1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona - Ex - Elton John - Classiche

• Classiche Certified, 1 of just 158 UK-supplied Daytonas accompanied by a comprehensive history file
• A matching numbers example finished in its original colours of Rosso over Nero
• Classiche Red Book, original purchase order, original books, a wealth of invoices and old MOTs
• A legend in its own right, a fine example of the iconic 70s Ferrari GT owned in period by a rock superstar

The ultimate expression of Ferrari's fabulous line of V12 front-engined sports cars, the 365 GTB/4 debuted at the Paris Salon in 1968, soon gaining the unofficial name 'Daytona' in honour of the sweeping 1, 2, 3 finish by the Ferrari 330P4 at that circuit in 1967. Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, later the famed Carrozzeria's director of research and development, was responsible for the influential shark-nosed styling, creating a package that restated the traditional 'long bonnet, small cabin, short tail' look in a manner suggesting muscular horsepower while retaining all the elegance associated with the Italian coachbuilder's work for Maranello. One of Pininfarina's countless masterpieces, the influential shark-nosed body style featured an unusual full-width transparent panel covering the headlamps, though this was replaced by electrically-operated pop-up lights to meet US requirements soon after the start of production in the second half of 1969. Air conditioning was optional, but elsewhere the Daytona remained uncompromisingly focussed on delivering nothing less than serious performance. At the time of its introduction in 1968, it was the most expensive production Ferrari ever and, with a top speed in excess of 170mph, was also the world's fastest production car. Deliveries commenced in the second half of 1969 and the Daytona would be manufactured for just four years; not until the arrival of the 456 GT in 1992 would Ferrari build anything like it again. 

Offered here is a beautiful, UK-supplied, right-hand drive Ferrari Daytona delivered new on 3rd August 1972 through Maranello Concessionaires Ltd. and is one of only 158 built by the factory in right-hand drive. It’s presented in glorious Rosso Chiro with a Nero interior and grey carpets, the colour combination it wore when new as confirmed by the recently attained Ferrari Classiche ‘Red Book’ which also attests to the matching engine and gearbox numbers.

Two large and detailed history files accompany this Daytona including copies of records from the DVLA database indicating that Sir Elton John, of 14 Abbots Drive, Wentworth, Surrey owned this car from 1973 to 1975. The two files document this example’s entire history from original purchase order through to the most recent maintenance invoice. Also found within the files are MOT Certificates dating back to 1977, correspondence between the original owner and Maranello Concessionaires, further previous registration documents, invoices for periodic maintenance from 1972 to date and details of some major overhauls over the years.

The overall condition of this Daytona is very good, the Ferrari Classiche ‘Red book’ indicates that the engine, chassis and gearbox numbers match the original build data, and the chassis is correct and original along with the body. Panel gaps generally appear very good and the Rosso Chiro paintwork retains a deep gloss and even finish across the beautiful Pininfarina-designed and Scaglietti-built bodywork. The interior was refinished in 2017 to factory specification and today looks lovely with the leather having settled in a little.

Accompanying the car is the Ferrari Classiche ‘Red book’, the aforementioned history files, the original Ferrari 365 GTB/4 book pack, and a spare Immobiliser fob. On test the car fired into life with ease and, although only driven a short distance for the photo-shoot, performed rather well.

In summary, this is a chance to take ownership of a true legend – the Ferrari Daytona with the added cachet of Sir Elton John provenance. ‘I think its going to be a long long time’ before another opportunity this good presents itself.

*Forming part of A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owners' Club of Great Britain, the buyer of this lot will be entitled to one years free membership with Ferrari Owners Club of Great Britain*