It was only a matter of time before we’d see the all-new Ferrari 12Cilindri alongside the legendary 365 Daytona, and seeing them together is nothing short of stunning. What makes this moment even more special? The Daytona in question isn’t just any 365 GTB/4 - it’s the ultra-rare 365 GTS/4.
One of the most iconic design cues that the 12Cilindri borrows from the Daytona is the front partition between the headlights, which can be spec’d in either carbon fiber or gloss black. The color combination here is also worth noting - the 12Cilindri wears a deep, dark green, while the Daytona Spider stuns in a light yellow, making for a breathtaking contrast between past and present.
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The legacy of the Daytona Spider
The open-top 365 GTS/4 made its debut at the 1969 IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, where it captivated audiences. Mechanically, it was identical to its coupe counterpart, but its exclusivity set it apart. The Daytona Spider was the rightful successor to the 365 California, which, despite its high price, found great success - especially in the U.S., where it remains a cult classic today.
Due to its rarity, many standard Berlinettas had their roofs removed to create unofficial Spider conversions. This trend became especially popular in the late 1980s when original Daytona Spiders started skyrocketing in value. Ferrari built both variants until 1973, which, by the brand’s standards at the time, was a relatively long production run. In total, Ferrari produced 1,284 Berlinettas and just 122 Spiders, all with chassis numbers ranging from 14365 to 17073.
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Unique one-offs and special variants
One particularly interesting one-off was showcased at the 1969 Paris Motor Show - a unique "Speciale" coupe built by Pininfarina (chassis #12925). This model featured a steel roll bar, a retractable rear window, and a fixed roof panel. Its extended rear section and wraparound bumper elements set it apart visually. In addition to this, several other special-bodied Daytonas were built using existing models, often under the direction of NART founder Luigi Chinetti and his son, Luigi Chinetti Jr.
The Daytona’s chassis & engineering
Underneath its sleek body, the Daytona was built on a chassis with a 2,400 mm wheelbase, designated "605" by Ferrari. These cars were constructed using the same techniques as other Ferrari models of the era - featuring large oval main tubes, cross bracing, and mounting points for auxiliary components. Both left- and right-hand drive configurations were available. The standard five-spoke star wheels came with a central spinner, though U.S.-spec models had a larger center hub due to legal requirements. For those seeking an extra touch of classic style, Borrani wire wheels were offered as an optional upgrade.
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The legendary V12
Powering the Daytona Spider was the same 4.4-liter V12 as found in the Berlinetta. Codenamed "251," this engine featured a 4,390 cc displacement with an 81 mm bore and 71 mm stroke, paired with dry sump lubrication. Six Weber 40 DCN20 or DCN21 carburetors fed the engine, producing 352 PS. U.S.-market models carried the "A" designation and came with an electronic ignition system mounted behind the engine, as well as additional emissions control devices - including an idle speed adjuster and an exhaust manifold air intake system.
A flywheel clutch transferred power to the rear wheels via a 5-speed transaxle gearbox, similar to the one used in the earlier 275 GTB/4. Power was sent to the rear through an independent suspension setup featuring wishbones, coil springs, and hydraulic dampers - ensuring a perfect balance of performance and comfort.
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A worthy successor
Seeing the Ferrari 12Cilindri next to its spiritual predecessor, the 365 Daytona, makes for a truly special moment. While the 12Cilindri pushes Ferrari’s V12 grand tourer lineage into the future, it still carries distinct nods to one of the brand’s most legendary models. Whether it’s the front partition, the timeless proportions, or the shared passion for V12 power, this pairing feels like the perfect bridge between past and present.
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