There's something extraordinary about the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Spider, chassis number 14473. A car born out of Ferrari’s desire to marry beauty with speed, it captures an era when driving was more than just transportation; it was an art form. One of only 122 factory-built Daytona Spiders, this rare gem is a masterpiece, carrying a legacy that has turned heads for over half a century.
Let’s rewind to 1971, the year this particular Spider was delivered to Gross Inc. in Chicago. It lived its early life under the meticulous care of Ullrich’s in Evanston, IL, establishing a pattern of careful maintenance that would carry through decades. Between 1971 and 2011, this car was pampered by long-term ownership, proving that a Ferrari like this isn’t just a vehicle; it's a member of the family.
The story took a new turn in 2011 when Dr. Kamel Cinaroglu of San Antonio, Texas, acquired this iconic Spider through Rick Mancuso, ushering in a new chapter of love and admiration for the Daytona. It soon passed to Charles T. Wegner in West Chicago, who carried the torch until 2012. But the heart of this car’s story truly lies in its restoration. Ferrari restoration legend Mike Sheehan brought the car to California, where it underwent a $135,000 concourse-quality restoration at Rod Drew’s F.A.I. in Costa Mesa.
The result? A Ferrari reborn. The Rosso Chiaro paint job, masterfully executed by Steve Beckman, gleams like a rich, red jewel under the sun. The interior was re-trimmed to factory perfection, with luxurious tan leather and black inserts, a tribute to the car’s original specifications. Every inch of this Ferrari was touched with precision and respect for its heritage.
But this 365 GTS/4 Spider is more than just a beauty queen. It comes with its original leather owner’s pouch, handbooks, warranty book, and even the original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin—a testament to its authenticity. The complete leather tool roll, the original jack kit, and rebuilt Borrani wire wheels fitted with new XWX tires showcase its dedication to keeping this car as close to its factory-born perfection as possible.
What makes the Daytona Spider so coveted? Debuting at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, this car was a statement—an embodiment of Ferrari’s racing spirit dressed in the attire of an elegant grand tourer. It roared down the road with a front-mounted 4.4-liter V12 engine, producing 352 horsepower that propelled it to speeds once reserved for race tracks. Yet, it did so with a level of refinement that only a Ferrari could deliver. The Daytona Spider wasn't just fast—it was thrillingly fast while being beautifully composed.
The tactile sensation of those Borrani wheels gripping the road, the hum of that magnificent V12 beneath the hood, and the endless horizon as you sit low in the perfectly re-trimmed tan leather seats—all of this comes together in an experience only a Ferrari of this caliber can provide.
Chassis number 14473 isn't just another Ferrari. It’s a piece of automotive history, cherished and restored to its former glory, with Classiche certification confirming its authenticity. This Daytona Spider is a symbol of Ferrari’s golden era—a car that allows us to dream, even today, of what it means to truly drive.
Owning this car isn't just about possessing a rare artifact; it's about becoming part of the legacy of one of the greatest car manufacturers the world has ever seen. If you ever find yourself lucky enough to hear the deep rumble of its engine, consider it a whisper from Ferrari’s past—a reminder of a time when driving was more than a mode of transport. It was pure exhilaration.
The 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Spider is not just a car. It’s Ferrari at its finest, wrapped in elegance and cloaked in speed, living proof that some cars transcend time.
The body design of the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider is nothing short of iconic, blending the aggressive cues of a race car with the refined elegance of a grand tourer. Designed by the legendary Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina, the Daytona’s sleek lines and sharp angles embodied a dramatic shift in Ferrari’s design language during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
At first glance, the most striking feature is the long, wide bonnet, an unmistakable symbol of the powerful V12 engine beneath. This extended front end tapers into the distinctive "shark nose" that gives the car its aggressive, ready-to-pounce stance. The front of the Spider was designed with two air intakes to channel air into the engine bay, visually enhancing the sense of speed even when the car is stationary.
The Daytona Spider's body is a sophisticated blend of sharp, angular lines that sweep into smooth curves. This is particularly evident in the rear section, where the fastback profile of the coupe was replaced with a flatter boot to accommodate the convertible’s folding soft top. Despite this modification, Fioravanti managed to retain the sleek aesthetic, ensuring that the Daytona Spider looked as purposeful with the roof down as it did with it up.
Another defining aspect of the body design is the recessed twin circular taillights and the pair of double exhaust pipes mounted beneath the rear bumper. These design elements were not only functional but gave the rear an aggressive, race-inspired look. The Borrani wire wheels, often an option on Spiders, add a classic touch of elegance, combining vintage style with modern performance.
The overall design features a distinctive "Coke-bottle" profile, with a low, slender cabin section sandwiched between the expansive bonnet and slightly flared rear fenders. This balance between aggression and grace made the Daytona Spider one of the most beautiful open-top Ferraris ever produced. The taut, muscular lines exude a sense of power, while the meticulously executed details reflect the artistry of Italian craftsmanship.
The beauty of the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider lies in its ability to look both aggressive and elegant—a true embodiment of Ferrari's philosophy at the time, where performance met luxury in a flawless blend
Driving the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider is a quintessential experience of Ferrari’s grand touring mastery. With its front-mounted 4.4-liter V12 engine producing 352 horsepower, this open-top beauty offers a thrilling blend of power and refinement. The engine’s distinctive roar is matched by its impressive performance: a top speed of around 174 mph (280 km/h) and an exhilarating 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds make it one of the fastest road cars of its time.
The five-speed manual transmission is mounted in the rear, optimizing weight distribution and giving the Daytona Spider remarkable balance and poise on the road. The independent suspension system, with double wishbones and coil springs, delivers a smooth yet dynamic driving experience, even on challenging roads. Steering is precise, thanks to its ZF worm and roller mechanism, making the car responsive in tight corners while maintaining stability at high speeds.
What really sets this car apart is its dual nature: it’s a grand tourer with luxurious comfort, but also a sports car that thrives on being pushed hard. The drive is visceral, with the open-top enhancing the raw sensory pleasure of the V12’s growl and the wind sweeping through the cockpit. The Daytona Spider’s sleek, shark-nosed design and muscular stance further amplify the sense of drama when you're behind the wheel.
Despite its race-bred performance, this Ferrari remains composed, providing a smooth ride even at high speeds. The combination of power, handling, and elegance make the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider a car that doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them.
The engine of the Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona was designed by **Gioachino Colombo**, one of Ferrari’s most famous engineers. He was responsible for many of the company’s early V12 engines, including the powerplant used in the Daytona. The specific engine in the Daytona Spider, known as the **Tipo 251**, was a 4.4-liter V12, which was a further development of Colombo’s earlier designs. This engine, with its six Weber carburetors, produced 352 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful and fastest road cars of its era.
