1973 Ferrari 365

1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta
Coachwork by Scaglietti Design by Pininfarina
Chassis no. 16865
Engine no. 2670

4,390cc DOHC V12 Engine
6 Downdraft Weber Carburetors
352bhp at 7,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Marvelous original livery of Nero over Nero leather with red inserts
*Offered from long-term family ownership since the early 1980s
*Equipped with electric window and air conditioning
*A highly original, largely unmolested example with fantastic patina
*Imported by Harrah's MCM, Reno, delivered via Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo
*Well documented example with history by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini
*Retains its original engine, factory tool kit, and original books
*Recently serviced, and ideal for sympathetic refurbishment


THE FERRARI 365 GTB/4 DAYTONA

Ferrari debuted the spectacular new 365GTB/4 at the Paris Salon in 1968, a dramatic wedge-shaped flagship GT. It gained the unofficial 'Daytona' moniker in honor of the sweeping 1-2-3 finish by the Ferrari 330P4 at the 1967 running of the 24-hour race at the Florida circuit. The influential shark-nosed styling came from the pen of Pininfarina's Leonardo Fioravanti, who, unhappy with the 275GTB, took its replacement in a dramatic new direction. Fioravanti later served as Pininfarina's Director of Research and Development, and he revealed that the Daytona was his favorite among the many Ferraris he designed. The bonnet, extending for almost half the car's total length, was complimented by a small cabin and short tail; the overall effect suggesting muscular horsepower while retaining all the elegance associated with the Italian coachbuilder's work for Maranello. While Pininfarina built the initial prototype in Turin, manufacture of the production version was entrusted to Ferrari's subsidiary, Carrozzeria Scaglietti, in Modena.

The Daytona's all-alloy, four-cam, V12 engine displaced 4,390cc and produced its maximum output of 352bhp at a hefty 7,500rpm, with 318lb/ft of torque available at 5,500 rpm. Dry-sump lubrication enabled it to sit low in the oval-tube chassis, while shifting the gearbox to the rear in the form of a five-speed transaxle meant 50/50 weight distribution could be achieved. The all-independent wishbone and coil-spring suspension was a recent development, originating in the preceding 275GTB/4. Air conditioning and power windows were optional, but elsewhere the Daytona remained uncompromisingly focused on delivering superlative high performance, but capable of devouring the miles with ease.

With a top speed in excess of 170mph, the Daytona was the world's fastest production car in its day. Fewer than 1,300 Berlinetta models and 123 Spiders had been made when Daytona production ceased in 1973.


THE CAR OFFERED

Completed on September 20, 1973, this 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, chassis number 16865, left the factory finished in the fetching color scheme of Nero 20-B-50 paint with a Nero leather interior accented by red seat inserts. The car was equipped for the US market, optioned with air conditioning, power windows, and Cromodora alloy wheels. Destined for the West Coast, it arrived at Bill Harrah's official distributorship, Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada. On December 24, 1973, chassis 16865 was delivered to its first owner through famed dealer Ron Tonkin Gran Turismo in Portland, Oregon one heck of a Christmas present!

Chassis 16865 remained on the West Coast in the garage of Ron Kinard Farris of Carson, California from 1975 to 1980, yet it remained registered in Oregon with the plate "MHU 857". By the late 1980s the Ferrari had moved south, joining the collection of Port Aransas, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Hervé Gentile. A collector with numerous other Ferraris in his stable, Dr. Gentile held on to his Daytona for all these years, and it is now being offered from the care of his family.

Sparingly driven during the present long-term ownership, it is a very well-preserved and essentially unmolested example, displaying a marvelous patina and prime for sympathetic refurbishment to get the most from its stellar performance potential. In March of 2025, it underwent service by the respected specialist Exclusive Motorcars of Arizona to prepare it for sale. Work included rebuilding and tuning the Weber carburetors, fuel system refurbishment, and fitment of a new battery. At the time the work was completed, it was road tested and reported to be a fine driving car, with the appealing honesty and character that unrestored cars seem to share.

Accompanying the sale of this Daytona is a Massini report, Ferrari Heritage Certificate, a tool roll with a jack, and recent service records. Unrestored Daytonas are increasingly thin on the ground, and this presents a rare opportunity to get your hands on a particularly appealing example. With preparation, it would be the ideal choice for any number of prestigious events such as the Copperstate 1000, Going to the Sun, or Texas 1000. If a 365GTB/4 Daytona was ever something on your wish list, Chassis 16865 deserves a close look.