Collectors’ ears have always pricked at the words ‘first’ or ‘last’. And there’s a reason early Plexi-nosed Ferrari ‘Daytonas’ command a premium over their pop-up counterparts. With two of the most original examples we’ve ever encountered currently here at Belchers Farm, we spied an opportunity to invite the foremost British Ferrari authority Keith Bluemel to visit and extoll the virtues of these special Gran Turismos…
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4’s Pininfarina-engineered beauty has been weakening knees for over five decades. That sleek fastback body, the work of Leonardo Fioravanti, epitomises the romance and appeal of the Italian Grand Turismo. The ‘Daytona’, so named in honour of Ferrari’s clean sweep in the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours, really is the kind of classic with which you could turn up anywhere on the planet and draw gawping onlookers by the dozen.
With 1,284 closed-coupé ‘Daytonas’ having left the Ferrari factory between 1968 and 1973, today’s collectors’ ears tend to be pricked by those cars which distinguish themselves with impeccable condition or provenance, or the variants of the model which are comparatively much more rare.
The sleek drop-top GTS/4, for example, or the Le Mans-winning Competizione. Rather pleasingly, the two ‘Daytonas’ we’re currently looking after here at the farm, one of which – the Blu Sera car - we’re currently offering for sale, cover both bases. You see not only are they both highly original cars with bulletproof histories, but they’re also both early Plexiglas models.
The earliest production 365 GTB/4s are characterised most obviously by their distinctive Plexiglas noses with faired-in headlights. And who better to extoll the virtues of these extraordinary examples than the foremost British Ferrari authority Keith Bluemel?
“Changes to American homologation rules forced Ferrari to introduce pop-ups on the ‘Daytona’ in 1971 and less than a third of the overall number produced ever left Maranello as Plexiglas cars,” explains Keith. “Unsurprisingly, they are considered to be more desirable – and thus more valuable – than their later pop-up counterparts. Of course, that rarity plays a big factor, but in my opinion the design is also purer of line.”
“Unsurprisingly, Plexi cars are considered to be more desirable – and thus more valuable – than their later pop-up counterparts. Of course, rarity plays a big factor, but in my opinion the design is also purer of line.”
Interestingly, Keith notes that Ferrari did build a prototype ‘Interim’ version of the ‘Daytona’ with a pair of conventional headlights, though ultimately decided against it. Though fundamentally identical from a mechanical point of view, there are a small number of specification nuances to these early Plexi ‘Daytonas’ compared to the later pop-up cars. “The most obvious characteristic is, of course, the body-coloured nose, though even on the earliest pop-up cars said panel was painted silver to emulate the look of the Plexiglas.
“Then there’s the larger wooden-rimmed steering, the cloth ‘toweling’ seat inserts and the lack of headrests,” comments Keith, “all evident on the Blu Sera car, chassis number 13537.
“The smaller leather-rimmed wheel of the silver car quickly became standard fare. And though the wooden wheel remained an option throughout the entire lifespan of the ‘Daytona’, very few cars were specified with it. Sure, that was the trend of the time. But the larger wheel actually makes the car’s well-known heavy slow-speed steering considerably easier to manage.
“The cloth inserts, however, were discontinued by Ferrari very early on in favour of the studded leather as seen on the silver car here – what we all now consider to be the quintessential ‘Daytona’ inserts, which continue to feature on Ferrari models to this day.”
With just three recorded owners from new - including the prolific Italian Ferrari collector Fabrizio Violati, who kept it for 38 years - chassis number 13537 retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine and gearbox. More pertinently for Keith are the original Blu Sera paintwork, the original black Connolly hide and mouse-hair dash covering and the factory satin-black finish in the engine bay.
It's a similar story with the Grigio Chiaro Metallizzato Plexi ‘Daytona’ we’re currently babysitting for its new owner. Amazingly, it’s been in the same ownership from new – delivered new to the United Kingdom in 1970 but specified in left-hand drive for use at the owner’s Italian residence. Condition-wise it’s a similar story to the blue car, having never been restored but always enjoyed and lovingly maintained.
“Of course, it’s a case of personal preference. But I’d always opt for an original car that’s been well maintained and with a great patina than a spotless one that’s been comprehensively restored.”
“By now the majority of ‘Daytonas’ have been restored,” Keith continues. “That’s why it’s so nice to find two honest low-mileage unrestored examples in such remarkably original condition. Of course, it’s a case of personal preference. But I’d always opt for an original car that’s been well maintained and with a great patina than a spotless one that’s been comprehensively restored. Partly because it feels like a well-worn comfortable pair of shoes. And partly because you don’t have to worry about it quite so much!”
We’d be inclined to agree with Keith. Rarity is the trump card here – there is an ever-dwindling pool of cars in the same or similar condition as these ‘Daytonas’ and their condition and provenance will always be appealing to collectors. Especially those of particularly discerning taste and with a higher volume of cars in their stables. Above all, there’s a romance and fascination when it comes to swinging open the door of such a car, inhaling the rich scent of its original upholstery and experiencing the car exactly as its maker originally delivered it. What’s that saying? ‘Like an old pair of jeans’.
Photos: Tom Shaxson for Girardo & Co.
We’re currently offering the three-owner Blu Sera ‘Daytona’ pictured for sale – you can find further information about chassis number 13537 by clicking here.