In terms of styling, the new Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was a paradigm shift for the company. The outgoing 275 GTB/4’s flowing and sensual lines were replaced with more angular and aggressive lines. However, the car’s classic, two-seater berlinetta proportions remained, retaining a snippet of familiarity with their newest twelve-cylinder grand tourer. Unveiled at the 1968 Paris Salon, the 365 GTB/4’s styling was well received by the public, and it was clear that the car would be a success. Following Ferrari’s incredible 1-2-3 sweep of the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, the 365 GTB/4 quickly acquired the nickname “Daytona” in celebration of the company’s iconic finish at one of motorsport’s most significant events.

Fitted with an all-new 4.4-liter dual overhead camshaft V-12 with six Weber carburetors, the Daytona produced 352 brake horsepower and 315-foot pounds of torque at 7,500 rpm. Capable of sprinting from 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Daytona would accelerate to a top speed of 174 mph. This was three mph faster than Lamborghini’s Miura P400, making it the fastest production car the world had ever seen.

When Daytona production ended in 1973, at the introduction of the mid-engined 365 GT4 BB, Ferrari had produced a total of 1,284 Daytonas, making it one of the most successful Ferraris ever produced. Unfortunately, this would also mark the end of an era of wonderful front-engined, V-12 grand tourers from Maranello. Nevertheless, the Daytona was always fondly remembered by enthusiasts for its gorgeous looks, incredible performance, and overall driving experience.

This particular Daytona, chassis number 14189, was built in 1971, finished in a Nero (20-B-50) over beige leather interior with black Daytona-style seat inserts, and was outfitted with air conditioning and power windows. A U.S.-specification example, it was dispatched to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada, before being purchased new by George R. Shelly of Pompano Beach, Florida, in December of 1971. The car remained in Shelly’s ownership for over two decades, and during this time, Shelly showed it at a Florida-region Ferrari Club of America event at Hutchinson Island, Florida. In December of 1992, the car was sold to Richard V. Munz of Madison, Wisconsin. It was shown at the Cavallino Classic in 1993 under Munz’s ownership, where it won the Preservation Cup. As of 1994, the car’s mileage was noted as being 20,748 miles from new.

The car is believed to have remained with Munz until its acquisition by the current owner in 2011. Today, the car still presents in highly original condition throughout. Notably, the car still wears its original black paint (still showing natural lacquer checks from polishing) with the exception of the hood and truck lid, which have been refinished. It still sports original Borrani wire wheels, all of its original glass, and the car’s high level of originality continues through to even its original heater and AC hoses, original tie straps on the wiring harness, and even its original smog equipment with Aeroquip hoses. Furthermore, the car has been certified by Ferrari Classiche and retains all of its original mechanical components. The owner requested two certification binders from Ferrari Classiche, and both of those remain with the car today, along with a handful of prior service receipts, scoring sheets from when it was shown in the 1990s, and a original tool roll and tools.

The Daytona’s most recent service was at Ferrari of Beverly Hills in March of 2016, where it received an annual service that included an oil change, brake fluid change, and coolant change. Earlier this summer, chassis number 14189 was shipped to Rex Nguyen Restorations of Marina Del Rey, California, in an effort to enhance its already high level of originality. As such, minor details were corrected throughout, such as sourcing correct hose clamps in the engine bay and fitting period-correct Michelin XWX tires. Furthermore, Rex Nguyen and two other Ferrari Club of America judges recently had a chance to look over the car and were highly impressed with its originality and overall presentation.

Now over 40 years since the final Daytona left Maranello, finding a largely original example can be very difficult, as many have been restored and refurbished. This spectacular example retains a high level of originality thanks to having only been driven 22,000 miles, having been in the care of just three owners from new, and having been carefully preserved and maintained throughout its life. Sure to be a big hit at Ferrari Club of America and other concours events as it already has in the past, this exceptional Daytona would be a welcome addition to any Ferrari collection.