The 365 GTB/4, better known as the Ferrari Daytona, is an iconic vehicle that has left an indelible mark on the hearts of Ferrari enthusiasts. Introduced at the 1968 Paris Salon, this car quickly earned its unofficial “Daytona” moniker in tribute to Ferrari’s remarkable 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 Daytona circuit.
Designed by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, who later became the renowned director of research and development for the famed coachbuilder, the Daytona’s shark-nosed styling was a masterpiece. It reimagined the classic ‘long bonnet, small cabin, short tail’ formula, evoking raw horsepower while preserving the elegance synonymous with Italian craftsmanship for Maranello.
The Daytona featured a potent all-alloy, four-cam, 4,390cc V12 engine generating 352bhp at 7,500rpm, with 318lb/ft of torque peaking at 5,500 revs. Thanks to dry-sump lubrication, the engine sat low in the oval-tube chassis, while the five-speed transaxle gearbox was moved to the rear to achieve perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
The all-independent wishbone and coil-spring suspension, derived from the preceding 275 GTB, was a significant development. Unlike its contemporaries like the 365 GTC/4, the Daytona eschewed power steering, adhering to the purist’s vision of a ‘true’ sports car. However, it did feature servo-assisted four-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Air conditioning was optional, but the Daytona’s primary focus remained unwavering: delivering unparalleled high-performance driving experiences.
Upon its 1968 introduction, the Daytona was the priciest production Ferrari ever and held the title of the world’s fastest production car, reaching a top speed of over 170mph. Deliveries commenced in late 1969, and the Daytona remained in production for just four years, with no Ferrari like it until the 456 GT arrived in 1992. A mere 1,300 Berlinetta models and 121 Spyder convertibles were crafted before production concluded in 1973.
Source: Bonhams
