Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1968, Ferrari’s new 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta earned its unofficial “Daytona” name while still a prototype, in honor of the Scuderia’s electrifying podium sweep at the famous 24-hour race in Florida in 1967. Now, as when new, the 365 GTB/4 remains the ultimate expression of the classic front-engine V-12 Ferrari GT concept, with its Scaglietti-built body universally acknowledged as one of Pininfarina’s finest designs. Hailed from launch as the world’s fastest production sports car, the Daytona’s factory-claimed top speed of 174 mph was confirmed by Road & Track magazine’s Dean Batchelor, who photographed an indicated 180 mph at 7,000 rpm; when later calculated and corrected, a “true” 173 mph speed was documented.

While intended from the outset as a fast road car, several 365 GTB/4s were raced and remained competitive long after most other contenders had retired. Between 1970 and 1979, 18 Daytonas competed in their namesake 24-hour race, earning five Top 10 finishes and two 2nd Place podiums. The last included the 1979 GTO class win, scored by the Modena Sports Cars entry driven by John Morton and Tony Adamowicz. Not all of the Daytona’s achievements were entirely official, however, including the unsanctioned top-speed charge by Dan Gurney and Brock Yates on an Arizona highway during the second New York-to-Los Angeles Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash. The Daytona was truly an important production model for Ferrari, with marque experts citing 1,383 berlinettas built from 1968 to 1974. Marking the end of an era, the Daytona was Ferrari’s last front-engine V-12, two-seat road car until the mid-1990s.

According to its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, the Daytona presented here, chassis 15749, was delivered in March 1973 to Bill Harrah’s Modern Classic Motors in Reno, Nevada, in the exceedingly rare and beautiful color combination of Verde Scuro (Dark Green) over a Pelle Beige (Tan Leather) interior. Marcel Massini’s report on this Daytona lists its first recorded owner as Donald Groshong of Illinois, who maintained ownership for about a decade, beginning in 1976. In the late 1980s, Mr. Groshong sent the Ferrari to Continental Coachworks, in Conyers, Georgia, for restoration; however, it was Gene Wagner, the car’s next owner, who had the work completed, which included a refinish of the exterior in red.

In the late 1990s, the Daytona was imported to Europe and had a number of caretakers, primarily in Switzerland, before it was purchased by the consignor in 2014 and reimported to the US. Intrigued by the prospect of returning the Ferrari to its rare, original color combination, he retained Todd Biron’s Classic Restoration of Vero Beach, Florida, to correct prior damage and painstakingly metal finish the body. Meanwhile, Ferrari specialist Greg Jones attended to the Daytona mechanically, while the interior was re-trimmed by noted Ferrari upholsterer Tappezzeria Luppi S.r.l. of Modena. Electrical, suspension, braking, and cooling systems were addressed as well, with attention paid to proper finishes. The engine bay in particular appears tidy and detailed, as does the underside.

The five-year restoration culminated in 2022, with 15749 receiving its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, which not only confirms the wonderful color combination, but that it also retains its original engine, as well as proper ancillary components.

Today, this Verde Scuro Daytona looks absolutely stunning, and is perfectly accented by its sporting Cromodora wheels, proper Michelin XWX tires, and refinished brightwork. It is accompanied by a tool roll, jack, and warning triangle, and shows fresh finishes from top to bottom. Following its restoration, 15749 has been exhibited just once – however, as it was not a judged event, that privilege remains reserved for its next owner. Sure to draw a crowd due to its rare livery and outstanding presentation, this particular Daytona is clearly a rarified prize. The fastest production car of its day, it still stands capable of impressing its passengers more than 50 years after it left the factory.