• Year of manufacture 
    1971
  • Car type 
    Other
  • Lot number 
    145
  • Drive 
    LHD
  • Condition 
    Used
  • Location
    United States
  • Exterior colour 
    Other

Description

PROVENANCE
Gary MacLeod, Seattle, Washington (acquired new from Modern Classic Motors in 1971)
Marco Diez, Los Angeles, California (acquired from the above in 2009)
Private Collection, Washington (acquired from the above in 2010)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THE CAR
Unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in 1968 – with Ferrari fresh from a 1-2-3 sweep at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967 – the 365 GTB/4 reportedly acquired its “Daytona” nickname from the attending media. While never officially adopted, the name has nevertheless become forever associated with the car.

Penned by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, the Daytona used the company’s traditional production methods of a steel body over a welded tubular frame chassis, but featured a more modern, aerodynamic shape, ensuring the car would be stable at high speeds. The design was devoid of any unnecessary ducts or louvers, with the only pair of extractor vents placed in the long hood panel. Headlamps initially were fixed behind a Plexiglas cover, but were changed to retractable units in 1970. Inside, the attractive cabin featured ribbed bucket seats, air-conditioning, power windows, a rear parcel shelf that could accommodate a reasonable amount of luggage, and outstanding all-around visibility.

Underneath, the all-independent suspension used a sophisticated doublewishbone layout front and rear. Enlarged to 4.4 liters, the four-cam Colombo V-12 produced 352 hp at 7,500 rpm, with 318 lbs./ft. of torque available at 5,500 rpm. Still occupying its traditional position at the front of the car, the engine used dry sump lubrication – enabling it to be installed as low and far back as possible for optimal weight distribution – and it fed power to the rear wheels via a five-speed transaxle.

When the Daytona went on sale in early 1969, the motoring media proclaimed it “the world’s best sports car.” It established itself as the fastest road car of its era, reaching an independently verified 0–60 mph in about 5.6 seconds, and a 174 mph top speed.

This 365 GTB/4 Daytona was ordered through West Coast Ferrari distributor Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, for its first owner, Gary MacLeod of Seattle, Washington. Collected by Mr. MacLeod’s uncle at the factory in Modena, it was driven around Europe for a month before being flown to the US. The Daytona would remain in Mr. MacLeod’s care for the next 38 years, when Marco Diez of Los Angeles purchased it in March 2009.

At that time, a thorough cosmetic and mechanical restoration was commissioned to return the Daytona to as-new condition. Symbolic Motor Car Company in La Jolla, California, stripped the bodywork and repainted it in its original color of Rosso Nearco, an elegant dark red. Chrome and brightwork were refinished as needed. The chassis and mechanicals were entrusted to marque specialist Rod Drew’s Francorchamps of America in Costa Mesa, California, where the engine was rebuilt and equipped with a European-specification exhaust system.

The black leather interior remains in superb condition. During sympathetic restorations over the years, care was taken to preserve originality where possible, with the car receiving new carpets, a new correct “mouse hair” dashboard, an original leather-covered steering wheel, and refurbished instrumentation, while much of the original leather was reconditioned and preserved.

Mr. Diez sold the Daytona to a prominent Washington state collector in 2010, and the consignor acquired it four years later. It has since been maintained by Autosport Designs in Huntington Station, New York, and it was recently repainted in its original color after participation in the 2016 Copperstate 1000 vintage road rally. Presenting today in wonderful overall condition, this Daytona is stated by the consignor to be one of the best driving examples he has owned over the years.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire an outstanding example of the last great front-engine V-12 Ferrari berlinetta. Offered with books, tools, factory parts, service manuals, extensive documentation, and even its original Becker Europa radio, this Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona will surely stand out in any collection.


Gooding & Company
1517 20th Street
Santa Monica  90404  California
United States
Contact Person Kontaktperson
First name 
Gooding & Company

Phone 
+1 (310) 899-1960
Fax 
+1 (310) 526-6594