1970 Ferrari 365 GTB-4 Competizione Daytona – Auto Zürich Classic Car Show 2021
By 1970, Ferrari had already withdrawn its factory prototype program from endurance racing, but the Daytona returned the marque to international GT competition. The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione transformed a front-engined road car into a lightweight endurance racer capable of over 280 km/h. It became one of the most successful GT Ferraris of the early 1970s.
Technical Details:
The 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione was based on the production 365 GTB/4 but extensively modified for racing. Power came from a front-mounted 4,390 cc Colombo V12 with a 60-degree configuration, double overhead camshafts per bank, and six Weber carburetors. In Competizione specification, output rose to approximately 400 horsepower, depending on development stage and tuning.
The engine was mounted longitudinally at the front, driving the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transaxle mounted at the rear for improved weight distribution. This rear-mounted gearbox-differential unit, also used in the road-going Daytona, contributed to near 50:50 weight balance.
The chassis retained a tubular steel structure but was significantly lightened. Aluminum body panels replaced steel in key areas, and later competition versions incorporated fiberglass components to further reduce weight. Independent suspension with wishbones and coil springs was used at all four corners, paired with ventilated disc brakes. Weight was reduced to approximately 1,200 kg or less, depending on specification, enabling a top speed exceeding 280 km/h on long straights such as those at Le Mans.
- Manufacturer: Ferrari
- Model Name: Ferrari 365 GTB-4 Competizione
- Year of Manufacturing: 1970
Design:
Visually, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione closely resembled the standard Daytona but incorporated distinct racing modifications. The body was designed by Pininfarina and executed for racing by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, with widened wheel arches accommodating larger racing tires and flared fenders enhancing track width.
The long hood and fastback rear profile were retained, preserving the Daytona’s aerodynamic identity. Additional air intakes, lightweight window materials, and simplified lighting systems reflected the car’s competition focus. Depending on series and year, details such as plexiglass covers and external fuel fillers differentiated racing versions from road cars.
Inside, the cabin was stripped of luxury features. Racing seats, a roll cage, fire suppression equipment, and simplified instrumentation replaced the leather-trimmed interior of the road-going GTB/4. The result was a purpose-built endurance racer with unmistakable Daytona lineage.
Historical Significance:
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione emerged during a transitional period in Ferrari’s racing history. After Ferrari reduced its official involvement in prototype endurance racing, private teams and semi-works efforts took on a greater role in GT categories.
The Competizione version of the Daytona was developed in limited numbers, with three principal series produced between 1970 and 1973. The first series, introduced in 1970, featured aluminum bodywork and approximately 400 horsepower. Subsequent evolutions included lighter construction and incremental aerodynamic and mechanical improvements.
The 365 GTB/4 Competizione achieved notable success in endurance racing. It secured class victories at events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the early 1970s, particularly in the GT category. These achievements reinforced Ferrari’s reputation for durability and high-speed performance in production-based racing classes.
Although mid-engined Ferraris such as the 512 BB would later define the brand’s direction, the Daytona Competizione represented the final major front-engined V12 Ferrari to achieve significant international GT racing success.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The “Daytona” name, although never officially used by Ferrari in model designation, became widely adopted following Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona. The 365 GTB/4 inherited this nickname, and the Competizione versions carried it into endurance racing legend.
Unlike the road-going Daytona famously associated with 1970s pop culture appearances, including television roles, the Competizione was rarely seen outside racetracks. Its legacy lies primarily in motorsport history rather than mainstream media.
Enthusiasts often highlight the contrast between its front-engine layout and the emerging dominance of mid-engined race cars. The Competizione’s performance demonstrated that a well-developed front-engined GT could still compete effectively at the highest level in endurance racing.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Auto Zürich Classic Car Show in 2021. As part of the broader Auto Zürich Car Show, the Classic section has grown into a key attraction for lovers of historic vehicles in Switzerland. In 2021, the event took place at Messe Zürich and featured a dedicated hall showcasing a curated selection of vintage automobiles, spanning from pre-war icons to youngtimers. The atmosphere combined elegance with accessibility, allowing visitors to admire rare collector cars alongside enthusiast vehicles. Special displays highlighted Swiss automotive heritage and featured club presentations and dealer exhibits.
Conclusion:
The 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Competizione represents the racing culmination of the Daytona lineage. Technically defined by its 4.4-liter Colombo V12, rear-mounted transaxle, lightweight construction, and independent suspension, it combined road-car origins with serious endurance racing capability. Its design preserved Pininfarina’s elegant fastback form while integrating purposeful competition modifications. Historically, it secured Ferrari’s presence in GT racing during the early 1970s and stands as one of the last great front-engined V12 Ferraris to achieve international endurance success.
