Debuted in Paris in 1968, the 365 GTB/4 succeeded the 275 GTB/4 as Ferrari’s new, top-of-the-line, two-seat gran turismo . Almost immediately, it was unofficially known as the “Daytona” in honor of Ferrari’s podium sweep at the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1967. It stands as the last front-engine, V-12 GT model designed before Fiat’s takeover of Ferrari road car production in 1969.

Continuing to utilize the general chassis layout, wheelbase, independent suspension, and rear-mounted transaxle of its predecessor, the 365 GTB/4 differed dramatically in its bold styling, penned by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti and rendered in steel and aluminum by Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Power was delivered by an enlarged version of the six-carburetor, four-cam, dry sump, V-12 engine, displacing 4.4 liters and delivering 352 bhp at 7,500 rpm. Capable of accelerating from 0–100 mph in just 12.8 seconds and continuing to a top speed in excess of 170 mph, the Daytona was the fastest production sports car of its day. Period road testers were effusive: Car and Driver declared, “It isn’t fast – it’s blinding.” Le Mans-winning driver Paul Frère, who reached 176 mph on the Italian autostrada during his test for Autocar, described the Daytona as “a Grand Touring car par excellence.”

While intended as a fast road car, the 365 GTB/4 remained competitive long after most others retired. Between 1970 and 1979, a total of 18 Ferrari Daytonas contested their namesake 24-hour race, resulting in five Top 10 finishes and two 2nd Place podiums, with the last including the 1979 GTO Class win scored by John Morton and Tony Adamowicz. Class wins were scored at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (1972, 1973, and 1974) along with an outright victory at the 1972 Tour de France.

At the 1969 International Motor Show Germany, about a year after the model’s debut, Ferrari unveiled the prototype for a Spider version of the Daytona. The model was enthusiastically received and soon entered production at Scaglietti, which worked in collaboration with Pininfarina and Ferrari to achieve the car’s stunning, production-ready appearance while ensuring that the open car was as strong and rigid as its Berlinetta sibling.

The most exclusive of the road-going Daytonas, the Spider had a very limited production run. Only 121 production examples were built, with the vast majority destined for the all-important US market. Whereas the 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta achieved fame on the road and racetrack, the Daytona Spider earned its status as a pop-culture icon, thanks to notable appearances in films like The Gumball Rally and *A Star Is Born. *

The Daytona Spider presented here, chassis 16793, is the 84th of the 121 cars built by the factory. Completed in early 1973, this is one of just 14 examples originally finished in elegant Argento Metallizzato (106-E-1 Silver Metallic) over a *Nero *(VM8500 Black) interior and matching Nero soft top. This Ferrari was built for the US market, for which it was suitably equipped with optional Borrani wire wheels, Borletti air-conditioning, and instrumentation in miles. Imported into the US by official West Coast distributor Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, the Ferrari was originally sold via Newport Imports in Newport Beach, California.

As noted in the original warranty book, the Ferrari’s first owner was Boyd Lavon Jefferies, the founder of the Los Angeles-based brokerage firm Jefferies & Company. First registered in California as “607 KEM,” the Daytona Spider later passed through Ferrari of Houston, where it was repainted gray and sold to Tom Taham of Texas. By December 1980, the Ferrari had been acquired by Louis James and Barbara Hayes of Houston and continued to reside in their care until at least October 1982.

In 1993, the Ferrari was sold to a Mr. Markham in Kentucky, with whom it remained until 2004, when it was sold through Motorcars International of Missouri to FCA judge and collector Steve Hill of Los Gatos, California. The Daytona Spider then passed through the hands of another California-based owner before being sold to noted Ferrari collector Charles Wegner. During his ownership, 16793 was restored to its original specification by San Diego-area specialists Bobileff Motorcar Company and Dugan Enterprises. A testament to the quality and accuracy of the work performed, the Daytona Spider earned a Platinum Award upon its debut at the 2014 Cavallino Classic and subsequently received Ferrari Classiche certification.

In 2015, the Daytona Spider became part of a prominent North American collection, where it was fastidiously maintained among a stable of significant Ferrari models. Soon after acquisition, it was sent to the renowned Motion Products Inc. of Neenah, Wisconsin, to receive a concours-quality, bare-metal repaint and other detailed cosmetic and mechanical attention. Upon completion, 16793 received a third Platinum Award as well as the prestigious La Miglior Daytona Award for the most outstanding 365 GTB/4 presented at the 2018 FCA North American Field and Driving Concours in Corning, New York. More recently, the much-honored Daytona Spider was acquired by the consignor, joining his world-class collection of the finest antique, classic, and modern treasures.

Presented in its attractive, factory-delivered color scheme, and equipped with its desirable factory options, this Daytona Spider showed just 17,472 miles at the time of cataloguing. An exceptionally correct and complete example, this multiple award-winning Ferrari is offered with important and valuable accessories such as its original tool roll and owner’s handbooks, including the factory-issued warranty card, owner’s manual, parts catalog, and dealer directory. Additionally, the Daytona Spider is accompanied by its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, original window sticker, early California registration records, service records, and a history report compiled by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini.

Classic 12-cylinder Ferraris with open coachwork, disc brakes, independent suspension, and the refined torque-tube driveline are a rare breed, comprising just three models: the 275 GTS/4 NART Spider, 330/365 GTS, and 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider. The combined total production of these models is just over 250 individual cars.

Of these three landmark Ferrari models, the Daytona Spider is easily the fastest and most powerful, with bold, modern Pininfarina styling recognized as a design masterpiece by enthusiasts the world over.

Fast, beautiful, and extremely rare, these Ferraris embody the finest qualities of thoroughbred Italian sports cars. Given its handsome color scheme, low mileage, exceptional documentation, and multiple award-winning restoration, this Ferrari Classiche-certified Daytona Spider is an extremely appealing example – arguably the finest of its type.