The 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4, famously known as the Daytona, remains a definitive symbol of Italian grand touring excellence. This specific Berlinetta coupe is one of only 1,284 units ever produced during its legendary five-year production run. Recently imported to the United States from Europe, the car carries a distinct presence in its metallic blue finish. It serves as a mechanical bridge between the classic era of racing and modern high-speed road travel. For collectors, the Daytona represents the final evolution of the front-engine V12 flagship before the mid-engine era began.
Pininfarina Design and Scaglietti Craftsmanship
The raked fastback profile of the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was penned by the talented Leonardo Fioravanti. Its bodywork, crafted by Scaglietti, combines a steel shell with lightweight aluminum panels for the hood, trunk, and doors. This late-production example features the revised fascia with pop-up headlights, which replaced the earlier covered-lens design. Clean horizontal lines and a Kamm tail emphasize its aerodynamic stability during high-speed continental crossings. Split chrome bumpers and quad exhaust outlets complete the aggressive yet sophisticated aesthetic of this European masterpiece.
Refined Handling and Classic Wheels
Underneath the stunning skin lies a steel-tube chassis supported by a four-wheel independent suspension system. This setup uses unequal A-arms and coil springs to provide a balanced and communicative driving experience. Staggered-width 15-inch Cromodora alloy wheels are secured by traditional three-eared knock-off hubs for an authentic period look. Servo-assisted ventilated disc brakes at each corner ensure that the car can shed speed as quickly as it gains it. These components work together to deliver the precise handling characteristics that defined Ferrari’s dominance in the early seventies.
A Vivid Cabin for the Enthusiast
The interior of this 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is trimmed in striking red leather with elegant black accents. Bucket seats offer firm support, while the dashboard is finished in the famous black mouse hair anti-glare material. A gated shifter sits prominently on the center tunnel, allowing for tactile and precise gear selections through the five-speed transaxle. Modern amenities like air conditioning and power windows make this vintage machine surprisingly usable for longer road trips. An original Voxson eight-track radio remains in the dashboard, preserving the authentic period atmosphere of the cabin.
Veglia Borletti Instrumentation and Control
A leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a full suite of Veglia Borletti gauges that monitor every vital engine function. The 300-km/h speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer remind the driver of the car’s immense performance capabilities. Smaller dials provide real-time data on oil pressure, coolant temperature, and amperage for total mechanical awareness. This driver-centric layout was designed to keep pilots focused during the high-speed runs the Daytona was built for. With approximately 97,000 kilometers on the odometer, this car has been enjoyed as its creators intended.
Engine Performance and V12 Specifications
The heart of this 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is the 4.4-liter Tipo 251 Colombo V12 engine. This quad-cam masterpiece features a 60-degree bank angle and breathes through six twin-choke Weber carburetors. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted five-speed manual transaxle for near-perfect weight distribution. A dry-sump lubrication system ensures the engine remains protected during high-speed cornering maneuvers on the track or road. Recent maintenance in late 2025 included a starter rebuild and fresh spark plugs to ensure reliable operation for the next owner.
Summary of the Daytona Berlinetta
The 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona stands as one of the most desirable front-engine sports cars ever created. Its combination of Pininfarina styling and Colombo V12 power creates an experience that few modern vehicles can match. This metallic blue example, with its documented European history and recent service, is ready for its next chapter in Florida. It represents a rare opportunity to own a world-class grand tourer that defined an entire generation of automotive passion. Every mile driven in this Italian icon is a tribute to the legendary heritage of Maranello.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
