One to Buy: 1 of 2 in Nero / Beige Scuro 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona
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As the mid-engined revolution took hold, Ferrari’s 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ was expected to mark the last hurrah for big front-engined two-seat Berlinettas from Maranello.
Having been introduced at the Paris Motor Show in October 1968, during the course of 1970 Ferrari updated the GTB/4’s original Plexiglas nose (complete with fixed headlights) in favour of pop-up units that met new safety legislation.
Around this time, a spectacular open-topped GTS/4 also came on stream. However, only 121 production versions of the GTS/4 had been completed by the time production stopped in 1973.
This great rarity has ensured the 365 GTS/4 commands a significant premium over the comparatively common fixed-head GTB/4 variant (1284 production cars built).
Set to go under the hammer at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction between August 17th and 19th is this exceptional 365 GTS/4: chassis 15417.
Presented in its original factory colour scheme of Nero over a Beige Scuro interior, chassis 15417 was the 49th Daytona Spyder built and one of just two completed in this colour combination.
Built to US specification and completed in April 1972, chassis 15417 was optioned with air conditioning, a Voxson Sonar radio and electric antenna. Six months afterwards (GTS/4s were not quick sellers) the car was invoiced to Luigi Chinetti Motors and airfreighted from Rome to New York City.
Having been ordered by Dr. Calvin Stevens (the founder of Florida-based chemical company Ash Stevens Inc.), Dr. Stevens never took delivery and 15417 was eventually sold new in March 1973 to William Whitelaw Jr. of Dublin, Ohio.
