One to Buy: Blu Dino 1 of 18 Euro LHD 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4
Considering that open top Ferraris have generally outsold their fixed head counterparts for several decades now, it seems almost inexplicable how so few customers opted for one of the firm’s most revered Convertibles: the 365 GTS/4 ‘Daytona’.
In total, Ferrari completed 1411 examples of the Daytona between 1968 and ‘73, however, only 122 of these were to Spyder trim if you include the original 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show prototype.
Several potential reasons accounted for this low production figure. Poor trading conditions meant Daytona sales were beginning to slow down by the time GTS/4 production had gotten underway in mid 1970. Additionally, the fashionable mid-engined revolution was by this time in full swing while most European customers back then still generally preferred Coupes to Convertibles.
An indication of just how poorly the 365 GTS/4 was received in Europe can be illustrated by the fact that only 18 left-hand drive examples were completed. However, times have since changed and today these ultra rare machines are regarded among the ultimate road-going Ferrari Spyders.
With such a low production run, opportunities to purchase a Euro-spec. 365 GTS/4 on the open market are exceptionally rare, but that’s just what is currently on offer at the Tom Hartley Jnr. showroom in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.
Chassis 14415 was a domestic market example supplied new to one Sara Scapula in Blu Dino Metallizzato with Cream Leather, Blue cockpit inserts and a matching canvas roof. Before long, it was sold to John Baus in France who was an employee of Ferrari’s US distributor, Luigi Chinetti, and the car was shipped across the Atlantic.
In more recent times, chassis 14415 has been the subject of a concours level restoration back to its original 1971 trim. It is being offered complete with all the original handbooks, manuals and tools along with Ferrari Classiche certification confiming its matching numbers status.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr.’s description:
The 365 GTS/4 ‘Daytona Spyder’ was announced to the public at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The model retained the mechanical features of the 365 GTB/4 but sported a sleek folding soft-top and a flat boot lid which replaced the fastback of the Berlinetta. In total, 1,284 Daytona coupes were produced but only 121 Spyders were made. The majority of the Daytona Spyders produced were sold to the United States with only 18 being destined for the European market.
The European spec cars are by far the purest version, they boast more power and are the variant most desired today. Due to restrictions for US federalisation, the American cars were fitted with a larger silencer and smaller exhaust manifolds which restricted the flow. In addition but not limited to, the US spec Daytona Spyders also had an inferior camshaft. Externally, the European examples have a much cleaner appearance with no side reflectors and the bumpers are fitted flush to the body.
This particular example is one of those mere 18 ‘stand-out’ examples. It also benefits from a world-class restoration by UK renowned specialists Barkaway and following completion of its restoration it scooped a Best in Class award at the 11th Annual Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance.
We subsequently sold the car to its most recent owner, a formidable collector, who has continued to maintain the car in its as restored condition.
In addition the car also benefits from its Ferrari ‘Red Book’ Classiche certification which confirms it’s presented in its original Blu Dino Metallizzato and that it still retains its original chassis, body and engine. The car’s ownership history is very impressive, having been owned by some of the world’s most renowned collectors, plus it still retains its original handbooks and toolkit.
Only 18 of these cars were ever produced but very few can come close to the quality of this particular example.
