Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' Berlinetta, 1970
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona أنا
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona أنا•
•65 مشاهدة
Chassis No.: 13915
Estimate: £450,000 - £550,000 GBP
- Rare UK-market, right-hand drive example
- Sought-after early 'Plexiglas' model
- An older professional restoration
- Last serviced in June 2023
- Odometer reading 11,880 miles (since restoration)
Although the prototype had been styled and built by Pininfarina in Turin, manufacture of the production version was entrusted to Ferrari's subsidiary Scaglietti in Modena. The Daytona's all-alloy, four-cam, V12 engine displaced 4,390cc and produced its maximum output of 352bhp at 7,500rpm, with 318lb/ft of torque available at 5,500 revs. Dry-sump lubrication enabled it to be installed low in the oval-tube chassis, while shifting the gearbox to the rear in the form of a five-speed transaxle meant 50/50 weight distribution could be achieved. The all-independent wishbone and coil-spring suspension was a recent development, having originated in the preceding 275 GTB.
Unlike the contemporary 365 GTC/4, the Daytona was not available with power steering, a feature then deemed inappropriate for a 'real' sports car. There was, however, servo assistance for the four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Air conditioning was optional, but elsewhere the Daytona remained uncompromisingly focussed on delivering nothing less than superlative high performance.
At the time of its introduction in 1968 the Daytona was the most expensive production Ferrari ever and, with a top speed in excess of 170mph, was also the world's fastest production car. Deliveries commenced in the second half of 1969 and the Daytona would be manufactured for just four years; not until the arrival of the 456 GT in 1992 would Ferrari build anything like it again. Only 1,300
Berlinetta
models and 121 Spyder convertibles had been made when production ceased in 1973.
Inspired upon seeing the new Ferrari
Berlinetta
at the 1969 London Motor Show, Mr G Linzell of Grays, Essex ordered a new Ferrari 365 GTB/4 from Maranello Concessionaires Ltd, specifying the elegant combination of
Argento Auteuil
with
Nero
leather, Blu Scuro
carpets, light grey roof lining and optional air-conditioning (factory order number '401'). '13915' was imported by Maranello Concessionaires Ltd on the 9th December 1970 and first registered as 'EPF 24J', serving for a while as a demonstrator.
This stunning car quickly changed hands, passing to businessman Mr Bert Caira of Kirkcaldy, Scotland before being repurchased by Maranello Concessionaires when Mr Caira ordered its successor, the GTC/4. Maranello Concessionaires briefly used '13915' as a demonstrator before selling the Ferrari to Mr Pascoe Watson of the Avenger Boat Company in December 1971 (taking a Ferrari 365 GTC in part exchange).
Having just turned 21 and received his inheritance, Lord Alexander Hesketh of Conduit Street, London W1 purchased the Daytona on 13th April 1972 (part exchanging a silver Dino 246 GT). Lord Hesketh owned the Ferrari for the next decade as his motor racing activities expanded, most notably as owner of the Hesketh Racing Formula 1 team, whose driver was the future World Champion James Hunt. The Ferrari was often in evidence as Hesketh Racing's 'playboy' reputation grew.
Subsequent to Lord Hesketh's ownership (of around 10 years), the Daytona spent a short time in Japan with the Watanabe Corporation of Tokyo before being sold via European Auto Sales Inc of California. The Ferrari was shipped from Tokyo by Mr Cliff Dickinson in October 1988 and arrived in Southampton on 24th November 1988. Cliff Dickinson was registered as the owner on 17th February 1989. Upon purchase, the Ferrari was restored by Stephen Moody of the MSD Motor Company Ltd between November 1988 and February 1989.
These works included a complete engine rebuild; new flywheel; chassis refurbishment; overhaul of the suspension and steering; new exhaust system; interior re-trim; and a bare-metal repaint in Ferrari Grigio Scuro. All parts and fittings used in the restoration were genuine Ferrari items supplied by Maranello Concessionaires. It is understood that the current odometer reading of 11,880 miles is the distance covered since restoration.
On 21st February 1990, '13915' was registered to legendary blues guitarist and rock icon Eric Clapton, who enjoyed the restored car in 'his' colours for the next dozen years and kept it as part of what was then a famous and substantial Ferrari collection. Eventually sold by Eric Clapton, the Daytona was owned briefly by one J A Liddell (from 10th December 2002) before being purchased by Mr D Bridges of Cambourne Investments on 20th December that year. At some time the Ferrari was registered as 'PJB 60', and was carrying that registration when it featured in an article published in
Automobile Sport
magazine while owned by one Roy Fish (copy on file).
'13915' rolls on the correct 7½" Cromodora five-spoke alloy wheels, which are shod with Michelin XWX tyres. Inside the cabin there is a leather-trimmed Momo three-spoke steering wheel, Veglia Borletti instrumentation, and electric windows. In September 2014 at an indicated 10,830 miles, Ferrari specialists Omega Motorsport Ltd installed a new clutch and re-surfaced the flywheel. The most recent major service was carried out in June 2023 by Ferrari specialists Bell Sport & Classic Ltd, which involved the renewal of all fluids and drive belts and fitting new ignition points and condensers (see bill for £3,009 on file).
Now over 50 years old, this Ferrari Daytona is exempt from mandatory MoT testing; the most recent test was carried out on 8th March 2018 at an indicated 11,738 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories.
The accompanying history file contains a huge quantity of invoices, correspondence and service records dating back to the time of its delivery, documenting the car's ownership and history. The car also comes with some handbooks and a full-size spare wheel.
With fewer than 160 UK-market cars built, only a relative handful of which would have been the sought-after early 'Plexiglas' model, '13915' represents an exciting opportunity for the Ferrari collector to acquire a Daytona boasting unrivalled celebrity provenance, having been owned by both Lord Hesketh and Eric Clapton. Undoubtedly the ideal centrepiece for any high-profile Ferrari collection.
