The 365 GTS/4 was unveiled at the 1969 Frankfurt Show as an open version of the 365 GTB/4, known as the Daytona Spider. The car was developed in response to the enthusiastic requests from Ferrari buyers in North America. However, the birth of the 365 GTS/4 was mainly due to Chinetti Motors. Chinetti Motors was founded by Luigi Chinetti, who won the 1948 24 Hours of Le Mans with a Ferrari 166MM race car. Chinetti was also, at the time, the largest authorized Ferrari dealer in North America and among the biggest in the world.
With solid racing experience already on his plate, Chinetti approached his old friend Enzo Ferrari. In the late 275 GTB-era, Chinetti had requested that Ferrari build only 10 units of the 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder. NART (North American Racing Team) was the name of Chinetti’s own semi-works Ferrari team. From there, he successfully persuaded Mr. Ferrari to develop the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider as part of the main Ferrari lineup.
Under the bonnet is the same 4.4-litre naturally-aspirated V12 from its coupe counterpart which produces 352 horsepower. The engine consists of six twin choke Weber 40 DCN12 or /21 carburettors, with two coils and a distributor ignition system from the rear. In order to comply with the regulations in the US market, the US-spec Spiders were fitted with several electronic systems, such as a fast idle device, and an air injection system on the exhaust manifold.
While it is said that only 1,383 units of the 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta, including the Competizione model, were built from the spring of 1969 to 1973, the 365 GTS/4 Spider was much rarer, as only 121 examples (some say 127) were ever built.
This specific example is chassis “16123”. It was originally a 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta, which was then converted to a Spider. The conversion was expertly done, and the car remains in beautiful condition.The body has no noticeable scratches, the chrome bumpers and wire wheels have also been meticulously maintained, making it easy to forget that this model is more than half a century old. The black leather interior has been very well-cared for and looks almost like a brand new car.
Despite the very small and limited production of the original 365 GTS/4 Spider, it still managed to be so popular that many examples of Daytona Berlinettas were converted to Spider versions.
VIN: 16123
Year/Make/Model: 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider
