The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is not merely a car — it is a bold salute to Ferrari’s golden era of racing. Inspired by the brand’s dominance at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, where Ferrari secured a historic 1-2-3 victory, this masterpiece celebrates the passion, power, and perfection that define Italy’s most iconic marque.
Unveiled in 2021 as part of Ferrari’s Icona series, the Daytona SP3 joins the exclusive ranks of the Monza SP1 and SP2, blending classic Ferrari styling cues with 21st-century engineering. It’s a car designed for collectors, enthusiasts, and purists who understand that Ferrari is not just about speed — it’s about emotion.
Design: Sculpted by the Wind, Inspired by History
The Daytona SP3’s design is a poetic balance between heritage and innovation. Ferrari’s designers, led by Flavio Manzoni, looked back at the brand’s most beautiful race cars — the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412P — to create something timeless yet futuristic.
The result? A car that looks alive even when standing still.
Exterior Elegance and Aerodynamics
The bodywork is made entirely of carbon fiber, reducing weight while maintaining rigidity. The sculpted lines, flowing fenders, and dramatic rear haunches evoke the sensual curves of 1960s endurance racers.
The low-slung nose and wraparound windshield create a seamless visual flow, while the butterfly doors open upward to reveal the stunning interior.
At the rear, horizontal blade-style fins stretch across the car’s width, giving it a dramatic and instantly recognizable silhouette. Ferrari calls this design “retro-futurism” — and it’s easy to see why. It’s a love letter to the past, written in the language of tomorrow.
Interior: Racing Soul Meets Italian Luxury
Inside the Daytona SP3, Ferrari has redefined minimalism. The cabin is driver-focused, drawing inspiration from classic race cars where function dictated form.
Every surface, from the dashboard to the seats, is trimmed in the finest Alcantara and carbon fiber. The seats are integrated directly into the chassis, offering a pure connection between driver and machine — just like in a Formula 1 car.
The steering wheel features Ferrari’s latest Human-Machine Interface (HMI) system, allowing the driver to control 80% of the car’s functions without taking hands off the wheel. It’s futuristic yet deeply analog in feel — every button, paddle, and switch feels sculpted with precision.
The interior is tight, purposeful, and elegant — a space where luxury and performance coexist in perfect harmony.
Performance: Naturally Aspirated Power, Pure Emotion
Under the sculpted rear deck lies a heart that beats with pure Ferrari soul — a 6.5-liter V12 engine derived from the 812 Competizione, codenamed F140HC.
This powerhouse produces an astonishing 840 horsepower and 697 Nm (514 lb-ft) of torque, making it the most powerful internal combustion engine ever fitted to a road-going Ferrari.
The Daytona SP3 accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in just 2.85 seconds, and from 0–200 km/h in 7.4 seconds. Top speed? Over 340 km/h (211 mph) — a number that puts it among the fastest naturally aspirated cars in history.
But numbers alone can’t describe the experience. The V12 doesn’t just move the car; it sings — an orchestral crescendo of mechanical beauty that reminds you why Ferrari will always remain the heartbeat of motorsport passion.
Chassis and Handling: Track DNA on Every Road
The Daytona SP3’s chassis is built entirely from Formula 1-grade carbon fiber and Kevlar, ensuring a weight of just 1,485 kg (3,270 lbs) — impressively light for a V12 supercar.
Ferrari engineers focused on achieving aerodynamic efficiency without active elements, meaning there are no movable wings or flaps. Instead, the car relies on its sculpted surfaces to channel air perfectly.
The result? 230 kg of downforce at 200 km/h — with zero compromise in drag.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts in milliseconds, while Ferrari’s Side Slip Control (SSC 6.1) and E-Diff 3 systems ensure precision handling in every corner.
The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires were specially developed for the SP3, offering uncompromising grip and feedback. On the road or track, it’s perfectly balanced — a true driver’s car that rewards skill and passion.
Aerodynamics: Beauty That Breathes Performance
Aerodynamics play a silent yet vital role in the Daytona SP3’s performance. The car’s design is a masterclass in functional sculpture.
The front splitter channels air beneath the chassis, while the rear diffuser and engine cover vents work together to manage temperature and stability.
Ferrari engineers created a “passive aerodynamic” system — meaning it doesn’t rely on active components but instead uses geometry to create pressure differentials.
This approach keeps the car’s lines clean, maintaining visual purity while enhancing performance. It’s proof that form and function can indeed coexist beautifully.
The Driving Experience: Beyond Speed, It’s Emotion
Driving the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is not just exhilarating — it’s spiritual. The combination of a screaming V12, lightning-fast transmission, and razor-sharp steering delivers a level of engagement that no hybrid or turbocharged supercar can replicate.
There’s no electric assist, no compromise — just raw, mechanical perfection. Every shift, every rev, every corner feels alive.
The steering feedback is perfectly weighted, and the sound of the V12 echoing behind your head creates a connection that feels almost human. It’s not a car you simply drive — it’s a car you bond with.
Price and Exclusivity: The Collector’s Dream
Only 599 units of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 will ever exist — all meticulously hand-built in Maranello.
The base price starts at €2 million (approximately $2.2 million USD), but since every car is customizable through Ferrari’s Tailor Made program, most buyers spend significantly more to create a truly bespoke masterpiece.
Each SP3 is a statement of art, performance, and individuality — reserved for Ferrari’s most loyal and prestigious clients.
Bespoke Personalization: Tailor Made Perfection
Through the Ferrari Tailor Made division, owners can personalize every inch of their Daytona SP3 — from unique exterior colors inspired by historic Ferrari race cars to custom interior finishes.
Clients can even integrate personal logos, handcrafted embroidery, and custom stitching, making each Daytona SP3 a one-of-one creation.
No two will ever be identical — just as no two Ferrari owners are alike.
Legacy and Significance: A Bridge Between Past and Future
The Daytona SP3 is more than a car — it’s Ferrari’s declaration of faith in the internal combustion engine during an age of electrification.
While the automotive world shifts toward hybrids and EVs, Ferrari reminds us that true performance comes from emotion, sound, and purity.
It stands as a modern classic — a piece of art that will only grow in historical and collectible value with time.
Specifications at a Glance
- Engine: 6.5L Naturally Aspirated V12
- Power: 840 hp @ 9,250 rpm
- Torque: 697 Nm @ 7,250 rpm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- 0–100 km/h: 2.85 seconds
- 0–200 km/h: 7.4 seconds
- Top Speed: 340+ km/h (211+ mph)
- Chassis: Carbon fiber monocoque
- Weight: 1,485 kg (3,270 lbs)
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
- Production: 599 units
- Price: $2.2 million+ USD
Conclusion: The Spirit of Ferrari, Eternal and Uncompromising
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is not just a car — it’s a celebration of Ferrari’s soul. It captures everything the brand stands for: emotion, design, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
It’s a time machine that connects the golden era of endurance racing with the modern world, reminding us that true driving pleasure has a sound — and that sound is a naturally aspirated Ferrari V12.
For collectors, it’s an investment.
For dreamers, it’s an inspiration.
For the world, it’s proof that Ferrari will forever remain the heartbeat of speed, art, and passion.