To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 12 - 14 August 2021.
Estimate:
$550,000 - $650,000 USD

• Finished in striking Giallo Fly over Nero leather interior
• Southern California car for almost its entire life; only two owners since new
• Benefits from recent restoration work by Gran Touring Classics and Dugan Enterprises

Please note that this lot is titled as a 1972.

Immediately lauded by Ferrari enthusiasts, the new 365 GTB/4 was dubbed the “Daytona” after Ferrari’s 1-2-3 sweep at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967. Ferrari’s already impressive V-12 engine gained four overhead camshafts, putting displacement at 4,390 cubic centimeters. With a staggering output of 352 horsepower, the Daytona dethroned the Miura as the fastest production car. Dry-sump lubrication enabled a low engine installation, while a five-speed transaxle allowed for a perfect 50/50 weight distribution.

The chassis was classic Ferrari, made up of oval-section tubing, and the recently developed all-wheel independent suspension allowed for better handling and tire contact. Four-wheel disc brakes rounded out a superb all-around package, and the body received sleek, modern lines penned by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and executed by Scaglietti. Of course, this new model also received a tastefully appointed, leather-swathed two-seat cabin. The Daytona’s blend of power, luxury, and style proved intoxicating, and 1,284 GTB/4 coupes were ultimately produced (along with 122 spiders) before production ceased in 1973.

This 1971 example offered here was completed at Maranello in October 1971 and shipped thereafter to US distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors in Connecticut via the SS Savonita, which arrived in the Port of New York City on 4 December 1971. Factory records indicate that this 365 GTB/4 was originally finished in Bianco Polo over a red leather interior. From Chinetti, the car was then delivered to its original retailer, Midvo Motors in Dublin, Ohio. Midvo thusly sold the car to Richard Wolfe of Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Wolfe reportedly moved to Los Angeles shortly after buying the Daytona, and it remained with him there for the next three decades.

Acquired 16 years ago by the consignor from its original owner, this Daytona has just emerged from extensive restoration work by Gran Touring Classics and Dugan Enterprises. Under the current owner’s care, it has been restored in the attractive and period-correct color combination of Giallo Fly over a Nero leather interior. Prior to restoration, the Daytona was found to be a solid, rust free example. The Giallo Fly paint was sourced from Junior’s House of Color, a legendary restoration shop in Southern California known for their quality paints that last the test of time. The interior was fully re-trimmed and Gran Touring Classics of Long Beach, California completed extensive mechanical work. Dugan Enterprises of Oceanside, California most recently completed the final assembly. Included with the car are service records from the original owner, invoices for recent restoration work, owner’s manuals, and a tool roll.

Although the Daytona was initially conceived as an interim model for the long-awaited 365 GTB/4 BB, it was released as the fastest and, for legions of Ferrari enthusiasts, the most desirable car in the world. While Ferrari ultimately conformed with the rising trend of mid-engine “supercars” with the BB and Testarossa, the classic Ferrari formula of a front-mounted V-12 continues to show its appeal in Ferrari’s current road models. Four decades after its debut, however, the Daytona maintains its glorious status among the sports car elite.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo21.