Engine No. B 1566

The 275 GTB/4's successor, the famed 365 GTB/4 Daytona, would admirably continue the traditional layout of Gran Turismos from Maranello, consisting of a front-mounted V12 engine and a five-speed transaxle joined by a rigid drive shaft tube. A 4.4-liter unit retaining the architecture of the preceding four-cam engine was selected, but with all new components and a longer block in order to accommodate the increase in displacement. With a compression ratio of 9.3:1 and six Weber 40 DCN20 carburetors, power was rated at 352 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque. The result was the world's fastest production car at the time of its launch in 1968, capable of a 174 mph top speed. Road & Track perhaps best summarized the benefits of the traditional Ferrari GT layout in their road test of the car writing, “The fastest, and best, GT is not necessarily the most exotic.”

However, the 365 GTB/4 was not without its innovations, clothed in a wedge-nosed body designed by Pininfarina and hand-formed by the Modenese firm Scaglietti. It retained the same general balance of its predecessor with its expansive hood and truncated Kamm tail, but with numerous sharp edges gracing the front fenders and angular front end. A distinctive, full-width Plexiglas cover initially wrapped around into the sidelamp/indicator assemblies and encased the twin headlamps which were later replaced by retractable units in 1971 to comply with U.S. regulations. Nevertheless, the stunning Fioravanti-penned wedge nose was unaltered for the remainder of production and would influence the next quarter century of sports car design.

This 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, chassis number 15053, is a compelling example of Maranello's iconic front-engine grand tourer. Delivered new to Germany, it retains its first German title, confirming its matching-numbers engine (B 1566). The car's provenance is further bolstered by its long-term ownership under a prominent Ferrari dealer, as well as an appearance on the cover of Ferrari World Magazine in the 1990s. Originally finished in the rare and distinctive hue of Verde Bahram, the Daytona was reportedly refinished in its present dark blue exterior in 2003, while still maintaining its original Beige leather interior. This blend of preserved originality and usability present in chassis number 15053 is increasingly rare in the market for these legendary Pininfarina-designed GT cars, making it a particularly attractive proposition for the devoted Ferrari collector. The Berlinetta is accompanied by its original owner's manual in its leather folio, as well as its complete tool roll and jack kit.