1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 POA from Kidston SA, Geneva, Switzerland

There was a time when buyers paid a premium for Rosso Corsa Ferraris. It’s certainly an iconic combination but, much like Silver Birch Aston Martin DB5s, it can seem somewhat ubiquitous. Today, the rarer colour combinations are often the ones that are sought out by collectors, which makes this beautiful early ‘Plexiglas’ Daytona – finished in original Argento Auteuil – a real find.

The 365 GTB/4 was revealed at the 1968 Paris motor show as a replacement for the 275 GTB/4. This was a powerful GT car, designed to transport two people across Europe in speed and style. Beautiful coachwork penned by Leonardo Fioravanti took care of the style, while the four-cam 4.4-litre V12, producing 352bhp, was responsible for the 170mph top speed. Later cars featured pop-up headlights.

Offered by Kidston SA in Geneva, this example was sold new in Switzerland to a Dr Leo Bernasconi, having been imported by Garages Filipinetti of Geneva in May 1970. The early car was specified as it is seen today, complete with Rosso leather. In 1976 it was sold to its second owner, Swiss-Italian dealer Garage Mozzetti of Gordola.

Rather than flipping the car immediately, the dealer actually held on to the Daytona for the next 30 years. It was sold to Belgium in 2006, at which point it had covered a ‘guaranteed’ 46,000km. During its time there, it was looked after by Ferrari racing specialist Gipi motor. It was then sold to a German owner, who had it thoroughly inspected by Fernandes Oldtimer technik GmbH – who confirmed its overall health and mileage. After he added almost 10,000 kilometres to the car, it passed to its next, and latest, Paris-based owner in October 2016.

During the majority of 2017 the car was receiving some restoration work at Carrosserie Lecoq, resulting in a bill of €50,000. The invoice also states themileage as 56,464km.Afurther year of enjoyment saw another 3000km put on the odometer and a service by official Ferrari dealer Charles Pozzi.

Having had a recent mechanical refresh by Ferrari expert Franck Opderbeck in autumn 2021, it’s a prime example of the early Daytona. The 60,000km mileage is backed up by substantial documentation and a continuous history. Offered in rude health, it’s ready for the next chapter of its life.