Few true automotive classics have enjoyed the staying power and timelessness of the revered Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, so named to honor the occasion of the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours when three Ferraris finished in formation as they led the field to the checkered flag, a demonstration meant to answer Ford’s similar victory at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Introduced at a time when midengined race and road cars had established their superiority, the Pininfarina-designed V-12-powered Daytona was Ferrari’s last front-engine GT for years to come, but it answered the midengine challenge as only Ferrari could, combining the powerful Colombo V-12 in 4.4L DOHC configuration, rear-mounted 5-speed transaxle, proven chassis and suspension and arresting Pininfarina styling in one glorious Grand Touring machine of impeccable pedigree. Chassis number 16961, this 1973 365 GTB/4 originated as a U.S.-market version produced in November 1973. One of only 30 Daytonas originally finished in Nero, it was delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors of Greenwich, Connecticut. By 1975, the car was in Vancouver, British Columbia, refinished in red. In 1981, it was purchased by William Gillespie Jr., of Germantown, Tennessee. In 1985, its next owner, Steve Forristall, sold it to Ron Cohen of Potomac, Maryland, who stored the car until 2009, when he reportedly invested $50,000 to return it to roadworthy condition. Its next owner commenced a careful restoration to its original factory specifications that included reapplying the correct Nero paint. With an odometer reading of just 15,775 miles, this outstanding Daytona retains the original and remarkably fresh factory-installed interior featuring black Daytona seats with red and black inserts and red carpeting. While properly serviced and detailed, the engine and transmission have never been removed from the car, which also features factory air conditioning, power windows, Becker Mexico AM/FM/ Cassette radio and Cromodora wheels. This fabulous Ferrari Daytona is fully documented with an in-depth Marcel Massini report, the original owner’s manuals, complete tool case and leather roll, factory jack, a very rare wiping cloth and ownership and service history, along with Ferrari Classiche Red Book Certification documenting the original drivetrain.
