The Ferrari Daytona - best car in the world?

Oooh, we’ve been itching to write about this one… And it’s one of our director’s favourite cars so there’s no way we could leave it out! The Ferrari Daytona 365, commonly known as the Daytona, surely stands as the ultimate testament to Italian engineering and design. Its origins, groundbreaking features and, of course, its memorable appearance in the TV series Miami Vice, have cemented its status as a true legend. Let’s have a delve into the rich history of this ultimate classic car and its lasting legacy.

Unveiled to the world at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon, the two-seater Daytona was introduced as the successor to the 275 GTB/4. Designed by Pininfarina and almost entirely built by Scaglietti, the Daytona's sharper lines marked a departure from the rounded contours of its predecessors. The car came in two variants: the 365 GTB/4 coupe, and the 365 GTS/4 convertible. The model's official designation reflects its engine configuration - a 4.4 litre V12 engine with a displacement of 365 cc per cylinder. This powerful engine produced 352 horsepower, allowing the Daytona to achieve a top speed of 174 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time.

The Daytona featured a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and its performance was further enhanced by the five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel independent suspension. These technical specifications not only provided amazing speed but also gave a balanced and responsive driving experience. The Daytona's design was characterised by its sharp nose, covered headlamps (later models had exposed lights though, due to regulatory changes) and a long, sweeping bonnet. The inside was equally luxurious, featuring high-quality materials, a driver-focused dashboard and comfortable leather seats.

One of the notable design elements of the Daytona is its aerodynamic profile, which was meticulously crafted to reduce drag and improve high-speed stability. The car's lightweight aluminium body panels and Borrani wire wheels added to its curb appeal.

While the Daytona was already celebrated amongst car lovers, its role in Miami Vice in the 1980s catapulted it to global fame. In the TV show, the character Detective Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, drove a 1972 black Ferrari Daytona Spyder 365 GTS/4. The sleek, stylish vehicle perfectly matched the glamour of Miami's vice-ridden underworld. For your viewing pleasure, here's the car in action from the iconic driving scene.

However, it's interesting to note that the car used in the series was not an actual Daytona but a replica built on a Chevrolet Corvette chassis. The replica was created by McBurnie Coachcraft to achieve the iconic look at a fraction of the cost. Despite this, the car's presence in the show left a lasting impression. In 1986, Ferrari North America filed a lawsuit to stop the use of replicas in the series, leading to a shift in later seasons where Crockett drove a genuine Ferrari Testarossa instead.

The Daytona was in production until 1973, after which it was superseded by the Berlinetta Boxer. Today, the car is highly sought after by collectors. The agreement on numbers seems to vary, but it’s generally thought that 1,406 were made across the production period. Its blend of classic design, heritage and cultural significance ensures plenty of continued admiration to this day, however. Original models, especially those in pristine condition, reach huge prices at auctions, reflecting their rarity and desirability.

In all… we think you’ll agree - what an absolute beauty of a classic car.