FERRARI has produced some of the world’s most coveted cars, but few names carry the weight – or charisma – of Daytona.
Officially known as the Ferrari 365 GTB/4, the Daytona earned its nickname after Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.
Although unofficial, the name stuck, thanks to the car’s blend of power, beauty and motorsport legacy.
Debuting at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon, the Daytona became the defining front-engined V12 Ferrari of its era.
“It was more or less the final evolution of the great front-engined GT Ferraris,” said RM Sotheby expert Jarrett Rothmeier.
Under its long bonnet beat a 4.4-litre V12 fed by six Weber carburettors, good for 352 horsepower and a top speed of 174mph.
Performance tests in the early ’70s revealed 0-100mph times of 12.6 seconds – a serious number for the time.
Styled by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the 365 GTB/4 broke from tradition with sharper lines and aggressive angles.
Early versions featured fixed headlights under Plexiglas, replaced by pop-ups from 1971 to meet US safety laws – a design touch that became a Ferrari hallmark.
Three key Daytona variants were produced: the Berlinetta coupé, Spider convertible, and Competizione race car.
Fewer than 1400 Daytonas were built in total, making each one rare and highly collectable today.
The Berlinetta, or hardtop, was the most common variant, accounting for 1284 units. Early models with Plexiglas headlights are especially prized.
One exceptional Berlinetta is going under the hammer on June 26, with fewer than 2000 miles on the clock and a fascinating history tied to early Ferrari importer Willet Brown.
The Spider, introduced in 1969, was made in just 121 examples. Mechanically identical to the Berlinetta, it had significant bodywork reinforcements to accommodate the convertible design.
One of the last Daytona Spiders built, finished in the rare Rosso Dino orange, it has only 16,400 miles on the clock and long-term ownership in a prestigious US collection.
The Competizione was Ferrari’s privateer-ready race version. Just 15 were made in three batches.
These lightweight racers saw success in endurance classics, including class wins at Le Mans and a stunning second overall at Daytona in 1979 – years after production ceased.
The first of the final five Competiziones, once raced by NART and driven by legends like Al Unser Jr. and Danny Sullivan, will join its roadgoing siblings at auction.
From its motorsport glory to Hollywood stardom and collector appeal, the Ferrari Daytona’s impact endures.
