New Limited Ferrari
Ferrari started its “Icona” series to pay tribute to its most style-defining Ferraris of the 1950s and 1960s, which shaped the brand into today’s success story. The Ferrari SP1 & SP2 kicked- off the series when they were unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2018. Since then, collectors have gone crazy for the Icona models. While the SP1 (one-seater) and SP2 (two-seater) are inspired by the iconic Ferrari Barchettas (166 MM, 750 Monza and 860 Monza), there is a new superstar within the Icona series called Ferrari Dayton SP3 which takes inspiration from the legendary 330 P3/4 of the ‘60s.
The name of the Ferrari Dayton SP3 is derived from a triple victory at the 24-hour race in Daytona in February of 1967. Led by Lorenzo Bandini (who died later the same year in a tragic accident in the Monaco Grand Prix) & Chris Amon, the Maranello squad succeeded in taking all the places on the podium at the endurance classic in Florida with a 330 P3/4, a 330 P4 and a 412 P.
Design Of The Ferrari Daytona SP3
Chief designer Flavio Manzoni adopted many design elements from the race-winning 330 P3/4 model. One of the most notable visual parallels is the wraparound windshield. The removable Targa roof and the exterior mirrors resting on the front fenders also pay homage to the legendary Daytona winner of 1967. At the rear, Manzoni integrated modern style elements such as a narrow continuous taillight band.
One interesting fun fact: Although aerodynamics played a central role in the Daytona SP3’s shape, the Italians decided to design the hypercar without active aerodynamic systems. Still, Ferrari declares its masterpiece as the most aerodynamically efficient car Ferrari has ever built without using such dynamic aerodynamic systems.
For those who don’t know already, the Ferrari Icona series is very exclusive. While the SP1 & SP2 were limited to only 499 vehicles, the Daytona SP3 is limited to only 599 cars. Collectors of the SP1 or SP2 are already prioritized to sign a purchase contract for the SP3. That means only a very small SP3s is available to new collectors.
Technically, the sports car is based on the Ferrari 812 Competizione. The same 6.5-liter V12 engine is used, but with a slightly higher output of 840 hp (618 kW) – another 10 hp more than the 812 Competizione. This makes the twelve-cylinder the most powerful combustion engine ever produced in Maranello. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission transfers power to the rear wheels and accelerates the Daytona SP3 from 0 to 100 km/h in only 2.85 seconds. Ferrari quotes a top speed of over 340 km/h.
The car’s chassis is made entirely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), as used in Formula 1. And although the body is also made of composite materials, the Daytona SP3 has a kerb weight of 1,485 kilograms. The seats are integrated into the chassis, resulting in a horizontal seating position similar to that of the F1 race cars. To ensure that the driver is always sitting comfortably and has everything under control, the pedal box and the steering wheel can be adjusted. Nevertheless, tall people (190cm and taller) will most likely not be able to drive the Ferrari Daytona SP3 properly.
Simple Interior Design
Like Ferrari’s conventional road models, the Daytona SP3 has a multifunction steering wheel that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. Behind it sits a curved 16-inch display that provides all the necessary information. All the touch elements are grouped on the steering wheel or in the central lower area of the dashboard, while the center console provides a few push buttons and sliders. The primary materials used for the interior are carbon, leather and Alcantara.
Price & Collectability
As mentioned, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 is limited to only 599 cars. Despite the purchase price of around EUR 2,200,000, all vehicles are already sold out. For most buyers, the price is irrelevant since it is already clear that this car will never have to struggle with depreciation. A must-have for Ferrari lovers as the masterpiece already has legend status amongst petrol heads.
Starting price was around EUR 2,000,000, but the market price of the Ferrari Daytona SP3 will be north of EUR 3,500,000.
Limited to only 599 vehicles.
When to drive:
Unfortunately, we will rarely see one of the 599 Daytona SP3 on the street. If you are lucky enough to own one, you will likely drive in private race circuits and areas.
What we love about the car:
The two-seater pays homage to the 1967 Daytona 24-hour race, in which a Ferrari 330 P3/4, a Ferrari 330 P4 and a Ferrari 412 P took the first three places.