The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, popularly known as the “Daytona,” is a two-seat grand tourer produced by Ferrari from 1968 to 1973. Debuted at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon as the successor to the 275 GTB/4, it became one of the most iconic front-engine V12 supercars in automotive history.
Wikipedia
Origin of the “Daytona” Name Ferrari never officially named the car “Daytona”. The nickname was applied by the media and enthusiasts following Ferrari’s 1-2-3 sweep at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona with the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P prototype racers.
Ferrari Dallas
Design & Styling
- Designer: Penned by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina and coachbuilt by Scaglietti. Ferrari Dallas
- Aesthetics: Marked a departure from Ferrari’s rounded 1960s shapes into a sharper, sweeping “shark nose” profile with a set-back cabin and a truncated Kamm tail. Wikipedia
- Headlight Variations: Early European models featured fixed headlights behind a continuous plexiglass nose cover. Retractable pop-up headlights were introduced in 1971 to meet U.S. safety regulations. Ferrari Dallas
Engine & Performance
- Engine: 4.4-liter (4,390 cc) Tipo 251 Colombo DOHC V12 fed by six twin-choke Weber carburetors. Wikipedia
- Power Output: Produces 352 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 318 lb-ft of torque. Wikipedia
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gated transaxle mounted at the rear for optimal 50/50 weight distribution. Ferrari Dallas
- Performance: 0–60 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph (280 km/h), making it the world’s fastest production car at launch. Ferrari Dallas
| Variant | Body Style | Production Units |
|---|---|---|
| 365 GTB/4 | Berlinetta (Coupé) | ~1,284 |
| 365 GTS/4 | Spider (Convertible) | 122 |
| Competizione | Alloy-body Race Spec | 15 |
Wikipedia
Motorsport & Cultural Impact
- Cannonball Run: In 1971, Dan Gurney and Brock Yates drove a stock 365 GTB/4 across the U.S. in the inaugural Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, setting a record of 35 hours and 54 minutes.
- Le Mans: Privateer teams running competition Daytonas dominated the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking top class honors three consecutive years from 1972 to 1974.