When a development car becomes a collector’s trophy, the market takes notice. This Ferrari Daytona SP3 isn’t just another yellow supercar—it’s the press fleet example that graced the pages of automotive royalty and the screens of Top Gear. Now, heading to RM Sotheby’s London on October 31, it’s poised to rewrite the rulebook on what enthusiasts will pay for pedigree and provenance.
The Press Car That Became Legend
Here’s the thing about press cars: they’re rarely treated with kid gloves. However, this particular Daytona SP3 has been meticulously preserved, clocking just 2,948 miles since its 2022 birth. It served Ferrari’s development team, then transitioned into the press fleet—a dual role that gave it credibility across every major automotive publication worth reading.
Furthermore, its media appearances weren’t throwaway mentions. This machine appeared on Top Gear, graced the pages of Motor Sport Magazine, Car and Driver, and Road & Track. That’s not just exposure; that’s automotive legitimacy stamped in ink and broadcast across millions of screens.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 6.5L Twin-Turbocharged V12 |
| 🐎Power Output | 829 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 697 lb-ft (945 Nm) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-62 mph in 2.85 seconds |
| 🚀Top Speed | 211 mph (340 km/h) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 7-Speed Dual-Clutch / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $12.5 million (est.) |
Raw Numbers That Demand Respect
Let’s talk visceral performance. Beneath that stunning Extra Range Giallo Triplo Strato (a bright yellow that refuses to whisper) sits a heavily modified 6.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. According to Ferrari, this isn’t stock 812 Competizione territory—it’s been tuned to unleash 829 horsepower and 697 lb-ft of torque.
Therefore, the acceleration figures are genuinely staggering: 0-62 mph in 2.85 seconds with a top speed of 211 mph. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission handles the mechanical symphony. In addition, the gloss black carbon fiber accents and Rosso Ferrari interior signal that this isn’t a base model—it’s a statement.
The Auction Bombshell
The $12.5 million estimate might seem astronomical, yet recent market activity tells a different story. Specifically, another Daytona SP3—a bespoke example—hammered for a record $26 million. Consequently, this press car, with its documented media pedigree and ultra-low mileage, could easily exceed expectations.
Collectors aren’t just buying horsepower anymore. They’re acquiring narrative, provenance, and the tangible connection to automotive journalism’s golden age. This Ferrari Daytona SP3 embodies all three.
The Verdict
Mark my words: this press car will fetch north of its estimate. The combination of development history, media exposure, and mechanical purity is intoxicating to serious collectors. When the gavel drops on October 31, expect fireworks. This isn’t just a supercar heading to auction—it’s a piece of automotive history about to find its next custodian.
For more on collector car trends, check out Auto News Magazine for the latest auction results and market analysis.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
View all articles by Marcus Vance →
