1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta "Plexiglass"

Chassis No. 13255
Engine No. B326
Transmission No. 605 135
The word “icon” is often overused in collector car circles but, even so, there remains a list of a limited few motor cars that quite irrefutably deserve the moniker, irrespective of even the harshest naysayers' critiques. The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona is firmly entrenched on this list and arguably has been since the day it was announced at the Paris Salon in October 1968. With the benefit of a half century of additional Ferrari model history, it is clear that the Daytona represents perhaps the finest iteration of a now-classic Ferrari combination - a breathtaking Pininfarina design married to a glorious front-mounted V12 engine, with a shiver-inducing exhaust note, all delivered through a gated five-speed shifter. The performance figures were as impressive then as they are now - over 350 horsepower from a four-cam 4.4-liter engine, capable of a 174 mph top speed.
This outstanding Daytona Berlinetta, chassis number 13255, joined the esteemed Fleischman Collection 15 years ago and has been well cared for ever since, being treated more recently to fresh interior upholstery in striking two-tone red and black, which complements the red exterior livery beautifully. While this classic Ferrari color combination is indeed stunning, historical information provided by marque historian Marcel Massini reveals a fascinating and particularly attractive original specification.
Ordered new to left-hand drive European specification, it was completed at the factory on 16 March 1970, bound for Milan and delivered to the official dealer M. Gastone Crepaldi Automobili S.a.s. in early May. What arrived onsite at Crepaldi was a Daytona liveried in the stunning colors of “Celeste” light blue over a “Rosso Scuro” dark red Connolly leather interior. Of particular note is that this was one of the early production Daytona models, completed with the attractive and desirable plexiglass headlight covers, of which Mr. Massini's records indicate approximately 413 examples were built. This purity of design also carried through to the interior where the car was specified with a wooden steering wheel, the seats were devoid of headrests, and the car was outfitted with the particularly expensive option of air conditioning.
The car's first owner was one Mr. Fausto Crespi of Milan, who it is believed was actively involved in real estate dealings, and who was no stranger to Ferrari ownership, as he previously owned a 330 GTC just a few years earlier. Registered on Milanese plates, the car was not to remain in Europe for long, however, as by 1975 it was exported Stateside and by the time of its acquisition in 1978 by Oscar F. Sterle of New Jersey it had been converted to pop-up headlight configuration and refinished in red, the way it is presented today. Prior to its acquisition by the Fleischman Collection, it appears a major engine rebuild was also conducted. Since acquisition, the interior has been completely redone in the current two-tone black with red inserts and matching door panels, and the dash recovered in mousehair, while a file of service receipts documents mechanical maintenance.
Analysis of the engine number against comparable Daytonas built in early 1970 suggest that the engine, like the gearbox, is in the correct numerical range and understood to be original to the chassis. Many original features remain present, including the European km/h speedometer, wooden steering wheel characteristic of these early series cars, and other telltale signs of authenticity such as the rivets holding the tags in the engine bay in place – not to mention its original May 1970 issue Milano license plate, still affixed to the rear of the car after all these years! All in all, this is a Daytona that has never been fully “restored” but rather one that has been maintained and enjoyed over the years, while receiving cosmetic updates including paint and upholstery. Tantalizingly, a previous owner reported to Bill Fleischman that he had been personal friends with the great Formula One world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, and that “The Maestro” had driven 13255 on at least one occasion!
The Daytona acquitted itself well during cataloging on several short test drives, and today presents an interesting opportunity for the new owner - either to enjoy the car as-is in a classic Ferrari color combination, ideal for driving enjoyment, or to return the car to its original plexi-nose specification. Such a restoration would certainly render the car well suited for concours presentation but, it should be noted, early investigation by Broad Arrow Group indicates the conversion of the car back to its “plexi nose” configuration would be a necessary prerequisite for a certification application to Ferrari Classiche. Even so, and irrespective of the route the successful bidder chooses to take, the driving and ownership thrills afforded the owner of a Daytona Berlinetta are limitless. Whether it's idling on a manicured concours lawn or roaring at full throttle on a particularly enjoyable road, there's truly nothing quite like the sound of a 352-horsepower, four-cam Ferrari V12 emanating from those four glorious exhaust pipes.