Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
Chassis No. - 12923
Engine No. - B 180
Black with Black leather interior

Considering the remarkable debut at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was nothing short of a revelation of design and engineering. With times rapidly changing and Ferrari desperately needing a new direction, Leonardo Fioravanti of Pininfarina delivered a surprisingly chiseled body design with crisp defining lines and sweeping elegance. The design was not only unique, it placed Ferrari substantially ahead of other sports car manufacturers. The new 365 GTB/4 was a crucial effort for Ferrari, replacing the aging 275 GTB/4 which had suffered diminished sales. And while technology was advancing and mid-engine layouts were entering production, no one suspected that the Daytona would be the last of the sanctified front engine V12 models for decades to come.

Beautifully appointed and prohibitively expensive when new, the “Daytona”, as it ultimately became known, in honor of the 1-2-3 1967 24 Hours of Daytona Ferrari finish, would become a fixture of Hollywood movies and premium lifestyle marketing. Powered by the 4.4 Liter Colombo, quad-cam V-12 engine, fed by six dual-throat Weber carburetors, the Daytona delivered a commanding 352 hp in stock trim with a top speed just over 170 mph. The beautifully sculpted Daytona offered eye watering performance and touring capability in an agile yet comfortable package. The earliest series cars were designed with a distinctive plexiglass front fascia covering the headlights and center section of the former grille opening, which was now located under the bumper. This feature would not pass US requirements, so it was removed during production in favor of a metal front fascia and pop up headlights. This change has resulted in these early cars becoming among the most desirable of this series. With a mere 1,400 produced until 1973, and approximately 400 built with the iconic plexiglass nose, the Daytona remains sought-after by enthusiasts seeking the finest matching number examples for their collections.

History of this Ferrari Daytona

According to a copy of the 2023 Massini Report included with this car, this Daytona was logged as assembly sequence number 88 with Scaglietti body number 82 and completed in September 1969. Assembled from the factory in Left Hand Drive, with a plexiglass nose, and European version specifications, the EU spec resulted in +15hp more than the later series US bound models. The car was finished in Bianco Polo Park (white) and trimmed with Rosso Scuro (red) Connolly leather interior. The completed car was delivered in October 1969 to the official dealer George Wooley, Canada, and shown at the Canadian Automobile Show held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. As these early cars were not being imported to the US at this time, a Canadian delivery example was as close as one might get to a US spec car.

The first owner, a resident of Montreal, Canada, purchased the car in 1969. Under later ownership the car was repainted black, the interior reupholstered in black, and was offered for sale in 1986 by Ronald Selig, Montreal, Canada with 45,000 kms indicated at time of sale. The car was next under ownership in British Columbia and then sold to a collector in Sweden (1993) where it was later imported to North America and subsequently sold to Lyle Tanner, Los Angeles, CA. Continuing its global adventure as a performance ambassador, this Daytona was sold to a collector in Japan and then returned to North America where it was offered for sale by Fantasy Junction in 1995, with 55,000 kms indicated. The car continued under collector ownership until the car was purchased by the current owner in 2o23.

Current Ownership and Service History

Under most recent ownership, this Daytona was serviced in 2023 by RetroSpec Inc., San Pedro, CA where it was fitted with an electric power steering system, the brake calipers were rebuilt, rotors resurfaced, and new pads and inner seals installed. At the same time a new set of Michelin XWX front 215-70/15 and rear 225-70/15 tires were installed ($6,900). Additionally, a set of spark plugs were installed, oil and filter changed, the fan cooling switch replaced, and coolant flushed ($6,700). Later that same year, RetroSpec replaced the exhaust system with a correct type exhaust made from durable stainless steel, correct hangers, bolts, and exhaust strap spacers ($8,200). In November 2024, this Daytona was serviced by experts at Forza Motors, Monterey, CA where the transaxle was rebuilt including all new synchros, new operating sleeves, all seals and O-rings. The headers were also removed and welded for repairs, new motor mounts installed, new muffler gaskets fitted, and custom heat shields installed to reduce cabin heat. During this repair period the rear fuel lines were replaced, fuel filters replaced, and connecting fuel lines as well as the main fuel line from rear to carb fuel rail were replaced ($33,600).

Current Condition and Presentation

Today this Daytona presents in handsome condition throughout. Gently enjoyed by current and prior owners, this Ferrari has clearly benefited from preservation-minded ownership, notably so within the past 25 years. The black paint, while showing small imperfections acquired over the past 40 years since it was repainted, remains glossy and consistent. The various exterior trim, emblems and details are in excellent condition, including crisp body line detail, smoothly finished door jambs, and properly finished inner strike surfaces. Chrome and polished metals are also in excellent condition, as are the window moldings, correct corner bumpers, and the plexiglass headlight band treatment unique to the first 400 Daytonas built. All openings function as expected with tight closures including excellent fit for the doors, hood, and trunk lid, A beautiful accent to the black on black coupe, this car wears a set of Borrani 15 x 8 front and 15 x 9 rear wire wheels with triple ear knockoffs and Michelin XWX 215/70 and 225/70 VR15 tires. A powerful finishing touch to the rear of this groundbreaking design, the fastback line features quad tail lights and ANSA quad tipped exhaust trumpeting the V12 glory that led Ferrari to numerous world championship victories.

The interior is a refreshing display of very nicely maintained older finishes that were retrimmed more than 50 years ago. The quality of the materials would lead many to believe the leather seats are the original material which adds to the authentic nature of this Daytona. The earlier series seats, without headrests, are in very good condition though the inner seat foam has settled over time. The dashboard material is clean and taut, the instrument panel houses a beautiful set of factory gauges with excellent color and numeric indication, and the dash is fronted by a warmly hued wood rim steering wheel. The center console and door panels are thoughtfully preserved, showing excellent fit, crisp corners, and consistent stitching, while the carpet is in excellent condition, appearing to have been more recently replaced. The headliner, rear panels, polished interior trim, and beautifully preserved switches are original and in excellent condition. The car is outfitted with air conditioning which blows cold on all fan settings. The interior presentation is very rewarding for anyone who enjoys preserved materials and finishes that create a unified appearance without the fussiness of a fresh restoration.

The engine bay and matching numbers engine, confirmed by the matching engine number consistent with the Massini report, are correctly finished, indicative of proper care over the dedicated years of passionate ownership. There are mild indications of use as one might expect from a car of this age, but nothing to detract from a very honest and authentic presentation. Everything from the Ferrari crinkle-black quad-cam finish to the diamond tufted hood insulation pad, correctly fitted hood struts, proper engine compartment plaques, factory hardware, and hallmark V12 designations are all present, not overdone or obsessively refinished, rather sensitively preserved and maintained as needed. The trunk compartment is lined with black carpet and features a removable floor panel concealing a spare Cromodora wheel and an older series matching Michelin XWX tire.

The underside of the car shows excellent detail and very nice finishes with focus on authenticity and cleanliness. Recently replaced, a pair of correct exhaust and mufflers terminate with beautiful ANSA branded quad finishers, original raw aluminum engine and gearbox castings, correct lines and finishes, and correct component stampings validate the history of known ownership and authentic factory features of this Daytona. The chassis is clean and dry, showing no visual evidence of structural damage or compromise to the main components, rocker panels, or suspension mounting points.

This Daytona starts easily and settles into a deep, smooth V12 idle. Engaging the first of 5 speeds, the car pulls away with ease as the revs climb on progressive acceleration. The speed-variable electric power steering is a welcomed improvement particularly when parking or in slower turning maneuvers offering more steering assistance at slower speeds. Owing to the recent transaxle rebuild and synchro replacements, the gear selector works impressively well. The performance is smooth and engaging with excellent gearbox and clutch action, moving through mid-range gears in local traffic with surprising ease. Entering the highway, the engine responds with a delightful surge of power from 2nd to 3rd gear, rapidly achieving highway speeds where cruising is easily handled in 5th gear. Handling is one of the exceptional features of the Daytona particularly at higher speeds where the car reveals its true GT lineage, covering miles of enjoyable highway even on warm days with cool AC and the captivating sounds of the V12 engine.

This beautiful Daytona is offered with a notebook containing a copy of the Massini report, selected service invoices, a pair of seatbelts, and misc. spare parts.

A stunning work of sports car artistry, iconic for its ground-breaking design, and revered today as a hallmark of Ferrari excellence, this Ferrari Daytona is ready for another chapter in enjoyable ownership. Poised to continue the traditions of Ferrari excellence in the pantheon of great front engine V12 Ferraris, the Daytona will forever reign as one of the premier examples of motoring excellence crowning the Enzo era.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608