One to Buy: 12th off the production line 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona'
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As a consequence of delays with the forthcoming mid Flat 12-engined Berlinetta Boxer, Ferrari elected to produce what was expected to be its last front V12-engined grand tourer: the 365 GTB/4.
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 1968, the 365 GTB/4’s bodywork effortlessly combined hard chiselled edges with soft flowing curves, an air-piercing combination that enabled it to reach a top speed of 174mph which secured the title of fastest production car in the world.
However, because Pininfarina’s original design where the headlights were located behind handsome Plexiglas covers failed to meet US safety standards, during 1970 the 365 GTB/4 was modified to incorporate retractable headlights.
Today, the original Plexiglas 365 GTB/4s are widely considered the most desirable iteration of this legendary model. Currently on offer at the Houtkamp Collection showroom in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel, the Netherlands, is the twelfth production example built.
Configured in the gorgeous colour scheme of Argent Metallizzato with Nero upholstery, this European specification machine was completed on May 14th 1969 and delivered new to the official Ferrari dealer, Parauto Snc in Genoa.
The first owner (Colombo Bianchi of Taggia) retained it until 1972. It then passed through the hands of two more European owners before heading to the US in 1977. The car later resided in the collections of Ron Finger and Brandon Wang and is today offered with its original handbooks, manuals and tool kit, red book Ferrari Classiche certification and a history report from Marcel Massini.
