Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' Plexiglass UK RHD

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Plexiglass RHD

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, known more commonly by its nickname "Daytona," was the successor to the highly respected 275 GTB/4 and made its public debut at the 1968 Paris Motor Show. The origin of the "Daytona" name is often debated: some enthusiasts and journalists suggest it was coined by Ferrari fans and the media in homage to Ferrari's historic 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 Daytona 24-hour race, while another version of the story claims that Ferrari had initially planned to use the name themselves but reconsidered after rumors about the model leaked ahead of the official unveiling.

Under the hood, the 365 GTB/4 was powered by the Tipo 251 engine, a more powerful evolution of the 275 GTB/4’s 3.3-liter DOHC V12. With an increased displacement of 4,390cc, the engine was about 33% larger, featuring six twin-choke Weber carburetors to help boost performance. This setup allowed the engine to produce a formidable 352 horsepower at 7,500 rpm. With this power, the 1,280kg coupe could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds, and reach a top speed of approximately 174 mph, thanks to the rear-wheel-drive layout and a five-speed transaxle gearbox.

Production of the 365 GTB/4 lasted from 1968 to 1976, during which Ferrari built a total of 1,406 units, including 1,269 road-going coupés and 122 official Spiders.

The Ferrari 365 GTB /4 "plexiglass" (also known as the "Glass nose" model) refers to the early production versions of the Daytona that featured a distinctive plexiglass cover over the headlights, giving it a unique look. These models were produced between 1968 to 1970.

Only about 150 of these Plexiglass versions were built, making them quite rare and highly sought after by collectors today. The glass-covered headlights were eventually replaced by more conventional pop-up headlights starting in 1970 as part of an update to meet safety regulations, which is why the Plexiglass cars are considered more valuable due to their limited production.

THIS CAR

This exceptional Ferrari 365 GTB/4 "Daytona" represents the fourth right-hand-drive example ever produced. It is Ferrari Classiche certified, retaining its matching-numbers chassis, engine, and transaxle, ensuring its authenticity and provenance.

Finished in the iconic Rosso Corsa, this Daytona boasts an exceptionally rare and original interior combination of Nero leather and Rosso carpets, a distinctive and timeless color pairing.

In 1969, The Rt. Hon. Michael Pearson, the Viscount Cowdray, was drawn to the Ferrari stand at the Earls Court Motor Show. Among the stunning cars on display, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 captured his attention, and by the following day, Pearson had taken over a cancelled order for the car. His specific choice was chassis 12853, finished in the striking Rosso Bordeaux Dino with a sleek Nero Connolly leather interior and light grey headlining. He opted for factory air conditioning, priced at £365, bringing the total cost of his new Ferrari to £9,114—while a new Austin Mini 850 cost just £569 at the same time.

Chassis 12853 was completed by Ferrari on 3 September 1969, making it the fourth right-hand-drive model produced. As one of the first cars off the production line, it was equipped with the rare and highly sought-after Plexiglas nose. It is also believed to have been among the earliest Daytona models delivered to the UK. Due to industrial action at Ferrari, the car's delivery was delayed, but Pearson arranged for his friend, racing driver Alain de Cadenet, to collect the car from Maranello. A correspondence dated 1 December confirmed that the red carpets had been installed in the car instead of the requested black, while the Nero seats were correctly fitted.

The factory invoice for the car was issued on 2 February 1970, and Pearson settled the payment just 25 days later. By 4 March 1970, de Cadenet had the car in London, and on 30 March, the first service was arranged, with the car being washed and waxed in preparation for delivery to its owner.

By 1980, chassis 12853 had passed into the hands of The Hon. Patrick Lindsay, and upon his passing in 1986, the car was acquired by Francis Thompson in London. It later belonged to renowned racer Neil Corner and was owned by MSD Motor Company in late 1987, according to invoices on file. In February 1990, the car was sold at auction, but shortly after, it was involved in an accident during delivery, sustaining damage to the offside front corner. A full restoration was carried out in Italy, and the car's colour was changed from Rosso Bordeaux to Rosso Corsa.

In July 1998, chassis 12853 was purchased by Mr. R Elsmore at auction, where it remained until March 2001, when it was sold to a private dealer. By late 2003, the car had found its way to a Danish owner, who exported it to Denmark in January 2004. After a decade of ownership, the Ferrari returned to the UK, where it was acquired by the current owner. Under their care, the car has been Ferrari Classiche certified, with the prestigious Red Book issued on 9 December 2015.

The car is accompanied by a detailed history file, which includes early correspondence, a thorough Massini report, a range of invoices, and the esteemed Ferrari Classiche Red Book, all of which reinforce its exceptional provenance. Recently, it achieved second place in its class at the renowned Yorkshire Concours at Grantley Hall, further enhancing its distinguished pedigree. Additionally, the car has undergone recent upgrades, including the installation of power steering, at a cost exceeding £30,000.

CHASSIS NO. 12853

ENGINE NO. 156

GEARBOX NO. 72

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