Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 15581
Engine No. B 1994
Transmission No. 953
In the late 1960s, Ferrari faced a difficult decision when
developing its next flagship model. Go with the prevailing
mid-engine layout which had captivated audiences at the 1965 Turin
Motor Show with the introduction of Lamborghini's P400 Miura, and
was dominating the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the form of the Ford
GT40? Or stay true to the tried and tested front-engine V12
platform that Ferrari customers had come to expect from Maranello?
The former would ultimately take shape as the wonderful 365 GT4 BB,
but not before Ferrari delivered the ultimate love letter to the
front-mounted Colombo V12: the 365 GTB/4 "Daytona."
The first prototype of the Daytona emerged in 1967 - the same year
as the Prancing Horse's 1-2-3 victory in the 24 Hours of Daytona
from which it would eventually earn its unofficial title.
Production versions drew styling cues from the outgoing 275 GTB/4,
blending its graceful side profile with a striking, sharp-edged
front nose treatment which would come to define the wedge-shaped
styling of the 1970s. The engine, internally known as the "Tipo
251," was a longer-block derivation of the 275 GTB/4's V12 with a
bore and stroke of 81 mm x 71 mm to 4,390 cc, and would be the only
365 engine to feature dry-sump lubrication. U.S. market versions
pumped out a healthy 352 horsepower and 318 lb-ft of torque at
5,500 rpm, delivered to the rear wheels via a five-speed transaxle
mounted similarly to that of its predecessor. Enzo Ferrari's
decision to develop a swan song for his fabulous line of V12
front-engine sports cars was one rewarded by the motoring press,
with Road & Track writing, "Ferrari, who has built so many racing
mid-engines, has stayed away from that layout for his fastest road
car, perhaps wisely so if his aim is to build the greatest
all-round blend of speed, handling, and refinement. For the 365
GTB/4 is that."
This particular 365 GTB/4 Daytona, chassis number 15581, was
completed on 2 October 1972 as a left-hand drive U.S. market
example. As such, it was specified from the factory with
instrumentation in miles as well as a full complement of optional
equipment including power windows, AM/FM cassette stereo, and air
conditioning. According to research by Ferrari historian Marcel
Massini, chassis 15581 was delivered new through Casino mogul and
official Ferrari importer William "Bill" Harrah's Modern Classic
Motors in Reno, Nevada, finished in Rosso Chiaro over Nero Connolly
leather. In 1973, the Daytona was sold to its original owner
William Doty, an architect residing in Palm Springs, California,
who would later advertise the car for sale in 1976 with
approximately 24,000 miles. The Daytona was purchased directly from
Doty that same year by Los Angeles Superior Court judge and
passionate collector of important sports and racing cars, Joseph
"Joe" E. DiLoreto. Massini's research indicates that chassis number
15581 remained in Judge DiLoreto's stable along with his
championship-winning, ex-Derek Bell and Henri Pescarolo 1974
Alfa-Romeo Tipo 33 TT 12 for the next several decades, with Ferrari
Owners Club USA membership rosters listing DiLoreto as the owner
from 1977. While in his care, the Ferrari was diligently maintained
by DiLoreto's skilled in-house mechanic as well as noted Ferrari
specialist Norbert Hofer of Gran Touring Classics in Long Beach,
California, who conducted a recommissioning of the engine in the
early 2000s. On 11 April 2017, the car was issued Ferrari Classiche
"Red Book" certifying that the engine, transaxle, chassis, and body
numbers are recognized by Ferrari to match factory records.
Following Judge DiLoreto's passing in February 2021, the Daytona
was retained by the DiLoreto estate and is now being offered for
sale for the first time in 48 years.
Chassis number 15581 is presented as a cherished example of the
breed, displaying just over 40,000 miles at the time of cataloging,
which is believed by the DiLoreto family to be the original
mileage. Refinished in classic Rosso Corsa in the early 2000s
courtesy of David Cardona in Downey, California, its
Pininfarina-penned exterior is complemented by gleaming brightwork
and five-spoke Cromodora magnesium-alloy wheels secured with chrome
knock-off hubs. Inside, an elegant wood-rimmed steering wheel
frames the instrument binnacle, which is trimmed with correct
factory-style black "mouse fur" material. Supple Nero leather
covers the door panels, center console, and bucket seats with
contrasting red leather seat inserts - trimmed in 2017 by Collins
Auto Trim in Downey. Offered with its all-important Ferrari
Classiche-issued Red Book, this 365 GTB/4 Daytona emerges from the
esteemed collection of only its second owner, presenting an
enticing opportunity to acquire and drive the definitive
front-engined V12 Ferrari Berlinetta.
