The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is the kind of car that stops conversations mid-sentence. Even among supercars and million-dollar exotics, it feels special, almost sacred. Built as part of Ferrari’s rare Icona Series, the SP3 isn’t just another fast machine from Maranello. It’s a rolling tribute to the brand’s golden age of endurance racing, when Ferrari dominated legendary circuits and created some of the most beautiful race cars in history.
At a time when electrification and hybrid systems are becoming the norm, the Daytona SP3 takes a different path. It celebrates purity. No batteries, no electric boost, just a screaming naturally aspirated V12 and a lightweight carbon-fiber body. The result is a hypercar that feels emotional, mechanical, and wonderfully old-school in all the right ways.
What Is the Ferrari Daytona SP3 and Why It’s So Special
The Daytona SP3 belongs to Ferrari’s exclusive Icona lineup, a family of cars designed to reinterpret historic models with modern technology. Where most Ferraris focus on the future, Icona cars look back for inspiration.
For the SP3, Ferrari drew from its 1960s sports prototypes, especially the machines that secured the famous 1-2-3 finish at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours. Those cars weren’t just fast. They were graceful, dramatic, and instantly recognizable. The SP3 channels that same spirit, blending retro character with today’s performance standards.
Only a small group of collectors ever had the chance to buy one, making it as much an art piece as a vehicle.
A Design That Looks Like It Rolled Out of Le Mans
The first thing you notice about the Daytona SP3 is its shape. It sits low and wide, almost hugging the ground, with flowing lines that look sculpted rather than assembled. The front end is sharp and clean, with hidden headlights and large intakes that guide air smoothly around the body.
From the side, the car’s curves and muscular haunches feel inspired by classic endurance racers. The wraparound windshield and open, targa-style roof enhance the vintage racing vibe while keeping the cabin airy and dramatic.
The rear is where the design gets truly theatrical. Horizontal fins stretch across the tail, creating a layered look that also helps manage airflow. Beneath them sits an aggressive diffuser that generates downforce without relying on complicated active aero systems. Every panel is crafted from carbon fiber, keeping weight low while maximizing strength.
A Naturally Aspirated V12 That Steals the Show
While many modern hypercars rely on hybrid assistance, Ferrari chose a purist route for the SP3. At its heart lies a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, the most powerful non-hybrid engine Ferrari has ever installed in a road car.
Producing 829 horsepower and revving all the way to 9,500 rpm, this engine delivers a kind of drama that electric motors simply can’t replicate. The throttle response is immediate, and the sound is unforgettable — a high-pitched metallic howl that builds into a spine-tingling scream as the revs climb.
Performance figures back up the theater. The SP3 rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds and storms past 200 km/h in just over seven seconds. With a top speed around 340 km/h, it sits firmly in hypercar territory. Yet the real thrill isn’t just speed; it’s how alive the car feels at every moment.
A Cockpit Built Around the Driver
Step inside, and the Daytona SP3 feels more like a race car than a luxury grand tourer. The seats are integrated directly into the chassis to save weight, while the pedals and steering wheel adjust to fit the driver. This layout creates a low, laid-back seating position that enhances the sensation of speed.
Carbon fiber dominates the cabin, paired with Alcantara and minimalist controls. A crisp digital instrument cluster provides essential information without distraction. Everything inside serves one purpose: helping the driver focus completely on the road ahead.
It’s not about flashy screens or excessive comfort. It’s about connection, control, and immersion.
Lightweight Engineering With Old-School Character
Ferrari engineered the SP3 with an advanced carbon-fiber chassis that delivers incredible rigidity and low mass. The suspension is carefully tuned to balance everyday usability with sharp track performance, while the mid-rear engine layout and rear-wheel drive provide classic Ferrari handling traits.
Unlike many modern machines filled with electronic tricks, the SP3 relies heavily on mechanical grip and smart aerodynamics. That approach gives it an analog, confidence-inspiring feel that seasoned drivers truly appreciate.
Rarity That Makes It a Collector’s Dream
Exclusivity is part of the Daytona SP3’s appeal. Ferrari limited production to just 599 cars, and each one was spoken for before the official reveal. With an original price tag in the multimillion-dollar range and resale values climbing even higher, the SP3 has quickly become an investment-grade collectible.
Owning one isn’t just about driving a fast car. It’s about holding a piece of Ferrari history.
Final Verdict
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 captures something many modern hypercars have lost: soul. With its retro-inspired design, roaring V12, and uncompromising focus on the driver, it delivers an experience that feels raw, emotional, and timeless. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, the SP3 stands as one of the most captivating Ferraris ever built and a true celebration of the brand’s racing heritage.
