Ferrari reached far back into its wealth of awe-inspiring retro race cars and prototypes to create the newly unveiled Daytona SP3.
The name will bring the 365 GTB/4 and GTS/4 Spider to mind, as both of those models came to be known simply and unofficially as Ferrari Daytonas after the to marque’s 1-2-3 finish on Ford’s home turf at the 1967 Daytona 24-hour endurance race. But unlike those front-engine roadcars, the racers that actually took the podium places were mid-engine P Series prototypes, as Car and Driver notes.
The bumprettes and central backbone formed by a tapered cockpit bubble were inspired by a P Series, namely the 330 P4. Meanwhile, the double double-crested front wings, which are topped with mirrors, are a nod to both the 312 P and 512 S prototypes. The butterfly doors, integrated with an air box, form a pronounced shoulder housing over the intake while also managing airflow emerging from the front wheels.
The engine is a modified version of the 6.5-liter V12 found in the 812 Competizione, now with new induction and exhaust systems to accommodate its move from over the front axle to its central position.
Numerous components including piston pins and camshafts were coated in carbon to reduce friction, and the fuel injection system was upgraded with twin pumps. The result is 829 horsepower, 10 more than in offered in the Competizione, making for Ferrari’s most powerful combustion engine.
C&D reports that the interior is fully modern, with the SF90 Stradale’s digital dashboard and user interface. However, the fabric’s application on both the seats and the center tunnel is yet another nod to 1960s-era sports cars.
The Daytona SP3 is a part of Ferrari’s “Icona” series, which also includes the windshield-less Monza SP1 Roadster that’s been called the world’s most beautiful car. As such, only the richest and most loyal Ferrari clients will have the chance to buy one for an undisclosed price that’s almost certainly in the seven-figure range.
The rest of us will have to save up and wait for Daytona SP3 examples to pop up on aftermarket auction lots in coming years.