1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione Coupe

In keeping with homologation regulations, Ferrari's competition cars shared some features with their road-going siblings, specifically steering, suspension, and driveline. Beyond these, familial similarities were minimal. Brakes, air filter, and fuel tank were upgraded, a rollbar was fitted, and the body modified for larger wheels and aerodynamics. Fifteen factory compeititon cars were built over three series, and this example was the penultimate example.

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Competizione with chassis number 16407 is the 14th out of fifteen constructed. It has had an extensive racing career and was a N.A.R.T. team car driven by greats such as Sam Posey, Ethuin, Bucknum, and Hiss during its early career.

In 1973 it was entered into the 24 Hours of LeMans under Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team (NART) banner bearing number 6, where it was driven by Sam Posey and Minter. It ran as high as 6th overall and dominated the GTS Competition before retiring in the 21st hour due to a cracked piston.

It was entered in the Six Hours of Watkins Glen where it wore number eight and was driven by Posey and Migault. It finished in 14th overall and 6th in class.

In 1974 it was again entered in the 24 Hours of LeMans by the NART team and driven by Ethun and Guitteny. It finished in 11th overall and 5th in class after being in 46th place after the first hour due to brake problems.

In 1975 in returned to LeMans, driven by Bucknum and Facetti. It failed to start because of a dispute between Luigi Chinetti and the Automobile Club De L'Ouest. This was unfortunate because it had excellent times in practice. Facetti did 4'17.3 seconds at 190.843 km/hr (118.584 MPH) which put it among the best of the GTS cars.

In 1977 the car was entered in the 24 Hours of Daytona. It was entered by David Carradine and Dan Ward. It wore the number 65 and was driven by Morton, Wood, and Bob Carradine. It was damaged in night practice and did not start the race.

In 1978 the car was entered in the 12 Hours of Sebring where it was entered by Carradin and Ward. It was driven by Morton and Carradine. It failed to start the race.

In 1979 the car was entered in the Daytona 24 Hours where it was entered by Otto Zipper for Mc Roberts and Nicholas. It was driven by Morton and Adomowicz. It carried a black band on the bonnet, as Otto died on the eve of the race. It finished in Second overall behind the Porsche 935 of Ongais and Haywood, who crossed the start-finish line using only the starter motor for propulsion. The turbocharger had 'packed up' according to Hurley Haywood.

Since 1981 the car has continued to be entered in historic racing. It currently wears its correct 1973 Le Mans livery.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007