The bespoke V12 supercar became the most expensive new Ferrari ever auctioned, with proceeds going to the Ferrari Foundation.
A Record-Breaking Ferrari
During Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s hosted one of the most talked-about sales of the weekend: a custom-built Ferrari Daytona SP3 that crossed the block for $26 million. The hammer price makes it the most expensive new Ferrari ever sold at auction, far surpassing the model’s original $2.25 million starting price.
Not Just Another SP3
Ferrari introduced the Daytona SP3 in 2021 as part of its exclusive “Icona” series, producing just 599 examples. All were immediately spoken for, leaving collectors scrambling to acquire one on the secondary market. The car pays tribute to Ferrari’s dominance at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona, where the 330 P3/4 prototypes famously swept the podium.
The ‘599+1’ Special
Unlike the standard run, this car was built specifically for charity, earning it the nickname “599+1.” Ferrari’s in-house Tailor Made program gave it a distinctive look, finished in an exposed carbon-fiber body wrapped with a black-and-yellow “bumblebee” livery. In a first for a Ferrari road car, a full-length logo stretches across its bodywork. Inside, the cabin features yellow accents, a checkered motif referencing Formula One, and upholstery made from recycled tires, known as “Q-Cycle” fabric.
Performance Roots
Beneath its striking design, the Daytona SP3 retains Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine, producing 829 horsepower. Without hybrid assistance, the engine still propels the car from 0–62 mph in just 2.85 seconds. While performance figures place it among Ferrari’s most extreme road cars, the SP3 is also celebrated for its styling, which draws inspiration from the iconic P3 and P4 race cars of the 1960s.
The Charity Connection
Proceeds from the $26 million sale will go to the Ferrari Foundation, a public charity supporting educational programs. RM Sotheby’s confirmed it was their single biggest result from Monterey this year. In comparison, another headline Ferrari, a 1987 F40 LM, fetched just over $11 million, while the second most expensive car of the weekend overall was a 1961 Ferrari 250 California Spyder Competizione at $25 million.
A Landmark Sale
By commanding more than ten times its base price, the one-off Daytona SP3 established itself as both a collector’s dream and a philanthropic success. It not only topped Monterey’s auction charts but also set a benchmark for how far rarity, customization, and charitable intent can push a modern Ferrari’s value.
