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The Ultimate Daytona
1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Independent Competizione

When the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona made its debut in 1968, privateer racers immediately saw its potential and expressed interest in a competition version of the beautiful V12-powered machine. The Italian automaker reacted swiftly by releasing 15 factory-built examples of the Daytona Competizione in three series, while some took matters into their own hands — ten standard examples were also modified by privateers. These 25 vehicles left their mark on motorsports history, achieving great results in races back in the 1970s such as the Tour de France, Le Mans, and of course the 24 Hours of Daytona. However, one particular Competizione was seen as the most powerful and advanced in terms of its engineering. Decades later, this Ferrari Classiche-certified Daytona Competizione has long retired from its racing past and is now waiting for a new owner.

Chassis no. 14065 was built as a standard steel-bodied example and was delivered to the US in March of 1971. It ended up in the hands of famed dealer Kirk F. White, who invited Holman-Moody to prepare the car to enter into the 12 Hours of Sebring that following year. Plenty of upgrades were added during this time, including a 450hp Traco-engineered race-prepared engine block, an aluminium radiator, wider wheels with Ford GT40 Mk IV brakes, a roll bar, and competition instrument cluster. The bodywork was also modified with additional aluminium flared wheel arches, a front spoiler and the removal of both front and rear bumpers.

Dressed in a blue “Marathon Oil” livery, the Daytona Competizione was driven by David Hobbs and Skip Scott at the 1972 12-Hours of Sebring. Unfortunately, the factory bolts sheared off from the driveshaft causing the engine to fail during the 53rd lap. Despite not finishing the race, it still made one hell of an impression and was regarded as being the fastest of its kind.

The 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Independent Competizione will be available in the RM Sotheby’s SHIFT/Monterey online auction taking place next week. Watch the video below to see this stunning racing machine in action.