The First Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Prototype Is Coming Up for Sale
One of the most desirable Ferraris in history is for sale. The first 365 GTB/4 Daytona prototype is offered for sale from RM Sotheby's, after over 20 years of single-family ownership.
It's a rare opportunity to get a prototype version of an icon. The 364 GTB/4 Daytona, better known as simply the Daytona, is one of the most recognizable and legendary GT cars of all time. The V-12 super-tourer was driven by Dan Gurney and Brock Yates in the inaugural Cannonball Run, with their victory a testament to the car's easy speed and long-haul endurance. But this specific example came long before that, as Chassis 10287 is the original prototype for what would become one of Ferrari's most memorable cars.
"Chassis number 10287 is that of a Tipo 596 chassis, the same type which was used for the 275 GTB/4, made of tubular steel and a wheelbase measuring 2,400 mm (a wheelbase length shared by both 275 GTB/4 and 365 GTB/4)," the listing says. "At its heart is a completely unique Colombo engine, one that would not be seen in any other Ferrari road car at the time. Designated Tipo 243 internally, it is fitted with dry sump, three-valve heads rather than the usual four valves per cylinder, dual ignition, twin spark plugs per cylinder, and is topped with six Weber 40 DCN18 carburetors. The block itself is based on that of a 330 GT but has been bored out to 4,380 cc. What is worth noting about this completely unique and radically redesigned engine is that it bears similarities to the engines found in the 330 P4 prototype racers, the race car that won numerous races and earned its place in the history books after their memorable 1-2 finish with a 412 P coming in third at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona."
The car has been fully restored, featured in the Ferrari museum, and certified by Ferrari Classiche. It's about as good as old Ferraris get. We can't say how much it'll sell for, but given that a barn-find Daytona in poor condition and with no real significance went for $2.2 million, it certainly won't be cheap.
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