Ferrari was yet to unveil the fabulous 365 GTB/4 Daytona at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon when appointed coachbuilder, Sergio Scaglietti, began envisioning a Spider version of the sleek new front engine V-12-powered Berlinetta. Following long-established protocol, Scaglietti submitted a conceptual design to Pininfarina, who then secured Il Commendatore’s personal approval. One year after the Daytona’s introduction, Scaglietti unveiled his Spider interpretation at the Frankfurt Auto Show, igniting a new round of demand from Ferrari customers around the world. Produced until 1973, the Spider bore the same overall mechanical specifications as its Berlinetta predecessor: a robust ladder-type chassis with all independent wishbone suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes, powered by the Tipo 251 4.4L/352 HP DOHC V-12 engine sporting six Weber downdraft carburetors and dry sump lubrication and mated to a 5-speed manual transaxle. Aesthetically, Scaglietti’s Spider coachwork proved to be the crowning touch to the Daytona’s already timeless styling. A number of aftermarket conversions followed, but none match the exclusivity of the genuine factory item, of which only 122 were built. One of 122 factory-built Daytona Spiders, S/N 14473 was delivered new to Gross, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, and remained in long-term ownership for 40 years. Records show it was maintained by Ullrich’s in nearby Evanston until that firm closed its doors in the mid-1990s. In 2011, the car was acquired by Dr. Kamel Cinaroglu in San Antonio, Texas, through noted Ferrari racer and collector Rick Mancuso and has remained in the care of prominent Ferrari collections ever since. This striking Daytona Spider received a concours-quality restoration by vintage specialist Rod Drew’s renowned Francorchamps of America, Inc. in Costa Mesa, California. Completed and detailed to rigorous standards, the restoration included new Rosso Chiaro paint expertly applied by Steve Beckman. Westminster Auto Upholstery in Anaheim retrimmed the interior with tan leather and black inserts, new black carpets and dash covering, and a new black top. Veglia Borletti gauges, power windows, a heater and defroster, and a Becker Europa stereo radio are also featured. Exquisitely finished and thoroughly detailed throughout, the car rides on rebuilt chromed Borrani wire wheels fitted with Michelin XWX tires. It is offered complete with the attendant Ferrari Classiche Red Book, the original leather owner’s pouch, handbooks and warranty book, the original Consumer Information booklet, a copy of the Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin and copies of the restoration invoices. Significantly, it also includes the leather tool roll and tools including the jack and knock-off wrench. This is an absolutely stunning example of one of Ferrari’s most desirable and iconic front-engine V-12 grand touring automobiles.
