The story of the sought-after Ferrari Daytona is well known among Ferrari enthusiasts – a car that in 1971 was recorded as capable of a staggering 174mph. This early ‘Plexiglas’ headlight model remains a head-turner to this day…
A driver's car
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta ‘Daytona’ – to give it its full name, was originally launched in order to replace the much-celebrated 275 GTB. Under the long, drooping bonnet lay a sonorous 4.4-litre V12, complete with six Weber carburettors. Power was transmitted through a five-speed manual gearbox, making it extremely rewarding to drive. In our opinion, the Daytona also boasts one of the most charming classic Ferrari interiors ever produced – the dashboard, slimline seats and wood-rimmed steering wheel are a glorious mix of simplistic 1960s design combined with the more muscular forms from the 1970s.
Owned by Mr Stubberfield
In January 1971, Mr Peter Stubberfield, the then-Chairman and later President of the Ferrari Owners’ Club, GB, bought this particular car new. The car remained in his hands until 1983 – at which point it showed its 33,000 miles with pride. According to its current owner, Kent-based Ferrari specialist Foskers, Stubberfield was also a keen hill-climber of Vintage Bugattis. He must have cut quite a dash in the mid ’70s arriving at Prescott in this mighty Italian thoroughbred.
One of 42
From 1983 to around 2012, the car changed hands several times and received a full restoration; it was then subsequently shipped to Japan. Ed Callow of Foskers commented, “We recently repatriated the car to the UK and have carried out an extensive investigation into the rich history and chain of ownership of the car, which is now in fantastic order. With just 42 original ‘Plexiglas’ UK RHD models produced, the car presents fantastic ownership and investment potential.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Photos: Tom Shaxson for Classic Driver
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