1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

By on in Ferrari July 1999 issue
One of Ferrari’s most popular models debuted at the Paris Salon in 1968, soon acquiring the “Daytona” nickname. Pininfarina designed the fastback coupe, but the body was built by Scaglietti. Layout and chassis were essentially that of the former 275 GTB, but power came from the new twin-cam 4390cc V12 with six Weber carburetors that produced 352 horsepower. This made the Daytona the fastest production car in the world, capable of hitting 174 mph. It could run the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds and could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Even though the Daytona was ranked as Ferrari’s most costly production model up to that time, there were still more than 1,400 coupes produced over the full model run between 1968 and 1974. With four-wheel independent suspension, four wheel disc brakes and a five-speed transmission, this was truly the state-of-the-art super car of its time. The model offered here is the last year of the Daytona Coupe and was in original paint until 1998. The engine< has been rebuilt by Fioranos Motorsports of Toronto. This car placed first in the Elkhart Lake Ferrari Nationals in 1991 and third at the Michigan Ferrari Nationals the following year. It is equipped with air conditioning, factory Borranis and power windows.

SCM Analysis

Detailing

Vehicle:1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
Years Produced:1968-1973
Number Produced:1,273
Original List Price:$24,000
SCM Valuation:$105,000-$130,000
Tune Up Cost:$2,000-$3,000
Distributor Caps:$200 two required
Chassis Number Location:Stamped on frame near RF upper wish-bone anchorage & on steering column
Engine Number Location:Right side of block near the flywheel face
Club Info:Ferrari Owners Club, 8642 Cleta Street; Downey, CA 90241. 562/861-6992
Website:http://FerrariOwnersClub.org
Alternatives:Maserati Ghibli SS, Bizzarrini Strada

The car described here sold for $106,700, including commissions, at the RM Amelia Island auction held March 20th, 1999. The Ferrari Daytona is one of those cars that can evoke a love-hate relationship. On one hand, they are a high-effort, trucklike Italian GT car with the pedals a little too close and the steering wheel a little too far away. Conversely, they are the last, big-cubic-inch, front-engine Ferraris with a specification that melded the heart of the Superamerica or Superfast with the late ‘60s technology of ventilated discs, electronic ignition and a transaxle. A good one is an unforgettable, visceral experience. Daytonas are not cheap to restore, even by Ferrari standards, and the level of restoration and rebuilding will be your first step when evaluating one of these cars. A recent respray and two good placings at Ferrari National meets are a good indication that this is a standup car.

Was $106,700 a good price? I’ll quote SCM expert and vocal Daytona proponent Mike Sheehan on current Daytona values: “At the bottom in 1995, average cars were just under $100,000 and today have bounced back to an actual selling price of about $115,000 and are slowly climbing in price. While I doubt that Daytonas will again be $500,000, there is a good chance that average cars will appreciate beyond the selling price of $115,000, and great cars are already bringing $150,000.”

At just $1,700 above the bottom of the SCM Price Guide, this Daytona appears well-bought and, if Sheehan is right, might make the buyer a few dollars not too far down the road.

—Michael Duffey

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