1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder Conversion

An original UK-supplied, right-hand drive 365 GTB/4 Daytona delivered through H.R Owen in September 1973

Finished in stunning original colours of Verde Pino with tan leather and carpets

Most recently recommissioned and repainted by a leading marque specialist

Supplied with a UK V5c and MoT tested until 5th April 2019

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 as a result of Ferrari's 1-2-3 result in the 1967 24-hour race at the famous Florida circuit.

The Daytona's engine and handling certainly didn't undermine its racing nomenclature. The 4.4-litre, 4-cam V12 produced an astonishing 352bhp and, despite its, less than slimline, 1,633 kilos, the Daytona was billed as the fastest road car in the world at the time. Not only was 174mph more than brisk, but, crucially, it was faster than the Miura. The five-speed gearbox was mounted at the rear for a more optimal weight distribution and helped give the Daytona its predictable handling and solid road-holding.

Like so many Ferraris of the period, the Daytona's beautiful bodywork was designed by Pininfarina with the car built by Scaglietti. The delicate front was cleanly cut with both pop-up and Plexiglas headlight varieties, the rear slope was suggestively rakish, and a Kamm tail provided further clues that this was a serious motor car. The wheel arch flares, although elegant in proportion, are the only real overt notion that this car has significant pace.

We are incredibly pleased to offer this stunning UK-supplied, right-hand drive Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona which was delivered to UK importer Maranello Concessionaires for their dealer H.R. Owen, London and first registered on 19th September 1973. A letter from Ferrari aficionado Tony Willis and copies of the original order confirm chassis #16761 was finished in one of the most striking colour combinations of Verde Pino Metallic with a tan leather (VM3104) and tan carpets throughout. It is believed that this car was converted to Spyder configuration via Maranello Concessionaires in 1987 with additional strengthening and support as per the original cars. In the late 1990s, it received a comprehensive cosmetic restoration and was finished in Rosso Corsa with Tan leather and Nero Daytona inserts in the seats.

After some years of hibernation in storage and without use, the car was treated to a comprehensive mechanical recommission and thorough detailing by leading marques specialist, D.K. Engineering. In June 2017, all fluids were refreshed, the carburettors were stripped – pump diaphragm replaced, float heights set and new gaskets fitted, the braking system was checked and bled, engine timing checked, air-conditioning system recharged, and a host of other remedial work. In the early part of 2018, the car was fully stripped and prepared ready to be repainted in its original colour, Verde Pino Metallic, before being fully reassembled. The bumpers were re-chromed and power steering also fitted, making manoeuvring in tight spaces much lighter work. A number of substantial invoices are included in the history file for all the work undertaken during this time.

Sitting on a set of gleaming Borranis, this Daytona now looks absolutely sublime and is supplied with a UK V5c and MoT tested until 5th April 2019. With only 122 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Spyders ever produced and now commanding premium prices, #16761 is seemingly great value at today"s estimate. Having been driven down a busy high street and seen the reaction, the consignor can confirm you will certainly turn heads and leave people with their jaws on the floor when they see this beautiful Daytona. We are all impressed with beauty, in whatever form it takes, and when it comes to sheet metal, this is about as beautiful as you could ever hope to find.