Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, better known as the Daytona, is indeed one of the marque’s most iconic creations.
In the pantheon of automotive history, certain names evoke a special kind of reverence, none more so than Ferrari’s 365 GTB/4, affectionately known as the Daytona. At a crossroads where the Italian marque could have pivoted to the mid-engine trend, it doubled down on its heritage of front-engined, V12 grand tourers.
The introduction of the Daytona in 1968 was not just a continuation of Ferrari’s storied legacy; it was a statement of supremacy in a time when the automotive world was in flux, with the Lamborghini Miura redefining expectations of what a supercar could be. Ferrari’s response was a combination of blistering performance and uncompromising luxury—a grand tourer in the truest sense.
Chassis Number 16437
Chassis number 16437 stands as a testament to this legacy—a late-specification model from the final year of Daytona production, it tells a tale of glamour, performance, and meticulous craftsmanship. With a history as colourful as the roads it was designed to dominate, this Daytona’s journey from the showroom floor of the 1973 Barcelona Motor Show to the hands of passionate collectors reflects its timeless allure and enduring value.
Specifications
- Engine: 4.4-litre V-12
- Horsepower: 352
- Top speed: 280 km/h
- Production: 1968-1973
- Units produced: 1,406
In the late 60s and early 70s, the automotive world was indeed at a crossroads, especially for high-performance sports cars. Ferrari’s decision to stick with a front-engined layout for the Daytona was a bold move, particularly as the industry saw a trend towards mid-engined cars. However, the Daytona’s enduring appeal and impressive performance credentials proved that Ferrari’s gamble paid off.
The 365 GTB/4 Daytona combined staggering performance for its time with the luxury and comfort expected from a grand tourer. This made it a highly desirable vehicle for the wealthy enthusiasts of the era who wanted the best of both worlds: speed and comfort.
Ferrari Classiche Certification
For a collector or enthusiast, the provenance of a vehicle like chassis number 16437 is invaluable. Its storied history, from the showroom floor at the Barcelona Motor Show to its meticulous care and restoration, adds layers of narrative to its already rich character. The Ferrari Classiche certification is the icing on the cake, ensuring that the car is not just a piece of history, but also a living testament to the quality and craftsmanship of Ferrari during that era.
This particular Daytona’s combination of original parts, extensive documentation, and recent high-quality restoration work, alongside the Classiche certification, indeed makes it an exceptional vehicle. It’s more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive heritage that encapsulates the spirit of its time and the enduring legacy of Ferrari.
Grand Tourer
For someone looking to purchase such a vehicle, it represents an opportunity not just to own a classic piece of automotive art, but to become part of a narrative that spans decades. Driving it wouldn’t just be an act of recreation, but a continuation of its story—a story that has been lovingly preserved and is now waiting for the next chapter to be written on the open roads of Europe or in the careful stewardship of a new collector.
The journey of chassis number 16437, from its birth in the storied factory of Maranello to its meticulous preservation and restoration, mirrors the enduring legacy of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona itself. In the annals of automotive greatness, the Daytona holds a chapter all its own—a blend of mechanical symphony, Italian artistry, and grand touring luxury that has stood the test of time.
Pricing
€650,000 EUR | Asking
Automotive History
For the discerning enthusiast looking to not just own but participate in the narrative of this iconic machine, this particular Daytona represents more than a mere vehicle. It is a passport to an elite club of motoring prestige, a piece of history, and a work of art that continues to inspire and excite. With its recent restoration and Classiche certification, chassis number 16437 is poised to not just recount its glorious past but to offer its new custodian the chance to write new adventures on the open road. This is an opportunity to not just witness history but to live it, breathe it, and drive it.
