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

Powered by 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. Capable of sprinting from 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds, the Daytona would accelerate to a top speed of 174 mph, just beating out its rival, the Lamborghini Miura, by three miles per hour.

Chassis number 14189, completed by the factory in 1971, was finished in Nero (20-B-50) over a beige leather interior with black “Daytona” seat inserts. The car was nicely equipped with air-conditioning and power windows. A U.S.-specification example, the Daytona was first delivered to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors of Reno, Nevada, before being purchased new by George R. Shelly of Pompano Beach, Florida, in December 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. Later, in December 1992, the car was sold to Richard V. Munz of Madison, Wisconsin. In 1993, Mr. Munz presented the car at the 1993 Cavallino Classic, where it won a Preservation Cup award. In 1994 the car’s mileage was noted as being only 20,748 miles from new. In the summer of 2001, the car was offered in the Ferrari Market Letter and was described as “one of the best Daytonas in existence.” The Daytona is believed to have remained with Munz until being purchased by a Los Angeles–based collector. In August 2016 the car was acquired by its current and only fourth owner, also residing in Los Angeles.

As of today, the 365 GTB/4 presents in highly original condition throughout. Notably, it still retains its original black paint (showing natural lacquer checks from polishing) with the exception of the hood and trunk lid, which have been refinished. It still sports original Borrani wire wheels as well as its original glass. The car’s high level of originality continues through to 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 its original major mechanical components. As requested by the owner, two certification binders from Ferrari Classiche were issued, and both of those remain with the car, along with a handful of prior service receipts, scoring sheets from when it was shown in the 1990s, and original tool roll and tools.

In March 2016, Ferrari of Beverly Hills serviced the car, where it received an annual maintenance that included an oil change, brake-fluid change, and coolant change. In the early summer of 2017, the Daytona 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 proper hose clamps in the engine bay and fitting period-correct Michelin XWX tires. It was later that Nguyen and two other Ferrari Club of America judges had a chance to look over the car and were highly impressed with its originality and overall presentation. In its current ownership, the car has been driven roughly 1,200 miles.

This spectacular example retains a high level of originality, thanks to having been driven less than 24,000 miles from new. And thanks to past caring owners, the Daytona presents a high level of authenticity and will be sure to shine at Ferrari club events and concours. It is fair to say that this car is a must-have addition for any serious Ferrari collector, given its remarkable state of preservation.