To replace the long-running 250 GT series of cars, in 1964 Enzo Ferrari introduced his latest Berlinetta coupe, the 275 GTB as a direct replacement for the 250 GT Lusso. The V12 engine now had a displacement of 3,285cc and all round independent suspension was used for the first time on a touring Ferrari, with a new five-speed transaxle gearbox which provided better weight distribution. By 1966 the first touring Ferrari to be powered by a four overhead camshaft engine was introduced, the 275 GTB/4, the engine being derived from the 275 and 330 P2 prototypes of the 1965 racing season. Even as this engine was being conceived Ferrari was thinking ahead - his plans were to build an even larger four-cam engine encased in a more purposeful Berlinetta coupe body. The prototype first appeared in 1967 and the new 365 GTB/4 was launched at the 1968 Paris Salon. The car was an immediate success, and the press adopted the nickname 'Daytona' for this new Ferrari in honour of the marque's outright victory in the American 24-Hour race.
Pininfarina had created a classical design which continued the traditional lines of the previous Berlinettas but was more aggressive and functional. The two-door, two-seater interior with its full set of instruments had a large glass area and a roof line that harmoniously joined the rear wings and tail. To offset this elegant Berlinetta shape new five-spoke alloy wheels were fitted which were inherited from the Formula 1 race cars, although Borrani wire-spoke wheels were available as an option. The Daytona was the most 'macho' of all Ferraris, the last of the great front-engined Berlinettas which became an instant collector's classic even before production ceased
