Rarity in Giallo: Exploring the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider

The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider stands as one of the most iconic and desirable open-top sports cars ever to emerge from Maranello. Its masterful styling by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina is instantly recognisable, embodying the spirit of late-1960s and early-1970s Gran Turismo. While a Daytona Spider is an important car in any configuration, the example currently available via Schaltkulisse represents an exceptional level of rarity and significance.

Of the mere 121 Spider examples built, only 19 were the rarest of rare: left-hand drive European configuration cars. These European versions hold a unique chassis denomination of ‘365 GTS/4-A’ and, crucially, benefited from different carburation, camshafts, distributors, and exhausts, notably free from the emissions control equipment and side markers that impacted American-specification cars. This makes them the purest incarnation of the Daytona Spider, allowing owners to appreciate the design without dilution and experience the full-fat performance.

This particular car, Chassis 15369, adds further layers of exclusivity to its European specification. Delivered new in 1972 via the official Ferrari importer in Beirut, Elie F. Ayache – interestingly, Lebanon was the only country in the region with an official Ferrari dealer at the time – it was finished in its current stunning colour combination of Giallo Fly over a black leather interior. Remarkably, it is the only European specification Daytona Spider ever finished in the iconic Giallo Fly, immediately setting it apart.

The car’s history is well-documented, showing a life lived across continents. By 1978, it had moved to the USA under the ownership of Carl Cozan in Nevada. In 1994, while still with Mr. Cozan, it sustained accident damage but was professionally repaired by Mike Sheehan’s European Auto in California. In 1997, the car appeared in the UK at the 50th anniversary of Ferrari celebrations at Silverstone before returning to another long-term keeper in the USA. Its authenticity was validated in 2016 when it received Ferrari Classiche Certification, confirming it retains its original engine, chassis, and body – a particularly important point given the previous accident damage.

In 2024, Chassis 15369 was identified as a potential show winner, thanks to its unique configuration and relatively high percentage of original components. With the ambition of competing at the prestigious Cavallino Palm Beach event in January 2025, the car was entrusted to one of the best names in the business, Motion Products Inc (MPI). The brief was clear: preserve as much of the original components as possible, correct any inauthentic details, and address issues from previous restorations or use.

This involved fully dismantling the car to inspect every component, with the engine, exhaust, transaxle, suspension, interior, and electrical systems all removed, inspected, and prepared or replaced as required, sourcing many NOS parts from Italy. This meticulous work resulted in nearly $200,000 of recent investment documented on file. The dedication paid off: at the 34th Cavallino Classic Palm Beach in January 2025, the car won the coveted Platinum Award, recognising its exceptional originality and quality, in addition to a Best in Class award and the Gentleman’s Choice Award.

Currently located in Miami, FL, USA, and available via Schaltkulisse, this 1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider (showing 60,479km) is offered in its recent Platinum-winning condition, complete with tool roll, correct period owner’s manual, and Ferrari Classiche Certification. Representing an exceptionally rare (1 of 19 European, 1 of 1 in Giallo Fly), historically significant, and recently concours-winning example, this Daytona Spider is a must-have centrepiece for any serious Ferrari or classic car collection.

---