“A piece of art, not just a car,” this is how Ferrari Design Director @flaviomanzoni defined the new Ferrari Daytona SP3 during the 2021 Ferrari Finali Mondiali at the Mugello Circuit. This limited-edition masterpiece is the third member of the Icona series following the Monza SP1 and SP2 from 2018 and is a tribute to legends of the past, particularly sports-prototype racers of the late 60s/early 70s, and features the brand’s most powerful mid-mounted V12 borrowed from the 812 Competizione.

Photos: @simone_masetti_99

The idea started on the famous blank sheet of paper, Manzoni performed a little magic trick using a black pencil, copic markers and acquarelle painting. Through the magical mix of sleek lines and curves traced by his pen, you can relive evoking emotions that translates past glory but with a modern touch.

The Ferrari Styling Center worked in synergy with engineers and aerodynamicists to make a perfect fusion between an exterior with efficient aerodynamic function to ensure the most powerful engine remains cool, and a futuristic form that’s inspired by iconic Ferrari race cars such as the 330 P4, the 350 Can-Am, and 512 S. After all, the name pays tribute to Ferrari’s one-two-three finish in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona that was dominated by the Ferrari 330 P3/4.

The curvy fenders with side mirrors mounted on them, the extremely thin LED headlights with a small movable panel like pop-up headlights, the windshield enveloping like a bubble, and the strakes at the front and rear are some of the design elements evoking the brand's old glories.

Photos: Top Gear/Ferrari

Not to mention about the stylish wheels, the twin exhaust outlets, the ducts and vents integrated creatively into the body, and the "floor chimneys" connected to louvres in the rear wings by vertical ducts producing more downforce. The car also has a Targa roof to enjoy the echos of the V12 engine or to favor performance when closed.

Inside, the Ferrari Daytona SP3’s cockpit is very elegant and is wrapped in electric blue, with a large 16-inch HD curved screen behind the steering wheel displaying driving information.

The 828 horsepower, V12 naturally aspirated mid-mounted engine has a 9,500rpm redline and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission combined with F1 technologies, enabling the car to go from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 2.85 seconds. The engine from the 812 Competizione was improved with the titanium connecting rods, new diamond-like-carbon coating for the piston pins and a lighter crankshaft reducing its weight and increasing power.

This living tribute is reserved for Ferrari's most loyal customers, only 599 units of the Daytona SP3 will ever be built and deliveries are set to start at the end of 2022, prioritizing owners of the SP1 and SP2.