Introduced in 1968, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4—unofficially known as the 'Daytona' in tribute to Ferrari’s 1967 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Daytona—enhanced Maranello’s line-up. A front-mounted 4.4-litre 'Colombo' V-12 put out 352 horsepower, and propelled the driver to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. For the daring, a top speed of 174 mph was on offer. At 3 mph faster than the Lamborghini Miura P400, the Daytona’s world-record performance was complemented by the sleek, modern Pininfarina bodywork built by Scaglietti. Early Daytonas featured a Plexiglas nose behind which lay the headlights, a fascinating feature that was phased out in favour of pop-up headlights once around 400 cars had been built. Considering a total of just 158 cars were configured in right-hand-drive, it isn’t hard to image just how uncommon a right-hand drive ‘Plexi’ Daytona is.

When The Rt. Hon. Michael Pearson—the Viscount Cowdray—ambled through the halls of Earls Court on the first day of the 1969 Motor Show, he found himself at the Maranello Concessionaires stand. Resonating with him was the Ferrari 365 GTB/4, which an enthralled Pearson decided he had to have. He took on a previously cancelled order the very next day. Allocated to him was chassis 12853, specified with the fabulous exterior colour of Rosso Bordeaux Dino, a Nero Connolly leather interior, and light grey headlining. Optional factory air conditioning was selected at a cost of £365, bringing the order total to £9,114. By comparison, a brand-new Austin Mini 850 in October 1969 was priced at just £569!

Chassis 12853 is noted as officially being completed by Ferrari on 3 September 1969. It was the fourth right-hand drive example built, and being such an early car was fitted with the rare and desirable Plexiglas nose. It is believed to have been among the first cars to enter the United Kingdom. On 30 October Pearson received a letter from Maranello Concessionaires stating that industrial action had delayed chassis 12853’s delivery. It was agreed that his friend and racing driver Alain de Cadenet would handle collection from Maranello. With strikes continuing, Ferrari informed Maranello Concessionaires on 1 December that red carpets had been fitted to chassis 12853 and they would not fit the black carpet as per the order. The letter further mentions that the Nero seats, as per Pearson’s request, would be fitted.

On 2 February 1970, Ferrari issued the factory invoice to Maranello Concessionaires. 25 days later, the invoice to Mr. Peason was executed and duly paid. Alain de Cadenet was sent to Maranello to collect the Daytona and on 4 March, he had returned to London. On 30 March he arranged the first service along with washing and waxing the car in preparation for delivery to Mr. Pearson.

By 1980, chassis 12853 was in the hands of The Hon. Patrick Lindsay; upon his passing in January 1986, the car was acquired by Francis Thompson in London. Later the car was owned by the prominent racer Neil Corner, and in late 1987 the car belonged to MSD Motor Company according to invoices on file. On 8 February 1990 the Ferrari was sold at auction. While being delivered to its new owner, the car was involved in an accident, damaging the offside front corner and prompting a full restoration in Italy that was finished three years later. The body colour was changed from Rosso Bordeaux to Rosso Corsa. In July 1998, this 365 GTB/4 was purchased at auction by a Mr. R Elsmore. He retained this Ferrari until March 2001, when it was sold to a private dealer.

By late 2003, chassis 12853 was in the hands of a Danish resident, and in January 2004 the car was exported to Denmark. After a decade of ownership, the Ferrari returned to the UK and was acquired by the current owner. Under his care, this Daytona has been certified by Ferrari Classiche and the “Red Book” was issued on 9 December 2015. Invoices on file from the current owner exceed more than £12,000.

Today, the Ferrari retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine, and transaxle. The car is still finished in Rosso Corsa, and is trimmed with the factory-correct Nero leather seats sitting on red carpet. In addition to being the fourth right-hand-drive Daytona built, chassis 12853 benefits from a fascinating early history, having been owned by a string of notable collectors. On offer after nearly a decade, and now Ferrari Classiche certified, this 365 GTB/4 Daytona presents an exciting opportunity for British Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts.