The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 - better known as the Ferrari Daytona - was the last front engined V12 Ferrari, before the switch to the mid-engined BB cars. Introduced in 1968 at the Paris Motor Show, it replaced the 275 GTB/4. The beautiful sharp-edged design was made by Pininfarina, and still looks fantastic today. Early Daytonas featured fixed headlights behind an acrylic glass cover. These are the so-called plexiglass cars, just like this example. This particular setup was completely abandoned in 1971 in favour of retractable pop-up twin headlights due to new safety regulations in the U.S. This outlawed headlights behind covers. Leonardo Fioravanti, designer, intervieved on TV car show had confirmed a popular rumour that it took him 7 days to design a Daytona.

The engine, known as the Tipo 251 and developed from the earlier Colombo V12 used in the 275 GTB/4, was a 4,390 cc DOHC V12 featuring six Weber twin carburettors. It produced 352 bhp, which allowed the car to reach 280 km/h (174 mph), and 0-100 km/u acceleration just took 5.4 seconds ! The five-speed manual transmission was mounted in the rear for optimal weight distribution (transaxle), and a four-wheel independent suspension featured wishbones and coil springs.

We have now this special Daytona for sale. This example, with chassisnr 12853, was one of the first RHD examples delivered in the UK, and has been owned by some very respected car collectors during its life. It was ordered at the British Motor Show in 1969, and then delivered by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd via Alain de Cadenet to the Hon. Michael Pearson. The car came with the factory airconditioning, and was finished in Rosso Bordeaux Dino. In 1993, the car was returned to Maranello for a ground-up restoration by the factory, and repainted in its actual colour of Rosso Corsa. The last owner of the car bought it in 2003, and kept it in immaculate condition. Wider 9" wheels were fitted at the rear, but the original rear wheels are still with the car. The car comes with the original tool kit, and with a well documented history including original orderform and invoices.

The Daytona is becoming more valuable with the day, and following in the footsteps of its illustrious predecessor, the 275 GTB/4. Being one of the first UK delivered RHD Daytona, this one is a very special example and offers a great opportunity to the discerned Ferrari collector to add this iconic car to his collection. We are selling this car on behalf of the owner, so please note that this magnificent Ferrari is only visible on appointment.