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Rare Ferrari Daytona Found In Japanese Barn

In the realm of classic car discoveries, few tales are as intriguing as the unearthing of a Ferrari Daytona in a Japanese barn. This story, replete with mystery, excitement, and the allure of Italian automotive excellence, has captivated car enthusiasts around the globe. The Ferrari Daytona, a symbol of speed, style, and sophistication, emerged from obscurity to reclaim its place as an icon of motoring history.

The remarkable find took place in a rural area of Japan, where the Ferrari Daytona had been hidden away for decades. Covered in dust and surrounded by forgotten memorabilia, the car was discovered by a group of classic car hunters who had followed rumors of a rare Ferrari stored in a barn. Upon opening the doors, they were greeted by the sight of the Daytona, remarkably intact despite its long period of neglect. This particular model, a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, is one of the most coveted Ferraris ever made. Named after Ferrari’s spectacular 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, the car epitomizes the brand’s racing heritage and engineering prowess. The discovery in Japan was akin to finding a lost masterpiece, reigniting interest and speculation among car aficionados.

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, popularly known as the Daytona, was introduced at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon. It was designed to replace the 275 GTB/4 and represented the pinnacle of Ferrari’s front-engine, V12 grand tourers. The Daytona was powered by a 4.4-liter V12 engine producing 352 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of 174 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. Styled by Pininfarina, the Daytona’s sleek, aggressive lines and distinctive pop-up headlights made it an instant classic. Only 1,406 units were produced between 1968 and 1973, adding to its exclusivity and desirability among collectors.

How the Ferrari Daytona ended up in a Japanese barn is a story shrouded in mystery. It is believed that the car was imported to Japan in the 1970s, a period when the country was experiencing a growing fascination with European luxury cars. The Daytona changed hands several times before being stored away by its last known owner, who passed away without revealing the car's location. The exact reasons for its storage and subsequent abandonment remain unclear, but such tales are not uncommon in the world of classic cars. Vehicles of significant value and history often find themselves hidden away due to changes in ownership, financial circumstances, or simply being forgotten over time.

(photos credit RM Sotheby's)

Following its discovery, the Ferrari Daytona was carefully extracted from the barn and transported to a specialist restoration facility. The condition of the car, though dusty and in need of mechanical attention, was remarkably preserved. This provided a solid foundation for a restoration project aimed at returning the Daytona to its original splendor. Restoration experts undertook a meticulous process to preserve as much of the car’s originality as possible. The V12 engine, interior upholstery, and iconic bodywork were all carefully restored using period-correct techniques and materials. The goal was to maintain the authenticity and heritage of the Daytona while ensuring it could once again be driven and appreciated. It subsequently fetched €1.8 million at auction.

The discovery of the Ferrari Daytona in a Japanese barn is more than just an exciting story; it highlights the enduring allure and mystique of classic cars. Such finds are a testament to the hidden treasures that still exist, waiting to be uncovered by passionate enthusiasts. For the classic car community, this discovery reinforces the importance of preservation and the joy of restoring and celebrating automotive history. The Ferrari Daytona, once forgotten, now stands as a restored symbol of Ferrari’s illustrious past and a reminder of the timeless appeal of classic automobiles.

If you are interested in exploring advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

Group B Rally Car & First Handmade Supercar Go To Auction

Iconic Auctioneers launch its Silverstone Festival consignment period with a bang, lining up some of the finest examples of leading British marques for both their competition and collectors’ car sales over the weekend of the 23rd to 25th August. If ever there was a time to visit this event, 2024 is the year, as there are rarities on offer the like of which will not be seen again soon.

Managing Director of Iconic Auctioneers Rob Hubbard, comments: “We have sourced some very special cars for the Silverstone Festival, and these four are certainly that. When I say these cars are special I say that for three reasons, they are all highly collectable, they are all in concours winning condition, They are true motoring icons that have over the years seen significant financial growth. Don’t miss out on these, they are, as I’ve said, special!”

MG METRO 6R4 | £375,000.00 - £475,000.00

Leading the pack is this 1986 MG Metro 6R4 'Group B' Ex-Works 'C99 KOG' – presenting an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire an historically important, original, ex-Works 'Group B' rally car. With ownership directly from the ‘Works’ team, plus the distinction of the second-best World Rally Championship result of any 6R4 and the very latest specification as developed in period, this is undoubtedly the best example of the breed currently available.

In the early 1980s, fully aware of the influence of motorsport success on their sales figures, the British Leyland hierarchy were seeking another model to continue to carry the company name to sporting success, however, in reality, there were no obvious candidates. It was only with the announcement of a new 'Group B' category for rally cars that the way became clear to commence what was to become the 6R4 programme. Under the new regulations, only 200 units were required for 'homologation' (plus 20 'Evolution' models) and there were relatively few design restrictions. Turbocharged engines, four-wheel drive, state-of-the-art materials and lots of aerodynamic modifications were allowed resulting, over the next four years, in some of the wildest and most powerful competition machines ever produced.

The car’s performance on the 1985 RAC Rally - its best-ever placing - indicated that an earlier start could have yielded much better results, certainly in the 1986 learning year. However, perhaps because of their slightly macabre, 'bad-boy' reputation or maybe due to their ballistic performance potential and the short timespan in which they ruled, genuine Works 'Group B' rally cars have become incredibly valuable, rivalled only by F1 cars with serious provenance and Le Mans winners.

Consequently, we are delighted to be able to offer this genuine Works 6R4, C99 KOG. It was first registered on the 22nd April 1986 to Austin Rover and its original registration document is still present in the car’s history file along with the green insurance card in the name of BL Public Limited Company. The car enjoyed a short but impressive career in International Rallying, taking part in three rallies driven by Malcolm Wilson and Nigel Harris in the iconic Computervision livery, recording a fourth in San Remo, 17th in the Lombard RAC and fifth in the Bettega Memorial Rally.

Aston Martin VANTAGE X-PACK| £220,000.00 - £250,000.00

This 1988 Aston Martin V8 Vantage X-Pack Manual (V580) is an utterly superb example of Britain’s first hand-built supercar and a low mileage example at that. A rare and highly desirable UK-supplied, right-hand drive, in stunning Suffolk Red, with a manual gearbox, genuine factory 'X Pack' and one of only 137 examples built. It appears to have covered just 44,112 miles from new. Seldom do hand-built cars as special as this come to market and this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a superb example of Britain's first supercar.

At the time of its introduction in 1977, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage represented an impressive return to form for the British manufacturer, combining true supercar performance with the finest appointments of a luxury GT in the best of British tradition. Though subsequent models went through mechanical performance upgrades, it took nearly a decade before the V8 Vantage truly achieved supercar status. The Series 3, first introduced at the 1986 British International Motor Show, was the ultimate iteration of the muscular V8 Vantage. Officially entitled V580X, quickly becoming known as the 'X-Pack', it was equipped with four dual-barrel 48mm Weber IDF carburettors, high-compression Cosworth pistons, larger inlet ports and higher lift camshafts, resulting in a remarkable 432bhp from its 5.3 litres. Described by one journalist as 'a Hemi Road Runner built by Bentley', the new and improved V8 Vantage was a genuine 200mph supercar and although not lightweight, could see off the skimpy Ferrari 512BB and Testarossa plus the Lamborghini Countach with aplomb and carry an extra two passengers!

Dating from early 1988, #V5802586X is an original factory-built, manual gearbox 'X-Pack' car and was first registered on 8th January 1988 by Reg Vardy Ltd. before subsequently being sold to its first owner, a Mr John Mills of Stratford-upon-Avon. He only kept the car until March 1990 when our lucky custodian acquired the Aston and he has owned it ever since, his fastidious care being evident in the gleaming Suffolk Red paintwork, polished Ronal wheels and inviting leather interior in fresh Magnolia and Suffolk Red complemented by immaculate walnut veneers.

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Rare Ferrari Daytona Found In Japanese Barn

Group B Rally Car & First Handmade Supercar Go To Auction