According to records, this 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was the 805th "Daytona" built and it was shipped to a Philadelphia area dealer. Two years later, the car was with Panther Westwinds in Surrey England. In addition to building its own historically-influenced vehicles, the firm was capable of very high quality coachwork conversions and interior trim. Working to a design by Luigi "Coco" Chinetti Jr. and freelance auto designer Gene Garfinkle, Panther Westwinds modified the "Daytona" into a striking station wagon. This "Daytona" Wagon avoided a traditional rear tailgate by using gullwing-style rear side windows for access to the cargo deck.
The car is powered by a 4.4 liter V-12 engine developing 352 horsepower coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission with a top speed of 173 mph. It also was capable of 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
Today, the car shows fewer than 4,000 miles on the odometer.
Background
- Manufacturer: Ferrari
- Year: 1972 (produced from 1968 to 1973)
- Model: 365 GTB/4, often referred to as the Ferrari Daytona
Specifications
- Engine: The 365 GTB/4 is powered by a 4.4-liter (4,390 cc) V12 engine, known as the Tipo 251. This engine produces around 352 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 318 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm.
- Transmission: It features a five-speed manual transmission.
- Chassis: The car is built on a tubular steel frame, ensuring strength and rigidity.
- Suspension: The front suspension consists of double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar. The rear suspension also features double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers, and an anti-roll bar, providing excellent handling and ride quality.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The 365 GTB/4 is a two-door, two-seater coupé with a sleek, aerodynamic design. There was also a spider (convertible) version known as the 365 GTS/4.
- Design: The car's design, attributed to Pininfarina and Leonardo Fioravanti, is characterized by its long, sloping hood, pop-up headlights, and fastback rear. The Daytona has a distinctive, aggressive look with clean lines and a muscular stance.
- Interior: The interior is luxurious and driver-focused, featuring leather upholstery, a well-designed dashboard with comprehensive instrumentation, and comfortable bucket seats. The emphasis is on both performance and comfort, suitable for long-distance touring.
Performance
- Speed: The Daytona was one of the fastest production cars of its time, capable of reaching a top speed of around 174 mph (280 km/h).
- Acceleration: It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds, showcasing its impressive power and performance.
- Handling: The car's advanced suspension system, balanced chassis, and powerful V12 engine provide excellent handling and driving dynamics, making it a joy to drive on both highways and winding roads.
Historical Significance
- Racing Heritage: While primarily a road car, the Daytona also saw success in motorsports. Modified versions competed in endurance racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona, achieving notable results.
- End of an Era: The 365 GTB/4 is often seen as the last of Ferrari's traditional front-engined V12 grand tourers before the company shifted focus to mid-engined sports cars. It represents the culmination of Ferrari's development of front-engined GT cars in the 1960s.
Legacy
- Cultural Icon: The Ferrari Daytona gained fame and iconic status not only for its performance but also for its appearances in popular culture, including television shows like "Miami Vice."
- Collector's Item: Today, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts. Its rarity, performance, and historical significance make it one of the most valuable and sought-after classic Ferraris.
- Design Influence: The Daytona's design and engineering have left a lasting impact on the automotive world, influencing the design of subsequent Ferrari models and other high-performance grand tourers.
You may purchase a print of the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 in our dElegance 2018 online gallery.
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