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1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, introduced in 1968 at the Paris Salon, was Ferrari's most expensive production model to-date and the fastest production vehicle of its time. It was dubbed the 'Daytona' in honor of the Ferrari's accomplishments the year before at the American 24-hour race. Even though the design was very appealing, it did not sell very well during the first few years of development, even with perks like running the quarter-mile in 13.8 seconds and topping-out at 174 miles per hour.

Pininfarina designed the fastback coupe and the bodies were built by Scaglietti.

A new V-12 engine was used that was capable of generating over 350 horsepower. It was a dual-overhead-cam 'vee' type 12-cylinder with aluminum alloy block and heads. It used six Weber two-barrel carburetors, four camshafts, and seven main bearings. The five-speed manual gearbox was mounted in the rear transaxle. Ventilated disc brakes helped slow the vehicle down, with a diameter of 11.3 inch in the front and 11.6 inch in the rear.

The early versions of the GTB/4 had exposed headlights. It was not until 1970 that the headlights were hidden (pop-up). This was due to American regulations concerning full-width plastic headlamps.

Around 1400 GTB/4's were produced from 1969 through 1974. The majority of them being coupes. There were 127 Spider convertibles.

Ferrari produced a few Berlinetta coupes that consisted of all-aluminum bodies and engines that were capable of 405 horsepower.

The GTB/4 Daytona was replaced by the 365 GT4 BB. The 365 GT4 was Ferrari's catch-up vehicle trying to match other supercar makers such as Lamborghini with its Miura. The engine being set in the middle, rather than in the front.


Coupe
Chassis number: 15741
Engine number: B 2056

Ferrari often derived names for cars based upon achievements on the track, or markets that were to be conquered. Such success on the road would give the world the MM, or Mille Miglia. Then there would be the California market and the spyder that would be built to match. In 1969, Ferrari would celebrate another accomplishment on the track. The result would be a radical design by Pininfarina—the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona'.

From 1969 to 1974, Ferrari would produce around 1400 examples of the GTB/4. In celebration of Ferrari's success in Daytona, the new design would be graced with innovation and performance. An evolution of the 275 GTB/4, the 365 would not be a mere step forward, but a leap.

A new 4.4-liter V12 engine with aluminum alloy block and heads would be developed for the new Daytona. Bristling with no less than six Weber twin-choke carburetors, a five-speed manual gearbox and ventilated disc brakes, the Daytona provided enough performance to take the street to the track.

Able to cover a quarter-mile in less than 14 seconds and reach speeds in excess of 170mph, the Daytona would be aptly-named. The front-engine and rear gearbox and transaxle would give the car great balance. Atop it all, Pininfarina would design a body with modern, simple lines.

Pininfarina would design a couple of different body styles for the new chassis. The vast majority of these would be fastback coupe design. However, Pininfarina would also design a spyder version. Both of these versions would be powered by the V12 producing more than 350hp. Pininfarina would also design a berlinetta version of the 'Daytona'. The berlinetta version would have even greater power. However, very few of the berlinettas would be built.

In spite of the performance and modern innovations, the new 365 GTB/4 would not be immediately popular. Though it was the fastest production Ferrari to-date, it was also the most expensive. Combined with the sleek, modern design and incredible performance, the 365 GTB/4 would seemingly be a popular choice. However, the design would later catch on and would become one of the most iconic Ferraris of the 1970s.

Production of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona would carry on until 1974. Chassis 15741 would be completed in late-November 1972. Soon after, the coupe would leave Italy and would head to Luigi Della Grotta, an official Canadian importer based in Montreal. Upon arriving in Montreal, the Daytona would make its way to its first owner—Thurman Manufacturing of Columbus.

Thurman Manufacturing Company would be specialized in the production of scales for heavy capacity vehicles and would be established in the early part of the 20th century in Columbus, Ohio.

In 1974, the year production of the Daytona came to an end, 15741 would be offered for sale in an ad in Autoweek. At the time, less than 4,000 miles had been accumulated. M.W. Blanchard of Minneapolis would be the one who would place the ad. M. Cummins, of Ohio, would be the one who would respond to the ad. Cummins would own the Ferrari for more than a decade.

By 1987, the Ferrari would have less than 6,700 miles on the odometer. This low mileage would lead Texas collector, Mitchell Rasansky to purchase the car. Once again, the car would remain in ownership for more than a decade. Then, in 2000, it would be sold again. It would later be resold in 2009.

At that time the car would be put through what was called a 'preservation'. While this would not be a full restoration, it would include such details as repainting the car in the original Rosso Bordeaux livery. The original Borrani wire wheels would be taken off and the famous five-spoke wheels would be installed instead. All of this work would be performed by Paul Russell and Company.

Upon completion, the Daytona would be sold to two more owners. More work would be done to the car during that time and this would eventually lead to the Ferrari being certified by the Ferrari Classiche department.

Having just under 11,000 miles accumulated to this very day, it could be said 15741 has been treated as an exemplary collector's piece from its very first moments. Complete with manuals, tool kit and Ferrari Classiche 'Red Book', the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, chassis 15741, would seemingly be certified as a classic, an icon of the already iconic Daytona.

Sources:

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z8796/Ferrari-365-GTB/4.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z8796/Ferrari-365-GTB/4.aspx. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

'1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z8799/Ferrari-365-GTB/4.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z8799/Ferrari-365-GTB/4.aspx. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

'Lot No. 34: 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1972-ferrari-365-gtb4-daytona-7/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1972-ferrari-365-gtb4-daytona-7/. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

'All Models: 365 GTB/4', (http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/Classiche/All_Models/Pages/365_GTB4.aspx). Ferrari.com. http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sport%20Cars/Classiche/All_Models/Pages/365_GTB4.aspx. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

'Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona', (http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ferrari-365-gtb-4-daytona.htm). HowStuffWorks. http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ferrari-365-gtb-4-daytona.htm. Retrieved 17 February 2014.

Wikipedia contributors, 'Ferrari Daytona', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 23 December 2013, 05:20 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ferrari_Daytona&oldid=587330673 accessed 17 February 2014

by Jeremy McMullen


Coupe
Chassis number: 14491
Engine number: 14491

This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona was delivered new from the Ferrari factory to the United States. It was sent to Chinetti Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut, originally wearing Oro Chiaro paint and having a black Connolly leather interior. Its early history is mostly unknown; in recent times, it has been a complete nut-and-bolt restoration. Recently, the car was fitted with the optional Borrani wire wheels complete with triple-ear hub nuts and wearing the correct Michelin tires. The original Campagnolo alloy wheels are also accompany the vehicle.

In 2008, this 365GTB/4 Daytona was brought to the Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, California where it was estimated to sell for $375,000 - $425,000. This was the first car to cross the block and it is a matching numbers example and the final evolution of the classic front-engined Ferrari GT. The car was sold for $363,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe

Originally sold to an Italian customer, the car was imported by and owned by former Vice-President of design of General Motors, Chuck Jordan. it was the subject of a practical joke in the styling department when it was given a 'Super-Fly' conversion.

The Daytona delivers over 375 horsepower and has a top speed of 175 miles-per-hour.


Coupe
Chassis number: 15425

The Daytona, an unofficial nickname, had a hard act to follow. Its predecessors were the 275 GTB/4 and a myriad of 250 GTs, yet it maintained the technical lineage and run of commercial success going back to 1959 (and the 250 GT SWB). The 275-series was made from 1964 to 1968; the Daytona running out to the mid-engine Berlinetta Boxer in 1973, after 1,284 were delivered.

The masterful body design was created for Pininfarina by Leonardo Fioravanti, and manufactured for Ferrari by Scaglietti. They also made an additional 122 Spiders (GS/4). Early cars had fixed headlamps under acrylic glass covers. New US safety regulations said 'no', so pop-up headlamps were used instead.

In 2008, this red over black Ferrari 265 GTB/4 Daytona has had a new Wilton carpet installed, in the proper color and to the right quality. Another move toward original was the removal of an MSD ignition system, replaced by the correct Magneti Marelli AEC 103A unit. The Daytona's bodywork was created by Pininfarina and its clean shape, with its minimum of scoops, grilles, and other add-ons, still looks good today.


Coupe
Chassis number: 16439

This unusual-for-a-Ferrari dark blue car is mostly original and has never been restored; its been driven only 20,000 miles since new. This model was officially called the 365 GTB/4, but is popularly known as the Daytona. The Daytona name came about in tribute to Ferrari's podium sweep at the Daytona 24 Hour race early in 1967. The Daytona was the definitive GT of the period, and its performance specs surpassed that of anything else on the road. The body was designed by Pininfarina and manufactured by Scaglietti.


Coupe
Chassis number: 16333
Engine number: B2078

This European-spec 365 GTB/4 first found a home in Europe, (the suffix 'A' designates its European specification), but it didn't stay there long, as it was imported to California in early 1973. Its engine, transmission, and suspension were rebuilt in the mid-2000s. The freshened mill produced 415 horsepower on the engine dyno. The Daytona was introduced with an engine that was a substantial revision of the 275's engine, its predecessor as Ferrari's front-engine GT. Called Tipo 251, its displacement was increased from 3.3-liters to 4.4-liters, with a bore of 81 mm and stroke of 71 mm. Rated horsepower was 352 bhp at 7500 RPM.


Coupe
Chassis number: 15117
Engine number: 15117

This example, chassis number 15117, was built in January of 1972 to U.S. specifications. The car was ordered through Luigi Chinetti by racing driver, Dr. Harry Jones. Dr. Jones took delivery of his new Daytona in Modena on May 31st of 1972, and later shipped it back to the United States. In April 1985, after 13 years of ownership and showing 29,900 original miles, Dr. Jones sold the car to Dr. Carl Peterson, also a Ft. Lauderdale resident. Later that year, the car was sold again, this time to Diego Ribadeneira who retained the car for the next 18 years. By 2001, after adding just a few thousand miles to the odometer, Mr. Ribadeneira had the Ferrari repainted in Giallo Fly and the interior re-trimmed in tan leather with the appropriate black inserts. The car features the option of air conditioning. It is also fitted with a new Tubi exhaust.

In 2004, the car was purchased by John O'Quinn and would remain there for five years before being purchased with 34,071 original miles by a Rhode Island Ferrari collection in September of 2009. During his ownership, the car was treated to extensive restoration and detail work.

In 2009, this Daytona Berlinetta was offered for sale by Bonhams Auction at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, CA. It was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $275,000. The lot left the auction unsold.

The car rides on correct Michelin XWX tires and Borrani wire wheels.

by Dan Vaughan


Spyder
Chassis number: 16295
Engine number: 251

This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is a Daytona Spyder Conversion offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $300,000 - $350,000. The car did find a new owner, selling for just under the estimated value at $264,000.

The car is powered by a 4390cc dual overhead camshaft V12 engine with six Weber carburetors capable of producing 400 horsepower. There is a five-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes. It has been treated to a professional restoration and has a red exterior with an all-black interior. The car was constructed to European specifications with Italian style gauges and a 300 km/h speedometer. The front bumper is European, as are the Ferrari script knock-off wheels. The retractable headlights are also European, a feature that first became standard in 1971.

The car has spent twenty-five years of its life in Quebec, Canada where it has been driven sparingly.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe
Chassis number: 15105
Engine number: 72X

After Ferrari swept the top three places at the 1967 Daytona race, the 365 GTB/4 was given its unofficial name in its honor - the Daytona. After the name leaked out during testing, Ferrari never officially applied it to the model. Twelve years later, a 1973 model finished 2nd at Daytona in 1979, driven by John Morton and Tony Adamowitz, in a way proving the cars namesake.

The Daytona made its debut at the 1968 Paris Salon. It had a tube steel frame and a body that featured a horizontal side crease below the level of the wheel wells. The early models had full-width plastic headlight covers. United States regulations rejected covered lights, and the solution was the pop-up light system, which was fitted to all the cars from 1970 onwards. In the back, the Kamm tail contained two taillights on each side, and aluminum was used for the hood, doors, and trunk lid. The Cromodora five-spoke wheels were standard similar to the ones found on Formula One cars of the era.

Pricing for the 365 GTB/4 rose from $19,500 to $23,940 through the model's five-year production run. The price of spyder (of which there were just 121 produced) would set the buyer back an additional $2,000. But for the price, the lucky owner would get the fastest production sports car in the world, with a top speed of 174 mph. The four-cam Colombo V-12 engine displaced 4.3 liters and generated 352 horsepower.

Competition Daytona's won the Tour de France in 1972, their class at Le Mans in 1973 and 1974, and their class at Daytona in 1973 and 1975. The 1973 Le Mans class-winning Charles Pozzi entry, driven by Vic Elford and Claude Ballot-Lena, was driven back to Paris following the race.

This particular example is an original European-specification Daytona, originally finished in Argento Metallizzato. The first owner is believed to have been Peter McKenzie-Sanders, of Willowdale, Ontario, Canada, from Motor S.p.A. in Bologna, Italy. The next owner, James Villa of Rochester, New York, purchased the car 13 years later. Several years later, it was sold to Connecticut banker J. Arthur Urciuoli, who adapted the car for vintage racing in 1992. Other work included a complete mechanical rebuild commissioned by World Wide Cars with the total cost exceeding $87,000. Urciuoli drove the car at the Mid-Ohio Vintage Races in 1993.

Along the course of the car's life, it was refinished in classic Rosso Corsa over tan leather upholstery. In March of 2012, the cabin's upholstery was completely freshened and fitted with a new, correct mouse hair dashboard by Coachtrim of Danbury. Michelin XWX tires were mounted on proper 15x7.5 inch Borrani wire wheels.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe

Ferrari's storied racing heritage dates to 1929 when Enzo Ferrari founded Scuderia Ferrari, literally 'Ferrari Stable' where he built race cars and sponsored drivers, both of which he did quite well. After the war Enzo began building road cars as a reluctant concession to fund his beloved, but expensive, racing program.

The iconic Cavallino Rampante, or prancing horse, originated when he encountered an Italian countess, the mother of a World War I flying aces. The pilot was known for painting horses on his plane's fuselage. The countess suggested perhaps the horse might bring good luck painted on Ferrari's race cars. She may have been right, as decades of endless podium finishes on all manner of race tracks can attest.

The 365 GTB/4 is better known by its nickname - the Daytona, commemorating Ferrari's 1-2-3 finish in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. The design was penned in only seven days by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. Its 4.4-Liter V12 propels it to 174 mph.

The first racing 365 GTB/4 was an aluminum bodied entry in the 1969 LeMans 24 hour race. Privateers had great success in the ensuing years at both LeMans and Daytona. This car, one of only 1,406 built, rested comfortably in Gil Nickel's famed collection in Napa Valley for 20 years until acquired by the current owner.


Coupe
Chassis number: 15735

This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' was one of 1,284 vehicles produced from 1968 until 1973. The car is powered by a 4.4-liter DOHC V12 engine featuring six Weber twin carburetors and is capable of 174 mph with a 0 to 60 time of 5.4 seconds. The five-speed manual transmission (of the transaxle concept) is mounted in the rear for optimal weight distribution. Four-wheel independent suspension features wishbones and coil springs.


Spyder
Chassis number: 16223
Engine number: B2136

This Ferrari is the 66th of 121 Daytona Spiders constructed by the factory. The car was ordered new by James Lewis Meador, of Roanoke, Virginia, through Algar Enterprises, the official Ferrari distributor based in Rosemont, Pennsylvania, on September 7, 1972. Mr. Meador specified the car to be outfitted with a Blaupunkt radio and air conditioning and trimmed in a unique color combination of Rosso Chiaro (20-R-190) over a Bianca leather with Blu inserts and carpeting. The car was to be delivered on or around December of 1972, however it is believed that it was not delivered to Meador until mid-1973 and that it was instead fitted with a Becker Mexico radio.

By 1975, the Daytona Spider had made its way to Florida and into the ownership of Richard Katz of Coconut Grove, Florida, who had purchased the car from Joe Marchetti. Mr. Katz owned the car for a year before selling it to Alan R. Patterson, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was later acquired by Jean Banchet who retained the car until 1988. It was eventually sold to Stuart Hayim of Los Angeles, CA. In his care, the car was given a restoration. The body was stripped and repainted Red with a refinished black leather interior. The restoration cost $75,000.

In January of 1992, the car was purchased by Dennis Farey. Mr. Farey displayed the car at the 30th annual Ferrari Club of America International Concours d'Elegance at Monterey, where it won a Gold award. The car was also shown in his ownership at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance, and it would later be featured in articles in Forza and Millionaire magazines in 1998.

The next owner was Bill Kling, of Malibu, California, who purchased it with 27,375 miles on its odometer, in July 2000. While in his care, it was given a complete mechanical overhaul, which included rebuilding the half-shafts, the drive box, and the steering box, as well as rebuilding the transmission with new synchros. The engine received new gaskets and a valve job, and the suspension was restored, with parts being replaced and refinished where necessary.

After the work was completed, it earned two Platinum awards in FCA judging at the FCA Nationals in Los Angeles in 2002 and once again in 2004.

The current caretaker acquired it in 2011. It now shows just over 33,500 miles.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe
Chassis number: 15271
Engine number: B 1738

The Daytona was a paradigm shift in design for the Ferrari marque with more angular and aggressive lines with equally groundbreaking performance. The all-new 4.4-liter dual overhead camshaft V-12 was given six Weber carburetors and produced 352 horsepower. Zero-to-sixty took just 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174 mph. It was three MPH faster than Lamborghini's Miura P400, making it the fastest production car the world had ever seen.

The Daytona was replaced in 1973 with the mid-engined 365 GT4 BB, after a total of 1,284 examples had been produced, making it one of the most successful Ferraris ever produced.

This example was produced in 1972 and shipped to Luigi Della Grotta's Ferrari dealership in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It left the factory finished in Rosso Chiaro over a Nero (VM 8500) interior. The engine, number B 1738, featured upgraded internals including high-compression pistons, as well as P6 cams, and flow-tested cylinder heads. Upon arriving at the dealership, it was immediately sold to Robert H. Grace of Los Angeles, California. It remained with Mr. Grace for two years before it was sold to Vernon Lee Davis of Santa Ana. It is believed that it remained in California for the following 28 years. It was given a cosmetic restoration in 2002, and sold shortly thereafter it was sold to Rich Thompson in Laguna Niguel, California. A short time later, Thompson sold it to Gary Brutsch, who, at 26,000 miles, commissioned a complete rebuild of the Daytona's engine and transaxle by Bill Badurski. The current owner acquired it from Mr. Brutsch.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe
Chassis number: 15739

The 365 GTB/4, referred to more often as the Ferrari Daytona, is a two seat grand touring car produced by Ferrari from 1968 to 1973. Introduced at the Paris Auto Salon in 1968, the 365 series replaced the 275 series and carried the Colombo V12 engine bored out to 4.4 liters. The new engine produced over 350 horsepower and allowed 0-60 times of under five and a half seconds. The Daytona moniker was adopted as a result of the Ferrari 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.

This car was at one time owned by race driver, Phil Riggs. The current owners acquired the car in 2004 and have participated in several events including the Copperstate Classic, the New England, Texas and Virginia Mille events and the Quail Rally. The car was invited by Ferrari to the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Daytona in Italy in 2008. It received CLASSICHE Certification in 2007.


Coupe
Chassis number: 14585

This Daytona was completed by the factory on October 13th of 1971 and delivered to Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, Connecticut, in late 1971. It is a U.S.-specification car and does not have the Plexiglas nose found on early European models, as U.S. regulations required the change to retractable headlights. It also has a reduced compression ratio of 8.8:1, revised exhaust, and additional bracing within the doors. Originally finished in Rosso Ferrari (20-R-187) over a beige leather (VM 3104) interior, the car has factory air conditioning.

In 1976 the Ferrari was offered for sale by Jim Oppenheimer, having been repainted and fitted with black and tan seats. It was later acquired by Bill Badurski in February of 1977. In 1980, the Daytona was offered by Jake Weaver of Branson, Missouri, and was acquired by Bruce Vineyard of Conyers, Georgia. Mr. Vineyard showed the car at the 21st Ferrari Club of America Annual Meeting at Lake Lanier Island, Georgia. In September of 1984, it was sold to Ed Henning of Charleston, South Carolina. At some point, believed to be in the late 1980s, the car was repainted in Fly Yellow and trimmed with a black interior during a compressive restoration. Mr. Henning's estate sold the car in 2004. The previous owner acquired the car in 2013 and its current caretaker purchased it several years thereafter.

This Daytona was certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2013.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe
Chassis number: 16445
Engine number: B 2208

This Ferrari left the factory wearing Rosso Chiaro (20R-190) over Beige leather (VM 3218), and was fitted with air conditioning and a Becker radio. It was a United States production example that was completed on March 8th of 1973 and invoiced to Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York on April 20th. Pan Am Airways noted that the car was hit by a pallet transporter, damaging the rear light and denting the bumper. The car was immediately sent to E&S Body Shop in Port Chester, New York, for repair before being delivered new to Martin Manzeilli of Belmont, Massachusetts, on April 26.

By 1990, the car was listed in the Ferrari Owners Club of America register as being owned by John P. Arnold of Old Greenwich, Connecticut. The car remained with Arnold through 2006, at which time he had relocated to Charlestown, Rhode Island. The car's next owner was Marvin Brame of North Carolina, in August of 2010. By 2011, the car was in the care of Jack Dowling of Marietta, Georgia. In June of 2015, it was purchased by its current owner, having been partially restored.

Since then, the car has received a full, frame-off restoration that took a year-and-a-half to complete. During the restoration, the car was granted Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it still retains all its original mechanical components, including engine and gearbox, and is presented today as it was when first delivered. After the work was completed, the Daytona was shown at the Ferrari Club of America Annual meet in March of 2017, where it received a Platinum award.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe

Better known as the Daytona, the 365 GTB/4 was introduced to the public at the 1968 Paris Auto Show. Ferrari only recognizes the car as the 365 GTB/4 but the media dubbed it the Daytona due to Ferrari's success at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Ferraris finished first, second and third in the 1967 endurance race. Designed by Pininfarina, this was a big change from its predecessor, the 275 GTB/4. This would be the first Ferrari to have retractable headlamps. Only 1,284 coupes and 122 Spyders were produced from 1968 to 1973. The 4.4-liter V-12 engine produced 352 horsepower and featured six Weber carburetors. Backed by a five-speed manual transaxle made the 365 a real performer reaching 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.


Coupe
Chassis number: 15229
Engine number: B 1504

This Ferrari Daytona Berlinetta is the 721st example built. It was delivered new to a Willy Valentini of Conseza, Italy, in 1972. Originally finished in Blu Dino (106-A-72) over Nero (VM 8500) leather trim, it is now presented in Rosso Chiaro (20-R-190) over Nero. It has the later pop-up headlights but was otherwise a standard European-market Daytona.

In 1976, the Daytona was sent to the United States where it was acquired by a cardiologist named Dr. Elias Saadi of Youngstown, Ohio. The car remained in his care for over two decades and eventually had it properly stripped and repainted in correct red lacquer. It was sold in 1999 and passed between several owners in Texas and California, including James Hussey of San Leando in 2001. In 2004 it was acquired by the current caretaker. In 2012 the car was given an extensive engine and transmission rebuild totaling nearly $40,000. This was followed by having the rear suspension rebuilt and an Ansa muffler installed.

Currently, the car has 45,885 km on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe
Chassis number: 15717
Engine number: B 2034

Ferrari built 1,383 examples of the Daytona between 1968 and 1973. This particular example was completed on October 27th of 1972 as assembly sequence no. 908. It was a U.S.-specification example with air-conditioning and finished in Argento Metallizzato (106-E-1) with a Nero (VM 8500) leather interior and fitted with Cromodora wheels. It was sent new to William F. Harrah's official West Coast dealership, Modern Motor Classics of Reno, Nevada, in December of that year.

It was delivered to Hollywood Sports Car in Los Angeles for initial promotion. It would remain with its first owner in Southern California for nearly three decades. Larry Alderson of Family Classic Cars in San Juan Capistrano, California offered the car for sale in November of 2008. By this point in history, it had been restored and was showing 65,000 miles on the odometer. After 2008 it was restored on an as-needed basis.

The current caretaker acquired the car in March of 2016. A short time later, it received more than $20,000 of work to ensure it was in perfect running condition. The car current shows less than 70,000 miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan


Coupe
Chassis number: 15749
Engine number: B2082

When Ferrari unveiled their newest Grand Touring Berlinetta at the 1968 Paris Salon, skeptics believed that the age of front-engine sports cars was coming to a close. However, as the cover came off the Daytona, it became clear that Ferrari decided to stick with its front-engine format, and of course, the Daytona would prove to be more than a match for the Lamborghini Miura.

The car featured a 352 horsepower, 4,390 cc dual-overhead-camshaft V-12 engine with six Weber carburetors, a five-speed manual rear-mounted transaxle, four-wheel upper and lower wishbone coil-spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes.

The bodywork of the Daytona was a departure from the curvaceous 275 GTB/4. It was penned by Leonardi Fioravanti of Pininfarina. It still carried the classic shape of a Ferrari Grand Touring Berlinetta with its long hood and short Kamm tail. The car was beautifully trimmed inside and with a trunk big enough for a weekend's worth of bags, the Daytona was the perfect grand touring automobile. It was the ideal car for a high-speed jaunt and was as comfortable at 60 mph as it was at 160 mph.

According to factory records, chassis 15749 was completed on 5 December 1972. It was finished in the very rare color combination of Verde Scuro (20-G-186) over a Beige (VM 3218) leather interior and fitted with optional air conditioning. During that month, the car was shipped across the Atlantic to William F. Harrah's Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. By 1976, the car was in the care of Donald Groshong, of East Alton, Illinois. It remained with Mr. Groshong until 1986 when he sent it to Bruce Vinyeard's Continental Coachworks, where it was stripped in preparation for a total restoration. The restoration was never finished by Groshong, and the car was later purchased by Gene Wagner, of Snellville, Georgia. Wagner completed the restoration, and during that process, the car was repainted red.

The car was exported to Switzerland in the late 1990s, where it remained until (around) 2014. It was offered by for sale at RM Auctions' London auction where it was sold for over $780,800.


The 365 Series was introduced in the late 1960's and stayed in production until the early 1970's. The 365's were often powered by a Columbo SOHC 4390 cc V-12 engine with three Weber carburetors capable of producing around 300 horsepower. The front and rear suspension for most of the series was independent with double wishbones and coil springs. The 365 GT4 2+2 had an independent with transverse parallelograms and coil springs suspension. The 365 California had a live axle with coil springs rear suspension. The chassis was an oval tube ladder-type frame layout.

Disc brakes were standard on all the vehicles, as was the five-speed manual gearbox. Many of the series received standard options such as power steering and air conditioning, uncommon at the time. When most manufacturers such as Lamborghini and DeTomaso were creating vehicles with mid-engined design, Ferrari continued to use their tried-and-true front-engined, rear-wheel design.

In 1967 Ferrari dominated the Daytona 24 Hours race with a first, second, and third-place finish. At the 1968 Paris Auto Show, the public and press were expecting Ferrari's new Berlinetta to be dubbed 'Daytona'. They were proven wrong when Ferrari dubbed the vehicle the 365 GTB/4, however, the name Daytona is a common reference to the vehicle even to this day. Ferrari had intended on using 'Daytona' but it was revealed prematurely so the traditional Ferrari naming sequence was used.

During its production lifespan lasting from 1968 through 1974, 1383 examples of the Pininfarina designed 365 GTB/4 Daytona vehicles were created.

The famous coachbuilder Pininfarina was tasked with creating many of the designs for the 365 Series. The designs were not new, rather they borrowed many of the styling cues of the prior 330 GTC and 275 GTS models. The headlights were courtesy of the 500 Superfast. The result was a visually stunning automobile with proven Ferrari mechanics and performance.

GT represented Gran Turismo. GTB represented Berlinetta or coupe. GTS stood for open models which were either a Targa roof or a full convertible. '4' represented four-cam engines. 'C' represented 'Competizione' or 'Corsa' meaning 'to race'.

365 California

In 1966 Ferrari introduced the 365 California at the Geneva Auto Show as a replacement for the Ferrari 500 Superfast. The famous coachbuilder, Pininfarina, had been tasked with creating the body for the vehicle. The result was a two-door, two-seat, convertible. The 365 borrowed many of the mechanics of its predecessor including the five-speed manual gearbox, chassis, and suspension. The front of the vehicle was similar in design to the 500 with the remaining portions all new. With a top speed of 240 km/h, it was the fastest convertible in the world at the time. Disc brakes provided excellent stopping power for the 1300 kg vehicle. Production continued for only a year with a total of fourteen examples being created.

365 GT2+2

In 1967 Ferrari introduced the 365 GT2+2, only its second production four-seater vehicle. The vehicle would stay in production until 1971 during which around 800 examples being created.

The rear passengers had limited headroom but there was sufficient legroom for most passengers. The purpose of the vehicle was to provided performance and comfort. As a result, the vehicle was outfitted with electric windows, leather interior, power-assisted brakes, full carpeting, and optional air conditioning.

365 GTC

Near the close of 1968, Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC which stayed in production until 1970. During the production lifespan, 168 examples were produced. The 365 GTC was basically a 330 GTC with a SOHC 4390 cc V-12 engine. Visually, the vehicle was very similar to its predecessor except for the air vents in the front wings had been removed. In their place were black vents placed in the back corners of the hood.

365 GTS

The 365 GTS was a replacement for the 330 GTS. It featured a 4390 cc SOHC engine and had its cooling vents removed in favor of vents in the hood. Only twenty examples were created.

365 GTC/4

In 1971 Ferrari introduced the 365 GTC/4 as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2. It sat atop a Daytona chassis and given an independent suspension. The same Daytona ventilated disc brakes were used. The gearbox was mounted in the front and the engine was the 4390 cc V12 but with six side draught Weber carburetors and wet-sump lubrication resulting in 340 horsepower.

The design was once again handled by Pininfarina. The two-door, 2+2 coupe had pop-up headlights and five-spoke alloy wheels. During its production lifespan lasting until 1972, around 500 examples were produced. Strict American safety and emission regulations were partly responsible for the demise of the GTC/4.

365 GT4 2+2

The 365 GT4 2+2 was debuted to the public at the 1972 Paris Auto Show as a replacement for the 365 GT 2+2 and the 365 GTC/4. It sat atop an enlarged 365 GTC/4 chassis and given the same mechanics. The larger chassis meant more interior room for the passengers, especially the rear passengers, and their luggage. The styling was once again assigned to Pininfarina. The design was different from the prior 365 models.

During its production lifespan lasting until 1976, 524 examples were created.

365 GT4 BB

The 365 GT4 BB, meaning Berlinetta Boxer, was introduced to the public at the 1971 Turin Auto Show. Its styling was similar to the P6 show car built in 1968. The engine was a flat-12 cylinder power-plant mounted longitudinally. The gearbox was mounted under the engine. This was a great design but ultimately created an unbalanced weight distribution with most of the weight over the rear axle. The weight distribution problem and the fact that the engine was mounted high in the vehicle resulted in a car that had poor handling and never achieved successful racing status.

The 365 GT4 BB was replaced by the 512 BB in 1976. The 512 BB was similar in design but featured a five-liter engine.

by Dan Vaughan