Ferrari Daytona SP3 Revealed As 830-HP Tribute To Historic 1960s Daytona Victory

Ferrari and Ford have a long history of rivalry in motorsports. While the two companies might be most famous for their Le Mans rivalry in which Ford came out on top, Ferrari also managed to win a few important battles against the Blue Oval. One of the most notorious was the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona in which, in Ford's backyard, Ferrari dominated with a 1, 2, 3 claimed by the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P race cars, respectively. That is the victory that has inspired Ferrari's latest special-edition model in the Icona series of vehicles, the Ferrari Daytona SP3. Revealed at the Mugello Circuit as part of the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali, the Daytona SP3 is the third model in the Icona series following the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2.

This is the final production version of the strange prototype we've seen doing the rounds in Italy, and as it turns out the rumors were correct, not only regarding the inspiration of the new model, but also of what underpins it. Beneath the sultry curves of the spectacular targa-style body, the Daytona SP3 is underpinned by the mid-engined chassis of the LaFerrari Aperta. A strict two-seater with a mid-mounted engine, the Daytona SP3 features Ferrari's most powerful engine ever built - a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 producing 829 horsepower (SAE) and 514 lb-ft of torque, with a heady redline of 9,500 rpm. These outputs are dealt to the rear axle via Ferrari's seven-speed F1 dual-clutch automatic gearbox, resulting in a 0-62 mph sprint of just 2.85 seconds, a 0-124 mph run of 7.4, and a top speed north of 211 mph.

The chassis utilizes full carbon composite technology for its construction, with even the seats being integrated into the chassis as structural components. This makes sure that the Daytona SP3 is not only incredibly stiff, but light too, with a dry weight of just 3,273 lbs when specced in its lightest form. This is also partially due to the lack of a battery pack and electric motor compared to the LaFerrari.

That chassis is clothed in retro-styled bodywork in the form of a targa-style supercar with a removable hardtop roof. While previous Icona models have drawn on inspiration from one or two iconic models, the Daytona SP3 draws on a plethora of racing icons from the 1960s including the aforementioned 330 P3/4, but also racing prototypes like the 512 S, 712 Can-Am, and 312P.

The mid-engine proportions are unmistakable, but the racing DNA runs strong in the exaggerated front wheel arches, fender-mounted wing mirrors, and the low appearance created when the roof is removed. The doors are butterfly-style in design, and each incorporates an air intake that channels air from the front wheels straight into the high-revving V12 behind the cockpit.

At the rear, a louvered engine cover is integrated into a clamshell rear decklid that ends in a sharply tapered trailing edge. Horizontal slats incorporate the full-width taillight design and also emulate great Ferraris of the past, while also giving a futuristic look at what Ferraris of tomorrow may look like. Twin tailpipes are positioned high in the center of the rear, leaving the lower bumper to house an uncluttered diffuser.

The Daytona SP3 rides on Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires wrapped around bespoke wheels measuring 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear.

The interior design is uncluttered, but far from retro. A 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster is the only screen in sight, while gear selection is handled by a series of buttons on the center stack. It looks unmistakably snug, and with fixed seating an integral part of the chassis, the pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable, as was the case in the LaFerrari on which this is based.

The steering wheel is similar to the one found in the SF90 Stradale, dubbed by Ferrari as the Human Machine Interface with touch controls located conveniently so eyes can be kept on the road and hands on the wheel at all times.

Just 500 Monzas will be made, split between the SP1 and SP2 based on demand, but Ferrari will build 599 Daytona SP3s made for wealthy clients. Allegedly, all have already been sold at a price of $2.25 million.

As with other Icona models, the Daytona SP3 is aimed, in Ferrari's words, "solely at Ferrari's top clients and collectors, proud ambassadors for the Prancing Horse marque."

Unlike the windscreenless Monza, the Daytona SP3 will be street legal in the USA, but how many are sold to US buyers will depend entirely on demand. Deliveries begin at the end of 2022 and will be complete by the end of 2024.