A truly exceptional and unique Ferrari Daytona SP3, designated as number 599+1, recently shattered records at auction, fetching a staggering $26 million (approximately £19.1 million). This sale, which took place over the weekend as Monterey Car Week concluded, was conducted by RM Sotheby's and established the SP3 as the highest-priced new Ferrari ever sold at auction, a significant leap from its original 'base' price of around £2 million.

This particular Daytona SP3 is a bespoke creation from Ferrari’s 'Tailor Made' customisation squad, marking it as number 600 in the limited series of 599 units initially produced for Ferrari’s most esteemed clientele. All 599 original cars were sold out before production, making this 599+1 model a truly special, one-off addition. It distinguishes itself as the first Ferrari road car to feature a full-length company logo plastered across its entire body. Its striking 'bumblebee' livery, combining black and yellow, is complemented by an interior adorned with yellow accents, a checkered flag motif nodding to Ferrari’s Formula One legacy, a silver plaque, and innovative 'Q-Cycle' fabric upholstery made from recycled tyres.

Beyond its unique aesthetics, the Daytona SP3 is a powerhouse of performance. It houses a naturally aspirated, non-hybridised 6.5-litre V12 engine, delivering 829 horsepower to the rear wheels. This formidable powertrain enables the SP3 to accelerate from 0-62mph in a mere 2.85 seconds, and from 0-125mph in just 7.4 seconds, culminating in an impressive top speed of 211mph. Ferrari has also described the Daytona as its 'most aerodynamically efficient' road car.

The car’s name itself is a tribute to Ferrari's historic 1-2-3 sweep at the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours with the iconic 330 P3/4. The proceeds from the record-breaking sale of this 599+1 model are dedicated to The Ferrari Foundation, a public charity established to fund future educational initiatives and community projects worldwide.

This record-setting sale further solidifies Ferrari's iconic status in motoring history. The brand’s enduring legacy is also captured in the 2017 documentary film, 'Ferrari: Race to Immortality.' Released to coincide with Ferrari’s 70th anniversary, the movie delves into the dramatic birth of the company during the deadliest era of motor racing in the 1950s, detailing the stories of founder Enzo Ferrari and racing stars like Mike Hawthorn, Peter Collins, Eugenio Castellotti, Luigi Musso, and Alfonso de Portago, and highlighting Enzo's relentless demand for his cars to be the fastest.