Debuted in 1968, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona succeeded the 275 GTB/4 as the new top-of-the-line Ferrari gran turismo, and proved to be the company’s last front-engine, two-seat V-12 berlinetta designed before Fiat's takeover of road-car production. Although its chassis was similar to its predecessor, the 365 GTB/4 differed dramatically in its bold, modern styling, penned by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti. Power came from a 4.4-liter four-cam, six-carb V-12, which produced 352 bhp at 7,500 rpm. Capable of accelerating from 0–100 in 12.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 174 mph, the Daytona was the fastest production car of its day.

An original US-market car, 14635 was built in October 1971, finished in a striking color called Rame Metallizzato (Copper Metallic). Outfitted with beige leather upholstery, Borletti air-conditioning, Cromodora wheels, and a Voxson radio, the Ferrari was delivered new to Dr. Raymond Records, Professor and Chairman of the Ophthalmology Department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. The Ferrari remained in his care until 1976, when it was sold to Dr. Cordell Bahn, a collector living in Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Bahn enjoyed the Daytona for almost two decades, drove it approximately 10,000 miles, and had Italian car specialist Alfa of Tacoma maintain it.

Ferrari of Beverly Hills acquired the Daytona in 1994 and, the following year, commissioned a cosmetic restoration that included a bare metal repaint in black and a set of new Borrani wire wheels. The Ferrari then traded among a few owners in California and Washington State before being acquired by the current caretaker, a life-long Ferrari enthusiast, in 2011. During his ownership, the Daytona has been exercised regularly and shown on rare occasions. Today, it presents well in all respects, with a lovely original interior and showing just over 56,000 miles on the odometer. Not only is the Ferrari offered with books, tools, and a spare set of Cromodora wheels, the accompanying history file is most impressive, as it contains records dating back to 1972, including the original Ferrari delivery papers, Italian libretto, shipping records, and a service invoice from Luigi Chinetti Motors.

Fast, beautiful, and rare, the iconic Ferrari Daytona is the very definition of a thoroughbred Italian sports car. The handsome berlinetta presented here is a particularly appealing example, worthy of serious consideration.