A Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, which was already two years old at the time, finished fifth overall in Group IV at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1971. It is now returning to the scene of its success and will be auctioned off on July 7, 2018 on the occasion of the Le Mans Classics.
Chassis 12467 was one of three development prototypes that were modified for homologation in Group 4. The car was sold to Luigi Chinetti in April 1971 to compete immediately in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chinetti/Grossman took the wheel as drivers and did so with flying colors.
Only four prototypes were classified ahead of them, namely two Porsche 917Ks and two Ferrari 512Ms, while the Daytona was able to keep the pack of GT cars behind it, which was certainly not expected before the start.
After all, Chinetti and Grossman managed 314 laps, eight laps more than the fastest Porsche 911.
The Daytona, one of only 15 factory racing versions, was estimated at EUR 6.5 to 7.5 million (CHF 7.8 to 9). It remains to be seen whether collectors will want to dig that deep into their pockets.
But after all, it's not every day that you get the chance to buy a Le Mans Fifth, especially as the car also won the Energy Index at Le Mans and took part in many American racing events (Sebring, Daytona, Watkins Glen, Road Atlanta) over two years.
Further information about the auction on July 7, 2018 can be found on the Artcurial website.
