Following the legendary 250 series, Ferrari introduced the 365 GTB 4, better known by its unofficial nickname: the Daytona. Launched in 1968, the Daytona represented the height of Ferrari’s front-engine V12 grand tourers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was powerful, elegant, and unforgettable, cementing its place as one of the most iconic Ferraris ever built.
A Bold Name for a Bold Car
Although Ferrari never officially called it the “Daytona,” the name stuck after Ferrari’s one-two-three finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, a historic victory that showcased Ferrari’s racing dominance. The press coined the term, and enthusiasts embraced it, making “Daytona” one of the most recognized Ferrari names in history.
Styling That Turned Heads
Styled by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the Daytona’s long hood, aggressive stance, and sharply angled nose gave it an unmistakable presence. Its proportions perfectly balanced elegance with power, and its design language would inspire generations of GT cars. Early models featured a distinctive plexiglass nose treatment with covered headlights, while later cars had retractable pop-up headlights to comply with U.S. regulations.
V12 Power and Performance
Under that iconic hood sat a 4.4-liter Colombo V12, producing 352 horsepower. With a top speed of around 174 mph, the Daytona was the fastest road car in the world at its debut: a true testament to Ferrari’s engineering. Paired with a 5-speed gated manual and rear transaxle for improved weight distribution, it offered thrilling performance with remarkable balance.
The Daytona wasn’t just fast in a straight line. Its chassis and suspension made it a capable grand tourer, equally at home on the open highway as it was on winding roads.
Road and Race Legends
While the Daytona GTB/4 coupe was the most common version, Ferrari also produced the open-top Daytona Spider, which became a cultural icon in its own right. Just 122 Spiders were built, making them some of the most valuable Ferraris today.
Competition versions, including the Daytona Competizione, extended Ferrari’s racing pedigree, achieving success at endurance races well into the 1970s.
Lasting Legacy
The Daytona was the last of Ferrari’s classic front-engine V12s before the company shifted toward mid-engine layouts for its flagship cars. Its combination of speed, beauty, and rarity has made it one of the most collectible Ferraris ever built.