The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 (to use its official title) was the immediate descendant for the much revered 275 GTB/4 and was first shown at the Paris motor show, 1968. The Daytona nickname was supposedly invented by Ferrari aficionados and affiliates of the media in acknowledgment of the factory’s unforgettable 1-2-3 triumph in the 1967 Daytona 24-hour edition. Alternatively, the story is that Ferrari had originally planned to employ the Daytona name but changed their mind when news of the story leaked prior to the model’s reveal.

The Tipo 251 engine was an improvement of the DOHC V12 of the 275 GTB/4, and at 4,390cc was roughly 33% larger in capacity. Six twin-choke Weber carburettors fed fuel to the engine, enabling it to produce 352bhp at 7,500rpm; enough to propel the 1,280kg machine to 60mph in under 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of around 174mph, with a five-speed transaxle powering the rear wheels.

Manufacture ran from 1968 to 1976, throughout which time a total of 1,406 examples are understood to have been built – 1,269 road-going Coupes and 122 official Spiders.

This very special example we are delighted to offer for sale is one of the most significant Ferraris delivered to the UK, being the first Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ to arrive in the country. Ordered in October 1968 by Colonel Ronald J. Hoare CBE, founder of Maranello Sales, chassis 12545 was specified in Azzuro Hyperion over Pelle Blu Scuro. As Ferrari had yet to produce a right-hand drive Daytona, Hoare secured this left-hand drive example through Garage Francorchamps in Belgium to use as an early demonstrator, competing with the rapidly rising interest in the Lamborghini Miura. This car, the 15th Daytona built, was temporarily imported before being sold by Jacques Swaters and officially imported to the U.K.

Later spending several years in France with various collectors, the car was purchased in 2007 by Nicolas Todt, a prominent name in Formula 1. Under his ownership, Ferrari Classiche and Zanasi carried out a no-expense-spared restoration, returning it to its original specification. Few Ferrari 365 GTB/4s can rival the provenance, ownership history, and presentation of chassis no. 12545. The car is accompanied by Ferrari Classiche Certification, an extensive history file with correspondence between Ferrari S.P.A., Maranello Sales, and Garage Francorchamps, as well as the original order form and invoices. Additionally, it retains its original handbooks, leather wallet, and parts manual. Contact us now for more information or to arrange a viewing.