In the rarefied world of high-end automotive collecting, few things capture the imagination quite like a coachbuilt one-off. While Ferrari’s own "Special Projects" division frequently mines the Maranello archives to create modern interpretations of classic silhouettes for ultra-wealthy clients, there remains a vibrant, independent scene of artisans who take matters into their own hands. Chief among them is the Dutch design virtuoso Niels van Roij, whose latest project—a stunning, meticulous tribute to the 1972 Ferrari Daytona Shooting Brake—has surfaced for auction, offering a masterclass in automotive nostalgia and engineering ambition.
Scheduled to cross the block at the upcoming Broad Arrow Auctions’ Zoute Concours event on October 9, the "Daytona Shooting Brake Hommage" is far more than a mere aesthetic exercise. It is a 15,000-hour labor of love that bridges the gap between the golden era of 1970s grand touring and the high-performance reality of the late 2000s.
The Genesis of a Shooting Brake Dynasty
To understand the weight of van Roij’s creation, one must first understand the lore of the original. The story of the "Breadvan" and its spiritual successor, the 1972 Daytona Shooting Brake, is etched into the bedrock of Ferrari history. In 1972, Bob Gittleman, a devoted enthusiast, commissioned Luigi "Coco" Chinetti Jr.—the son of the legendary North American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti—to create a bespoke vehicle that could blend the raw performance of a V12 Ferrari with the utility and unique aesthetic of a shooting brake.
Working alongside designer Gene Garfinkle, Chinetti sought to honor the iconic Ferrari 250 GT SWB "Breadvan," a race-bred machine known for its truncated, aerodynamic rear end. The resulting 365 GTB/4 Daytona conversion was a radical departure from the flowing, fastback lines of the standard coupe. Featuring a sprawling glass tailgate and an extended roofline that mirrored the silhouette of a high-end European hearse, the car was a polarizing yet undeniable masterpiece of bespoke engineering. Fabricated by the British firm Panther Westwinds, the original build was an exercise in extreme cost-no-object development, reportedly costing four times the price of a stock Daytona.
A Chronology of Craft: From 599 GTB to Modern Hommage
The current iteration of this design philosophy by Niels van Roij does not rely on a vintage chassis. Instead, it utilizes the robust, high-performance architecture of a 2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. This choice of donor car provides a modern baseline: the 599’s front-mounted 5.9-liter V12 engine, capable of producing 611 horsepower and 448 pound-feet of torque, remains untouched, ensuring that the driving experience remains true to the car’s modern heritage.
The transformation process was a grueling, multi-year endeavor. According to documentation provided by Broad Arrow Auctions, the project spanned approximately 15,000 man-hours. This was not a simple "cut and shut" job; it was a marriage of cutting-edge technology and Old World craftsmanship.
- Initial Design (2024): Niels van Roij Design initiated the project following a client commission, utilizing advanced CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modeling to map the 599 GTB’s chassis against the proportions of the classic 1972 Daytona.
- Fabrication (2025): The team employed 3D printing for structural bracing and interior prototyping, alongside traditional hand-beaten aluminum body panels to recreate the specific contours of the original shooting brake.
- Final Assembly (Summer 2026): The vehicle was completed in July 2026, debuting to critical acclaim for its ability to disguise the 599’s more aggressive, modern lines under a veneer of 1970s elegance.
Supporting Data and Technical Specifications
The engineering challenge was to retain the signature "visored" headlights and the iconic Kamm-tail rear while ensuring the car remained road-legal and structurally sound. The exterior lines—particularly the transition from the B-pillar rearward—have been entirely reimagined. The glass-heavy rear hatch is perhaps the most significant departure from the 599’s original design, requiring custom-engineered hinges and weather-sealing that would rival factory-level production quality.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Donor Vehicle | 2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano |
| Engine | 5.9-liter V12 |
| Power Output | 611 HP |
| Torque | 448 lb-ft |
| Development Time | 15,000 Hours |
| Coachbuilder | Niels van Roij Design |
| Auction Estimate | $524,000 – $757,000 |
The interior, while not detailed in full here, retains the core ergonomics of the 599 GTB, ensuring that the driver remains firmly planted in a modern cockpit while viewing the world through the lens of a classic grand tourer.
Official Perspectives: The Philosophy of the One-Off
Niels van Roij has long been a proponent of the "shooting brake" lifestyle. His portfolio includes bold conversions of the Rolls-Royce Wraith and the Tesla Model S, proving that his fascination with the long-roof aesthetic transcends brand loyalty. For van Roij, the challenge is not just about changing a car’s shape; it is about honoring the "why" behind the original build.
"Designing a car is about storytelling," van Roij has noted in past interviews regarding his coachbuilding process. "When you take a car like the 599 GTB—a masterpiece in its own right—and you transform it, you are not just altering metal; you are adding a new chapter to the vehicle’s history."
The decision to auction the car so soon after its completion has sparked intrigue among collectors. For a project that took nearly two years of intensive labor, one would expect a long period of ownership. However, in the high-stakes world of automotive investment, the allure of the "fresh" build often dictates market timing. Selling a unique, freshly completed project while interest is at its peak is a calculated move by the anonymous owner.
Implications for the Collector Market
The sale of the Daytona Shooting Brake Hommage serves as a barometer for the current state of the bespoke car market. While factory-sanctioned Ferraris (such as the SP series) carry the official seal of approval and generally command higher auction premiums, independent coachbuilt projects are carving out a distinct niche.
1. The Value of Provenance and Craft
The market is increasingly willing to pay for "the story." A standard 599 GTB might trade for a fraction of the estimated $524,000–$757,000, but the added value of 15,000 hours of specialized labor and the prestige of the Niels van Roij name elevates this vehicle into the category of "functional art."
2. The Preservation of the V12
By utilizing the 599 GTB as a donor, the builder has effectively "future-proofed" a V12 platform that is becoming increasingly rare in the era of electrification. This vehicle offers the performance of a mid-2000s supercar with the silhouette of a vintage shooting brake—a combination that is virtually impossible to acquire through traditional manufacturers.
3. The Future of Independent Coachbuilding
If this car achieves its high-end estimate, it will likely embolden other designers and wealthy enthusiasts to pursue similar "hommage" projects. It demonstrates that the marriage of CAD-based engineering and traditional metalwork can produce results that are both reliable and breathtakingly beautiful.
Conclusion: A New Legacy
As the Zoute Concours approaches, the automotive world will be watching the auction block closely. The Ferrari Daytona Shooting Brake Hommage is more than just a car; it is a bridge between generations. It celebrates the audacity of the 1972 original while utilizing the engineering prowess of the 2009 599 GTB to create something that feels both timeless and urgent.
Whether it will find a home in a climate-controlled museum or be pressed into service as the world’s most stylish grand tourer remains to be seen. Regardless of the outcome, the project stands as a testament to human creativity—a reminder that in a world of mass-produced luxury, the most compelling machines are still the ones that are dreamed up, hammered out, and built by hand. For the next owner, the keys to this machine will represent more than a set of wheels; they will represent a unique, singular slice of automotive history.
