1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Spyder

The Ferrari 275 GTB was introduced in 1964 with a four-cam version introduced a short time later. With the 4-cam engine, there were hopes of successful campaigns in competition, but it soon became clear that the car was better suited for touring with its luxury amenities. Soon after the 275 GTB entered production, Ferrari began work on its replacement. As most marques were moving towards mid-engine layout, Ferrari stuck with the traditional front-engined configuration.

The 365 GTB/4 Daytona served as the replacement for the 275 GTB. It was powered by a V-12 engine had was in two-seater Berlinetta configuration. It had an all-independent suspension based on the 330 GTC. Pininfarina was responsible for the design and gave the vehicle a long, graceful hood and a fastback rear end. European models were given Plexiglas headlight coverings which were later replaced with pop-up headlights. Just barely noticeable, the radiator air-intake sat below the vehicles nose. The raked windshield was paralleled by raked vent window and door pillars. Construction of the vehicle was handled by Scaglietti; this the first time Scaglietti built the GT Ferrari entirely. There was no competition from other coachbuilders.

The 365 GTB/4 look fast and had a top-speed of 175 mph to back it up. The quarter-mile was accomplished in the thirteen-second range.

The Daytona Spyder was produced in limited numbers and given stronger windshield frames and a completely new rear deck with conventional trunk lids. The frames and body of the vehicles also increased in strength. Production of the Spyder lasted until 1973 with about 124 examples of the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder being produced.

This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder was built to US-specifications and completed on September 15th of 1972. It was sold on February 28th of 1973 to an individual residing in Pittsburgh, PA. Possession passed to another individual two years later who retained the vehicle until 1988. After possession transferred to its third owner in the late 1980s, a complete cosmetic restoration was commissioned. It was sold in 1992 and shown at the 30th Annual Ferrari Club of America International Concours d'Elegance at Monterey, Ca in 1994 by its new owner. It was awarded a Gold Award. It was shown at the 1997 Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance and featured in the 1998 Forza and Millionaire magazines.

The vehicles next owner acquired the car in July of 2000. The cars odometer read 27,375 miles since new. A complete mechanical restoration including rebuilding the engine, transaxle, suspension, air-conditioning, and brakes was immediately commissioned.

In August of 2001 it was shown at the Concorso Italiano where it was one of the featured Ferraris in the 'Circle of Excellence.' In 2002 it was shown at the FCA National Concours d'Elegance in LA where it earned its first Platinum Award. A repeat of this honor was awarded in 2004.

This car still has the correct tool kit and five Borrani wire wheels with a fresh set of Michelin XWX tires. It has a full-stainless-steel exhaust system and has recently scored 98 points on an FCA judging sheet. The odometer reads just under 34,000 miles. It has a Becker Mexico radio with Hirschman antenna, tri-lobe wheel nuts, metric-legend oil pressure and temperature gauges.

This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder with chassis number 16223 was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. It is a two-time FCA Platinum Award Winner and an excellent example of Pininfarina design work with Scaglietti craftsmanship. It has been meticulously maintained and is the product of a recent restoration. It is powered by a 4390-cc Alloy V12 engine with dual overhead camshafts and six-Weber Dual-Choke carburetors. The engine produces 365 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.

With only 124 Daytona Spyders produced from 1970 through 1973, this was a highlight at Auction. As bidding came to an end, the vehicle had found its next owner, selling for $748,000.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007