Introduced in 1968 with production beginning in 1969, the 365 GTB/4 was Ferrari's response to an evolving market and, even more important, changing regulations in its most important market, the United States, where increasingly stringent emissions standards and rigid safety-related regulations had made the previous generation of Ferraris unsaleable. The 365 GTB/4 was bigger, both in bulk and in the power to propel it, more luxuriously equipped and was wrapped in a Pininfarina-designed, Scaglietti-built body that was equally a departure from earlier Ferraris.
Pininfarina's landmark design epitomized the ultimate in front-engined, V12-powered berlinettas, a combination of beauty and performance that has become an icon of design. Few chose to experiment with the Daytona's design but one who did was Luigi Chinetti, Jr., son of the three-time Le Mans winner and U.S. Ferrari importer. Lou, or 'Coco' as he was known in his youth, was not only an accomplished driver but also a talented designer. Not surprisingly, Lou Chinetti's designs sometimes found expression on Ferraris, including this exceptional and well known Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Shooting Break.
Conceived by Luigi Chinetti, Jr. with detail layout by Gene Garfinkle for Bob Gittelman, a prominent architect and home builder, this unique Ferrari was built by Panther Westwinds in the U.K. and has been featured in The Prancing Horse (number 45), Road & Track (March 1976), Road & Tracks Exotic Cars Quarterly (April 1990) and Scuderia magazines. It is a remarkable statement that integrates neatly with the Daytona's style and recalls the famous Ferrari 250GT SWB Breadvan with its extended roofline and steeply sloped backlight. The side windows curve gently into the roof for visibility and an airy feel that belies the bulk of the added bodywork, aided by the gigantic rear window. Access to the rear compartment is through the side windows which are hinged at the top and open gullwing-style. The instruments are concentrated in the center stack, angled toward the driver. Luxuriously trimmed in Connolly suede leather complemented by a rich wood paneled rear deck, the Chinetti shooting brake is finished in an imposing black livery that enhances the Daytona's unique lines, set off by an orange panel across the nose.
This extraordinary Ferrari Daytona one-off has had only four owners from new. From Gittleman it was sold in 1984 to Texas oilman and well-known race team owner John Mecom, then sold at auction in 1988 to its next owner, dealer and collector William Kontes from whom it passed to its present owner in 1999. In the present ownership it has been displayed at the Paleis Het Loo Concours in 2000, at the Cartier Style et Luxe Concours at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2001 and at the Villa d'Este Concorso di Eleganza in 2002. Described as in perfect condition throughout, the car has covered just 5,000 miles from new.
At their upcoming sale in Gstaad Switzerland on Friday December 19th 2005, Bonhams will offer 15275 at an estimate price of $475 000 USD.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Sauc3
