going Ferraris ever built, and this car could simply not be any fresher, or closer to perfection.

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