Buying a Daytona

After many years if dreaming, I’m now in a position to buy a Daytona and my intention is to use it properly, including on ling-distance tours.
I’m looking at a very nice, sub-30k miles car that has never had an engine rebuild. It has been meticulously maintained, but should I be at all concerned about the engine, or anything else for that matter? I have a 308gt4 and I know that they originally had sodium-filled valves, that are known to drop their heads. Consequently, most have now had solid s/s valves fitted. Did Daytonas originally use sodium-filled valves?
It is being sold by a renowned dealer, but is there anything specifically that I need to look into?

Paul

 

Hey Paul - congrats on getting to a point where you can fulfill your Daytona dream - they’re amazing cars!

You’ll likely get more appropriate responses from the “Vintage” sub-forum… this sub-forum is dedicated to 365 GT4 2+2, 400, 412 models.

Best of luck in your search and enjoy in good health!

 

After many years if dreaming, I’m now in a position to buy a Daytona and my intention is to use it properly, including on ling-distance tours.
I’m looking at a very nice, sub-30k miles car that has never had an engine rebuild. It has been meticulously maintained, but should I be at all concerned about the engine, or anything else for that matter? I have a 308gt4 and I know that they originally had sodium-filled valves, that are known to drop their heads. Consequently, most have now had solid s/s valves fitted. Did Daytonas originally use sodium-filled valves?
It is being sold by a renowned dealer, but is there anything specifically that I need to look into?

Paul

 

Thank you, I have re-posted as suggested.

Paul

 

The Daytona does share some engine components with our cars, mainly the lower block design and the 365 pistons, hence the reason why some Daytona fans end-up from time to time in our backyard forum...

Exhaust valve 107082 is common to both engines. It is indeed sodium filled. The general consensus is that these do not break easily. I beg to defer...

For sure, as long as you don't mess with these valves you could be fine, but if you open the engine you should definitively change the valves. Back then I made the decision to change the guides while keeping the valves. Bad idea (the valve broke shortly after). I've learned the hard way that you never know how 50 year old metal can react in a new context.

On his car, my brother decided to install new genuine Ferrari sodium filled valve. These are less reliable, do cost 4 times more, are totally outdated given modern metallurgy progress, but they provide better cooling and allow to keep the engine 100% original. On a Daytona this could make sense.

 

This one?
https://www.tomhartleyjnr.com/car/stock/1972/ferrari/365-gtb-4-daytona/ferrari-365-gtb-4-daytona-7/
Paul

 

Might be.

 

It's a very nice Daytona, but why is it sporting 512BB seats?

 

The original owner specified reclining seats, but a new pair of Daytona seats are being made for it in Italy, so it will come with a choice of seats.

 

appears to be missing luggage straps.
books?
tools?
it all adds up.

 

im unfamiliar with rhd cars. whats going on in these two pix?
Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

what is the sn?
a euro car with square corner headlights?
when did euro cars transition from plexi to popup light?

 

Here are some details on the switch between S1 and S2 cars. Though a serial number doesn't necessarily indicate when the car was actually completed...

s/n 14113 LHD Retractable Euro car (Daytona registry)
s/n 14115 LHD Fixed Headlight Euro car, Originally imported to US
s/n 14117 RHD Retractable British
s/n 14119 RHD Retractable British (Daytona registry & SCM Web site)
s/n 14121 RHD Retractable British
s/n 14123 LHD Retractable ??
s/n 14125 RHD Retractable SCM web site, Scottsdale 1/24/1999

 

You'll need to be a bit more specific I'm afraid, what is it that you're referring to?

Paul

 

the pulley near the oil filters and the red tubing where the horn should be.

 

Isn't that the air-con pump?
I assume the red pipes are coming from the air-horn compressor.

 

While I have nothing to add (not even in dreamer status), what a great life changing moment for you, good travels.

 

No tools or books, but there is an extensive history file going right back to the original order.

 

It wouldn’t be top of my list of Daytonas…there are considerably better cars available (RHD) for similar money.
Not sure how this came in to Hartley Jnr hands as he is usually quite scrupulous but this will sit with him (like that left hooker Boxer he has with questionable history).
Yes, exterior of Daytona looks nice but at what price?

Paul

 

Really?

Paul

 

That’s what I was told and I have no reason to doubt.

 

Part of a trade package perhaps ?

 

Perhaps added/modified at a later date (for the original owner ?) and unless the seller can prove (with documentation) original installation, I’d run away with worries of what else they’re making up/not disclosing.

 

I think if you wanted a Daytona to enjoy and drive as intended then one with SS valves may be preferable.

 

No one in their right mind is using sodium valves in these cars for any reason. No one cares about originality of valves. In fact most of the well respected rebuilders are throwing away the connecting rods in the same dumpster. They are internal, no one sees them and they prevent destruction of heads and cylinder blocks.