After Ferrari’s famous 1-2-3 photo finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, the name of the legendary race was to be applied to the replacement for the 275 GTB/4. The factory, however, never used the name “Daytona” for the 365 GTB/4, but it was taken up by enthusiasts at once and has remained in common usage ever since. The car to bear the name of that race was to become a legend in its own right, not in the least because it was Ferrari’s last great front-engined GT to be created before the purchase of the company by Fiat in 1969, an essential date for many followers of Enzo Ferrari. In addition, the 365 GTB/4 was one of the last fully hand-assembled, regular production Ferraris. In that respect, it is a uniquely hand-crafted masterpiece.

The Scaglietti-built body had aluminum doors, bonnet, and boot lid for weight reduction. At the time of introduction, the headlights were set behind a full-width transparent panel. American safety regulations required that Daytonas produced for export to the United States must be fitted with retractable headlights under two flush-fitting panels to meet minimum height standards. By 1971, the concealed headlamps were adopted worldwide.

The 275 GTB/4 contributed its 60-degree V-12 engine to the 365 GTB/4, now enlarged from 3.3 to 4.4 liters, or 4,390 cubic centimeters with a bore and stroke of 81 millimeters and 71 millimeters, respectively. With the increase in displacement, power increased as well. The new engine produced 352 horsepower and 315 foot-pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm through six Weber 40DCN20 carburetors, and it was paired with a five-speed manual transmission with a Borg and Beck clutch. Although some expressed surprise that the 365 GTB/4 was not mid-engined like its competitor, the Lamborghini Miura, it was nevertheless capable of a top speed five km/h greater than its arch rival. The last great front-engine, rear-wheel drive GT car to emerge from Maranello for two decades, the 365 GTB/4 represents the culmination of a generation’s work in perfecting the breed. Perfect 50/50 weight distribution was an absolute requirement for the new GT car during development. Wide 190.5-millimeter wheels (381 millimeters in diameter) were mounted on 215/70 Michelin tires, which gave the 365 GTB/4 impressive grip. What had initially been conceived as an interim model for the long-overdue 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer has become one of the most desired production Ferraris ever made.

Chassis 14819 was delivered new through William Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. Harrah was the official Ferrari West Coast distributor; thus, many examples passed through the doors of his dealership. The original warranty card is made out to Jack Eiteljorg, of 4290 Honey Locust, of Englewood, Colorado, and it further notes that physical delivery of the car was made by Ramsey Motor Co. Inc., of Monterey, California. In 1975, its owners were Neal B. and Paula Scott, of Amarillo, Texas, followed by Jeff Gilbert, a collector in Ventura County, California.

The car was cosmetically refurbished in late-2001, by renowned Ferrari mechanic Norbert Hofer, of Gran Touring Classics Inc. in Long Beach, California, who thoroughly freshened all mechanical aspects of the car as needed. The car was subsequently repainted in the original shade of Fly Yellow, and the interior was restored by K&H European Auto Upholstery, of Garden Grove, California. In 2002, 14819 was acquired by noted collector John Bradley, of Los Angeles, and it enjoyed the regular attention of Mr. Hofer while in his care. After Mr. Bradley’s passing in 2006, the car was in the hands of another collector from Oklahoma before being acquired by Mr. Davis.

Now showing 25,816 miles on the odometer, the Daytona remains finished in Fly Yellow with a black leather interior, as it was delivered new. It is nicely equipped with a Becker Mexico AM/FM/Cassette player and factory air conditioning, and the Borrani wire wheels are highly polished and remain correctly shod in Michelin XWX tires. Aside from the original warranty card, this example comes with a tool roll and jacking equipment, a 365 GTB/4 owner’s manual, an additional instruction manual for U.S.-spec cars, and a copy of the Ferrari certificate of origin. Consistently patinated throughout, this is an example for the enthusiast to enjoy the shear thrill of the driving experience.