A year after the Ferrari Daytona’s debut at the Paris Motor Show, a convertible version, the 365 GTS/4, was shown at the Frankfurt show. Ferrari would eventually build just 121 Spider versions, with the predictable result that they are the most coveted of the approximately 1,300 Daytonas built. As demand outstripped supply, several firms in both America and Europe began offering so-called Spider conversions.
The most prominent of these firms was Franco Bachalli’s Carrozzeria Auto Sport of Bastiglia, Italy, which performed more conversions than any other shop. Bacchelli began his career during the late 1950s at Piero Drogo’s Carrozzeria Sports Cars in Modena, and Roberto Villa, an aluminum-forming expert from Carrozzeria Scaglietti. Their conversions are acknowledged by Ferrari experts as absolutely faithful to the factory original Spiders. This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, serial number 15689, is one of only two 1972 Daytonas converted at considerable extra expense with a full-alloy Spider body by Carrozzeria Auto Sport. While the car was in Italy a former N.A.R.T. mechanic rebuilt the engine and transmission to Competition Daytona specifications, resulting in superior performance and an extra serving of those lovely V-12 engine sounds. It was also fitted with factory power steering from a 365 GTC/4, giving it a lighter, more user-friendly feel.
The car has been expertly maintained without regard for cost over its history, which is documented back to its 1977 importation. It features the very desirable 8-inch front and 9-inch rear chromed Borrani wire wheels with Michelin XWX radial tires, and is accompanied with a very nice reproduction owner’s pouch with owner’s handbook, plus an original tool roll with a combination of original and reproduction tools.
A delight to the senses, this very exclusive alloy-bodied Daytona Spider conversion delivers all the handling and power that characterizes these wonderful Italian thoroughbreds.
1972 Ferrari 365 GTB4 Spider Conversion
Source: www.mecum.com