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

Not all of the Daytona’s achievements were entirely on-track and legal, however. One of its most famous clandestine speed runs was the high-speed charge by Dan Gurney and Brock Yates, who won the inaugural edition of the infamous New York-to-Los Angeles Cannonball Baker Sea-to-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash with Kirk F. White’s blue 365 GTB/4. The Daytona was truly an important production model for Ferrari, with marque experts citing 1,383 examples produced from 1968 to 1974, plus 121 factory-built, open-air spiders. Marking the end of a glorious era, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona was Ferrari’s last front-engine, V-12, two-seater road car until the mid-1990s.

This 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, chassis 16937, was factory-equipped with air-conditioning and delivered new through Modern Classic Motors, the Reno, Nevada-based dealership of West Coast Ferrari importer/ distributor, casino magnate, and automotive luminary Bill Harrah. While its subsequent history remains unknown until the 1990s, receipts confirm that 16937 was owned by John Shirley of San Francisco, registered on the personalized plates “LOOSE,” and showing about 51,000 miles. During his tenure, the Daytona received a high level of professional care, maintenance, and service, addressing any cosmetic, functional, or mechanical issues requiring attention.

In 2005, the Daytona was acquired by Gerald Mehner of Annandale, New Jersey, who followed in Mr. Shirley’s footsteps with further service and maintenance of the Daytona, ensuring its outstanding appearance and operating order. Nearly 100 pages of detailed invoices on file confirm the work performed on the Daytona under both owners. In the hands of the consignor, the Daytona has continued to receive expert care and attention to detail, and had accumulated 61,072 miles at the time of cataloguing. In addition to a tool roll and roadside jack, this handsomely presented and exceptionally well cared-for 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona is accompanied by books, owner’s manuals, and a wealth of service records. A wonderful Daytona to drive and enjoy, its next caretaker can look forward to many exhilarating miles.