The 365 GTB/4 is arguably one of the world’s most recognisable cars and was warranted the unofficial name of Daytona – created by sections of motorsport media to commemorate Ferrari’s exceptional 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.
The car represents the racing version of the Daytona, which was first produced in 1969. Developed from the standard road cars, three series of five client competition examples were built at the factory’s “Assistenza Clienti” department in Modena. The 1973 model at Hexagon represents the third series, which boasts an aluminum bonnet and boot lid, in addition to the same increased flares around the wheel arches to accommodate wider wheels and tyres seen on the series 2.
The engine in the series 3 Competizione was the same as the 4.4 litre Colombo V12 seen in the road cars but was tuned up to pump out 450bhp. The last major representation of the cars pedigree was at the 1979 24 Hours of Daytona, where a 1973 car took victory in its class and 2nd place overall.
Introduced at the Paris Salon in 1968, the Daytona became an instant hit with rock stars and the privileged elite. Whilst many were displeased with the radically different design details of the 365 GTB/4, with its traditional rounded design replaced with a sharp-edged styling, all found the sheer speed of the car a joy to behold.
The Ferrari is available at Hexagon, chassis number 16935, was commissioned around the turn of the century to be converted into a Group 4 competition example, bringing it up to the car’s original 1973 specification. It has since competed successfully in various historic events and comes complete with official FIA documentation.
This remarkable Ferrari is now available to view at Hexagon Classics’ showroom in north London.
