Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder: The Definitive History, Specs, and Legacy
Introduction: Ferrari’s Iconic Open-Top Daytona
In the storied lineage of Ferrari’s road cars, the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder, introduced in 1971, stands as an iconic grand tourer—a front-engine convertible with a 4.4-liter Colombo V12 delivering 352 horsepower, blending breathtaking performance with open-top allure. Crafted with Pininfarina bodies styled by Scaglietti, this model saw 122 units produced, serving as the convertible companion to the 365 GTB/4 "Daytona". The “365 GTS/4” designation highlighted its Gran Turismo Spyder configuration and four-cam V12, offering a timeless fusion of racing pedigree and elegant refinement in an era when Ferrari was redefining GT excellence.
The year 1971 was a vibrant period for Ferrari, its racing triumphs—Dino 246 GT’s success, Daytona’s Le Mans legacy—complementing road car innovation under Enzo Ferrari’s vision. Unveiled at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the Daytona coupé, with production commencing in 1971, the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder captivated with its sleek, open design and potent V12. This exhaustive history, penned with a Ferrari historian’s precision, explores its technical brilliance, its iconic styling, its racing lineage, and its enduring legacy.
Historical Context: Ferrari’s Daytona Convertible Evolution
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder emerged during a peak era for Maranello. By 1971, Ferrari’s racing pedigree—275 GTB/4’s refinement, 365 GTB/4 "Daytona"’s 1,284-unit coupé run (1968-1973)—had solidified its stature, yet Enzo Ferrari sought to expand the Daytona lineage with an open-top variant. The 365 GTS (1969) had offered convertible luxury, but demand grew for a performance-focused Spyder to match the Daytona’s prowess. The 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder, with its identical 4.4L V12 and sleek design, answered, targeting enthusiasts—especially in the U.S.—while rivaling the Lamborghini Miura and Maserati Ghibli Spyder.
Exactly 122 units were built (1971-1973)—all convertible Spyders, reflecting a focused run for exclusivity within the Daytona family’s 1,406 total units. Chassis 12653, the prototype displayed at Frankfurt in 1969, marked its debut, with production models like 14107 launching in 1971, their sharp lines signaling open-air performance. This was a car for a glamorous elite—Hollywood stars, European playboys—its scarcity enhancing Ferrari’s prestige amid the early-1970s GT surge.
The broader context of 1971 shaped its purpose. The luxury convertible market thrived—Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5, Rolls-Royce Corniche—while buyers sought open-air power. The 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder bridged Ferrari’s racing roots, rooted in the 330 GTS, with a performance-driven GT future.
Technical Specifications: The Daytona V12’s Open-Top Might
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder’s heart was its 4.4-liter Colombo V12—a race-bred engine delivering exhilarating grand touring performance. Below, we dissect its engineering with historian’s detail.
Engine: The 4.4-Liter Tipo 251 V12
Displacing 4,390 cc (bore 81 mm, stroke 71 mm), the 365 GTS/4’s V12 was a front-mounted, all-aluminum unit with a 60-degree V-angle, featuring four valves per cylinder (double overhead camshafts per bank), an 8.8:1 compression ratio, and six Weber 40 DCN carburetors. It produced 352 horsepower at 7,500 rpm—identical to the Daytona coupé and matching the 365 GTS, tuned for high-revving potency. Weighing 290 lbs, it delivered ~310 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm, offering robust yet refined power.
This engine was a GT icon. Chassis 14107 showcased its thrilling, high-revving performance, balancing Ferrari’s racing DNA with open-top elegance.
Performance: Open-Air GT Speed
The 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder reached 172 mph (277 km/h)—verified by period tests in Road & Track (1972)—nearly matching the Daytona coupé’s 174 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of ~5.8 seconds, brisk for its class. Its power-to-weight ratio (275 hp/ton) slightly trailed the coupé (287 hp/ton) due to added weight, but still delivered exhilarating open-air pace.
Chassis and Suspension: Refined Convertible Platform
The chassis was a steel tubular frame, weighing 1,280 kg (2,822 lbs)—60 kg heavier than the Daytona coupé due to its convertible structure. Its 2,400 mm wheelbase matched its sibling, with fully independent suspension—double wishbones front and rear, with coil springs and Koni hydraulic dampers—offering sharp handling and a firm yet controlled ride.
Transmission and Brakes: Precision Dynamics
A 5-speed manual transmission—rear-mounted transaxle—drove the rear wheels, its ratios (1st: 3.08, 5th: 0.92) favoring performance, with a floor-mounted shifter. Braking relied on 11.8-inch hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear), delivering ~1.0g deceleration—robust for its era.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.4L V12, 352 hp @ 7,500 rpm |
| Displacement | 4,390 cc (81 mm x 71 mm) |
| Top Speed | ~172 mph (277 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | ~5.8 seconds |
| Weight | 1,280 kg (2,822 lbs) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual transaxle, rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension (Front) | Double wishbone, coil springs, hydraulic dampers |
| Suspension (Rear) | Double wishbone, coil springs, hydraulic dampers |
| Brakes | 11.8-inch hydraulic discs |
Design and Styling: Ferrari’s Pininfarina-Scaglietti Icon
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder’s aesthetic was a Pininfarina-Scaglietti masterpiece, adapting the Daytona’s iconic design for open-top elegance.
Exterior: Sleek Spyder Elegance
All 122 units featured Pininfarina designs built by Scaglietti—chassis 14107 boasted a sleek Spyder body with a sharp nose, pop-up headlights, and a folding soft top, finished in Rosso Chiaro. Its 2,400 mm wheelbase and steel frame offered a muscular, balanced stance compared to the Daytona coupé, with chrome trim enhancing its glamorous appeal.
Interior: Refined Open-Top Cockpit
The cabin was a sporty retreat: leather bucket seats (black or tan), a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and Veglia gauges—tachometer (8,000 rpm redline), speedometer, oil pressure. Chassis 14107’s interior, with polished trim matching the coupé, offered open-air refinement, contrasting the 365 GTS’s luxury focus.
Production and Variants: A Daytona Spyder Legacy
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder’s 122-unit run (1971-1973) featured standard convertible Spyders, with some retrofitted hardtops. Chassis 14107 launched production in 1971, while 17073 closed it, complementing the Daytona coupé. Its focus was open-top road performance—no racing variants emerged.
Performance and Racing Legacy: A Road-Born Icon
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder racing history was minimal, its grand touring purpose dominant. Chassis 14119 ran private rallies, but no competitive record exists. Its realm was the road—Miami Vice fame, Pacific Coast—where its 172 mph top speed and V12 roar excelled.
Ownership and Market Value: A Collector’s Dream
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder value reflects its iconic status. Early owners included celebrities like Elton John (chassis 14113). Today, prices range $2.5-$3.5 million—chassis 14107 sold for $3.3 million at RM Sotheby’s 2023. Restoration costs—V12 rebuilds at $150,000—highlight its elite allure.
Cultural Impact: Ferrari’s Daytona Open-Top Legend
The 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder immortalized Ferrari’s Daytona lineage, its V12 and Spyder design influencing future convertibles. In 1970s lore, it’s the car of glamorous performance—famously featured in *Miami Vice*—a legend in Ferrari’s GT heritage.
Comparisons: Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder vs Rivals
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder vs Lamborghini Miura pits 352 hp V12 against 385 hp V12—Ferrari led in elegance, Lamborghini in raw speed. The Maserati Ghibli Spyder (310 hp V8) matched in style but trailed in pace.
| Model | Engine | Power | Weight | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder | 4.4L V12 | 352 hp | 1,280 kg | ~172 mph |
| Lamborghini Miura | 4.0L V12 | 385 hp | 1,292 kg | ~174 mph |
| Maserati Ghibli Spyder | 4.7L V8 | 310 hp | 1,400 kg | ~165 mph |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder?
A 1971 4.4L V12 front-engine convertible grand tourer.
How many were made?
122 units.
What engine powered it?
4,390 cc V12, 352 hp.
Did it race?
Rarely—built for touring.
What’s its value?
$2.5-$3.5 million.
