ALONG CAME A SPIDER

To many enthusiasts, the only way that Ferrari could improve upon its incredible 365 GTB/4 Daytona was to produce an open version. Such a model was intended from early on, and a prototype version was displayed at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show. It attracted considerable press and public attention, as it managed to preserve the character and performance of the berlinetta while adding the thrill of open-air motoring.

Production examples of the Spider began to be released in 1971 and were sold through early 1974. Automotive journalist Henry Rasmussen, in his book, The Survivors: Ferraris for the Road, memorably described the model as “breathtaking beautiful from any angle, the flowing simplicity of the enormous hood, the impossible rake of the windshield, the surprise angle of the cut-off rear—it all worked together as a coordinated whole.”

The Spider was considerably rarer than the berlinetta; while 1,406 closed Daytonas were made, production of the Spider was limited to only 121 examples. These were the final front-engined convertible Ferraris produced until the introduction of the 550 Barchetta, some 30 years later. While numerous berlinettas have been “cut” since, it is these genuine Spiders that are desirable and sought after by collectors, and which can instantly transform a mere Ferrari collection into one of the world’s finest. They are traded publically only a few times every year and are always the subject of fierce competition when they do. Simply put, they are among the most universally loved of modern Ferrari GTs.

CHASSIS NUMBER 16847

Chassis number 16847, offered here, is an original Daytona Spider, the 91st of the 121 built. Originally finished in Argento over a Nero interior and equipped for the United States market with factory Borletti air conditioning, it was originally delivered to William Harrah’s famous distributor Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada. Subsequently, it was sent to Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo in Portland, Oregon, and was sold by the Tonkin dealership to original owner Ian Chiles on 15 January 1974. Mr. Chiles is believed to have been a member of the prominent local family that owned the Fred Meyer chain of supermarkets.

The car was traded back to Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo in 1975 and was subsequently sold to a new owner in California. It would remain in the Western United States for the next 15 years. Records note its ownership in 1978 by Jerry Schwarz of Granada Hills, California; in 1979 by Ralph Tingle of Santa Fe, New Mexico; and in 1986 by Sid Ferris, back in its original hometown of Portland.

In 1990, the Daytona was acquired by two enthusiasts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and would remain there for several years. By this time, the car had been refinished in its present color scheme, Rosso Corsa with tan interior and a black top, the most classic livery for the model. Following a brief stint in Florida, it returned to Pittsburgh and was sold to Pittsburgh Penguins player Tom Borasso.

In 1999, the car was shown at the Cavallino Classic and driven in the accompanying Tour di Palm Beach. Thereafter, it was advertised in the Ferrari Market Letter by Ron Spangler, describing it as a “very original car, well sorted recently by Shelton.” That advertisement led to its acquisition soon thereafter by the current owner, a renowned sports car connoisseur on the East Coast, in whose fabulous collection it has since resided alongside other rare and important Ferraris from the company’s broad history.

The Spider has been well-looked-after in the present 15-year ownership. It was recently subjected to two years of conscientious restoration work, taking care to preserve the car’s original components, while reviewing all mechanical systems for operational quality. During this time, the body was refinished with a bare-metal repaint, completely new brightwork, and a new interior and trunk lining. The car is still equipped with the original air conditioning system, a most desirable feature, plus beautiful Borrani chrome wire wheels. In addition, it is offered with the original tool roll, incorporating a combination of original and reproduction tools.

Only 121 Daytona Spiders were produced, and the majority of them were used hard and fast, as their manufacturer had intended. It is rare to find one, and rarer still to find one with a clean, “no stories,” “no drama” history that has left it today much as it was delivered when new. This is one such fine example, offered from a good home where it has enjoyed the best of long-term care.