STORY OF THE DAY: A Veteran Daytona Finishes Fifth at Daytona

On 6 February 1977, Paul Newman, Milt Minter and Forbes Robinson finished fifth in the 24 Hours of Daytona with the number 64 Ferrari 365 GTB/4. They also secured third in the GT category, giving the ageing front-engined Ferrari an exceptional result against substantially newer machinery.

The performance was built on clean running, professional preparation and patient progress through attrition. Introduced nearly a decade earlier, the Daytona could no longer rely on outright speed alone. Its experienced crew instead exploited durability and avoided the delays that removed many faster competitors.

The competition 365 GTB/4 combined a front-mounted 4.4-litre Colombo V12 with a rear transaxle in a tubular chassis. Its long closed body delivered strong high-speed efficiency, while years of endurance development had produced a robust package. By 1977, proven reliability was its greatest competitive asset.

Newman was an American actor who became a committed and successful racing driver. Minter was a respected professional with extensive sports-car experience, while Robinson developed into an accomplished endurance and Trans-Am competitor. Their balanced combination of pace and discipline brought the veteran Ferrari its notable fifth place.