1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

Two years after Lamborghini debuted the mid-engined Miura in 1966, Ferrari launched its defiantly traditional and determinedly contrasting alternative, the 365 GTB/4. Almost immediately the 365 GTB/4 gained its "Daytona' moniker from Ferrari's 1-2-3 result in the 1967 24-hour race of the same name.The Daytona's engine and handling certainly didn't undermine its racing moniker. The 4.4-litre 4-cam V12 produced an astonishing 352bhp and was billed as the fastest road car in the world. Not only was 175mph more than brisk, but, crucially, it was faster than the Miura. The 5-speed gearbox was mounted at the rear for optimal weight distribution and helped give the Daytona its predictable handling and solid road-holding.Silverstone Auctions are delighted to offer this exceptional and famously owned Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona, finished in Rosso Chiaro with Black interior as per the manufacturer's specification. Delivered new on the 3rd August 1972 through Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, this confirmed matching numbers example is one of only 158 genuine right-hand drive vehicles supplied and is one of the nicest Daytonas we have seen in recent years.Early registration information identifies famous Ferrari enthusiast Mr Elton John, of 14 Abbots Drive, Wentworth, Surrey, as the recorded owner and keeper of the car from 1973-1975. It is believed that Sir Elton purchased the Daytona off the back of his single success and release of his famed album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". Ownership history is fully known and has been made up of Ferrari Owners' Club member-owners. The last private collector proudly owned the car for 16 years, garaging and maintaining the vehicle regardless of cost.The bodywork is presented in excellent order, the door shuts and panel fit are exceptional and the Rosso Chiaro paintwork still retains a deep shine throughout. The interior has been trimmed in factory specification Black VM8500 Connolly Vaumol hide and complete with correct Ferrari supplied punched, holed inserts.The Daytona's V12 engine fires instantly into life and with an original power output of 352bhp, capable of 175mph, the car has blistering performance for its age. The gearbox changes effortlessly through the 5-speed range and the car is simply a joy to drive whether on the open highway or in town. To aid the stopping power Ferrari fitted servo-assisted brakes to the four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Air conditioning was optional and was fitted at the factory on this car, but elsewhere the Daytona remained focused on delivering nothing less than a superlative high-performance driving experience.A full and complete history file supports this vehicle, with copies of the original build sheets, order forms, delivery correspondence, and a chronologically ordered file of every Ferrari service bill and receipt from new. In addition, it is complemented with a complete set of original MoT certificates to support its genuine mileage of 81,675 miles and has benefitted from a recent full service and inspection, refurbishment of the original magnesium wheels, and new Michelin XWX tyres. We encourage pre-sale inspections and welcome prospective bidders to contact the office for further details on this very special UK Daytona with a pure rock and roll history.Picture Credit: Tim Scott - Fluid Images