Stylistically, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 represented a complete paradigm shift of Ferrari’s design language. Gone were the flowing, voluptuous fenders of the 250 series cars and the 275 GTB. The delicate bodywork was replaced by more angular and aggressive lines, but the classic, two-seater berlinetta proportions remained, retaining a snippet of familiarity with their newest model. Shown for the first time at the 1968 Paris Salon, the 365 GTB/4 styling resonated well with the public, and it was clear that it would be a success. Following Ferrari’s incredible 1-2-3 sweep of the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, the 365 GTB/4 quickly picked up the nickname “Daytona” in celebration of the company’s success at the iconic motorsport event.

Not only did the Daytona push the envelope of design, but it was also just as groundbreaking in terms of performance. 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. Boasting a 0–60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph, it was the fastest production car the world had ever seen, three mph faster than Lamborghini’s Miura P400.

In 1973, when the Daytona was replaced with 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.

As noted on its original warranty card, chassis number 15271 was produced in 1972 and shipped to Luigi Della Grotta’s Ferrari dealership in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Finished in Rosso Chiaro over a Nero (VM 8500) interior, it was immediately sold to Robert H. Grace of Los Angeles, California. Grace only kept the car for two years before selling to Vernon Lee Davis of Santa Ana.

It is believed that this Daytona remained in California for the following 28 years, and after a cosmetic restoration in 2002, it was noted as being sold to Rich Thompson in Laguna Niguel, California. It was sold shortly thereafter by Thompson to Gary Brutsch, who, at 26,000 miles, commissioned a complete rebuild of the Daytona’s engine and transaxle by Bill Badurski, noted longtime technical chairman of the Ferrari Club of America.

A letter on file from Badurski documents the rebuild of engine number B 1738, which included upgraded internals including high-compression pistons, as well as P6 cams, and flow-tested cylinder heads. It is also reported that at this time the Daytona received new, correct suspension and European-specification exhaust, as well as a complete brake system rebuild. The Dinoplex ignition was replaced in order to take advantage of the higher compression ratio, however, the original ignition boxes are included with the sale, and all original engine compartment wiring is in place should the new owner wish to return the car to its original specifications. In his letter to Gary Brutsch, Badurski notes, “we accomplished our horsepower goal, and far exceeded our torque expectations.” Indeed, the dyno-tested 409 horsepower and 351 pound-feet far exceed the engine’s factory specifications of 352 horsepower and 318 pound-feet and to this day provide a sensational driving experience without sacrifice to “acceptable street use.”

The current owner, a passionate Ferrari collector and careful steward, acquired chassis 15271 from Gary Brutsch directly and has maintained the car ever since with only limited use. As a result, the car remains in exceptional and highly presentable condition today, both cosmetically and mechanically. It is offered with a complete set of tools and tool roll, a jack, and a complete set of owner’s manuals, in addition to the original warranty card.

Considering its upgraded performance and uniquely impressive ownership history, this 365 GBT/4 would be a wonderful acquisition for the enthusiast looking to enjoy their Daytona for years to come in just the way Enzo intended—out on the open road.