Monday 11th December 2017

Ferrari Daytona Spyder: Spotted

A super rare Ferrari is one thing; a super rare Ferrari with some Hollywood heritage is another!

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Let's get one thing out of the way first: this drop-top Ferrari 365 GTB/4 - better known as a Daytona Spyder - is an expensive motor vehicle. A seven-figure asking price beginning with a '2' rather guarantees that. Not that that's absurd in the world of classic Ferraris, of course - at least it's not an eight-figure sum.

Values have soared for a variety of reasons, particular cars notable for their motorsport exploits, famous owners or especially rare specifications. Sometimes all three. But what about film cars?

See, this Daytona Spyder has not been at the Goodwood Revival, it's not completed a load of classic rallies and it's not been in the garage of rock royalty. It has, however, featured in a movie.

This Daytona Spyder became the car used in 'The Gumball Rally' after the first car was biffed in an accident. The upholstery had to be changed to tan and the headrests removed to match the spec of that original, which has remained to this day.

Even excluding the motion picture notoriety, this Ferrari has quite an interesting history. Having originally been the LA show car, it was purchased by Warner Brothers in 1975. By 1977 it had 22,000 miles on it, and reached notable collector Robert Toney in 1983 after another owner between '79 and '83. Having been shown at a couple of American events during the 90s, the car was kept in a collection for 20 years before now reaching Joe Macari's showroom floor. Seeing any Daytona Spyder is a rare occurrence - with only 122 believed to have been built - so to have one actually for sale in the UK is some opportunity for the well heeled.

And leaving aside the film link, it's a V12 Ferrari roadster; a Daytona Spyder, no less. Old hat it may have looked in the Miura's company, but there's no denying the presence and allure of a 365 GTB/4. That front-engined V12 Ferraris disappeared for 20 years following this car (until the 550 Maranello) and V12 drop-tops until the Barchetta only adds to the aura. It's a rare car, it's a cool car, and it's a Ferrari V12 - even the most sceptical can see the appeal.

It's not like you're short of choice at £2.5m though, is it? There are faster, newer, lower mileage Ferraris around well within budget. Moreover, let's be honest, it costs the same as an F40 and an F50 if you're lucky. Or a regular Daytona with all manner of convertibles, Spiders, Apertas and Superamericas with it, if you fancy. Still, this is a unique car, and the importance of that rarity shouldn't be underestimated to classic enthusiasts. It's a one-off, not to happen again and with heaps of history to back up its story. And, well, it's probably quite a nice thing to take down to the pub on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Everyone knows winter is the best time to get a deal on convertibles too...

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SPECIFICATION - FERRARI 365 GTS/4 DAYTONA SPYDER

Engine: 4,390cc, V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 352@7,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 319@7,500rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1972
Recorded mileage: 36,000 miles
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £2,400,000

See the original advert here

[365daytonafan]

Car sold for $2.172m at RM's Monterey sale back in August. Even accounting for import fees that's a big dealer mark up.

If it were mine I would sort out those ugly US market front bumpers that sit lower and protrude more that the Euro ones, and the weird black paint on the sills that does the shape no favours.