Among the grand touring icons produced in Maranello, the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona occupies a unique place. Introduced at the end of the 1960s, the model embodied Ferrari’s vision of the ultimate front-engined V12 grand tourer — a car capable of extraordinary speed while retaining the elegance and composure expected of the brand. Long, sculptural lines, a powerful naturally aspirated engine and unmistakable Italian design quickly elevated the Daytona to legendary status among collectors and enthusiasts.

More than half a century later, the model remains one of the most admired Ferraris of its generation. Early versions are particularly coveted, especially those featuring the distinctive Plexiglas front fascia, an element that defined the first production examples of the Daytona. The car presented here — a 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona “Plexiglas” finished in yellow with a green interior — captures the character of this remarkable era of automotive design.

With just 6,825 kilometers recorded, this example stands as a beautifully preserved representation of Ferrari’s golden age of V12 grand tourers.

A Distinctive Early Daytona

The term “Plexiglas Daytona” refers to the transparent panel integrated into the nose of early production cars. Beneath this clear cover sit four headlamps, creating a clean, uninterrupted front design that differs from later versions equipped with pop-up headlights.

This detail is more than a stylistic flourish. It represents the original visual concept developed for the model and is now considered one of the defining features of the earliest Daytonas. As regulations evolved during the early 1970s, Ferrari adopted retractable headlights for later cars, making the Plexiglas configuration comparatively rare.

Because of this, collectors often view these early examples as the most faithful expression of the model’s original design language. The smooth, glass-covered front end gives the car a futuristic appearance that still feels striking today.

Ferrari’s Ultimate Front-Engine V12 Grand Tourer

When the 365 GTB/4 debuted in 1968, Ferrari was refining its formula for the high-performance luxury coupe. The car was conceived as a long-distance grand tourer capable of immense speed while remaining comfortable enough for extended journeys across Europe.

At its heart lies Ferrari’s celebrated front-mounted V12 engine, a powerplant that defined the brand’s most prestigious models of the period. The layout created the Daytona’s signature proportions: a long bonnet stretching forward from the cockpit and a rearward-positioned cabin that emphasizes the car’s performance-oriented stance.

During its time, the Daytona was among the fastest road cars available, capable of speeds approaching 280 km/h. Yet despite its formidable performance, the model was designed with grand touring in mind — a car equally suited to Alpine passes, Mediterranean coastal roads, or long continental journeys.

Historically, the Daytona also marked the closing chapter of Ferrari’s traditional front-engined V12 berlinettas before the company moved toward mid-engine flagships in the 1970s. As such, it represents the culmination of an era in Ferrari design.

Design by Pininfarina: Precision and Presence

Few classic Ferraris possess a silhouette as instantly recognizable as the Daytona. The bodywork was developed by Pininfarina, with Leonardo Fioravanti responsible for shaping its distinctive profile.

Compared with earlier Ferrari grand tourers, the Daytona introduced a more modern, angular design language. The long bonnet flows into a sharply defined nose, while the roofline tapers elegantly toward a muscular rear section. Subtle aerodynamic details — including carefully sculpted air vents and a clean, uncluttered rear — reinforce the car’s purposeful appearance.

The Plexiglas nose enhances this visual purity. By concealing the headlights beneath a transparent panel, the design achieves a smooth front surface that contributes to the car’s futuristic character.

Inside, the Daytona continues the theme of driver-focused craftsmanship. The cockpit centers around a classic Ferrari instrument layout, with gauges arranged for clarity and a traditional gated manual gearbox positioned prominently in the center console.

This particular example’s yellow exterior paired with a green interior reflects the expressive combinations favored by many Ferrari buyers during the early 1970s. The contrast highlights the car’s individuality while remaining true to the spirit of the era.

A Classic Ferrari with Enduring Appeal

Over time, the Daytona has evolved from a high-performance grand tourer into one of the most respected collector cars in Ferrari’s history. Its combination of elegant design, mechanical purity and historical importance ensures its enduring relevance within the world of classic automobiles.

Early Plexiglas-nose examples occupy a particularly desirable niche, admired for their rarity and for representing the model’s original aesthetic vision. For collectors seeking an authentic Ferrari V12 from the marque’s classic period, these cars offer an experience that modern machines cannot easily replicate.

The example presented here — with exceptionally low mileage and distinctive color configuration — represents a compelling opportunity to acquire a landmark Ferrari from one of the most celebrated periods in automotive design.

More than simply a classic sports car, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona stands as a symbol of Ferrari’s mastery of the grand touring tradition.

Vehicle Details

Model: Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona “Plexiglas”
Year: 12/1970
Mileage: 6,825 km
Specification / Configuration: Yellow exterior, green interior, early Plexiglas front design
Location: Switzerland