Unique Daytona SP3 becomes most expensive new Ferrari sold at auction

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made was sold through RM Sotheby’s during Monterey Car Week in California.

There’s no denying that you have to plunk down big dollars if you want a Ferrari.

Well, someone just put down really big money on a brand-new one.

The Italian supercar maker announced Aug. 16 that the Daytona SP3 Tailor Made special model became the highest-priced new Ferrari to be sold at auction ever.

The car went for $26 million U.S. ($35.9 million Canadian) at an auction held during Monterey Car Week in California.

The buyer was revealed as American billionaire Herbert Wertheim, who is an optometrist, inventor, businessperson and philanthropist.

The car was auctioned through RM Sotheby’s with all proceeds going to the Ferrari Foundation, a recognized charity in the United States that supports a variety of education projects.

Herbert Wertheim and Enrico Galliera with Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made — Herbert Wertheim (left) takes possession of his Ferrari Daytona SP3 Tailor Made. With him is Ferrari senior vice president *Enrico Galliera*. – Ferrari S.p.A. photo

About Daytona SP3 Tailor Made

The Daytona SP3 Tailor Made is a singular commission based on the Daytona SP3.

The Daytona SP3 had an original allocation of 599 cars, all of which were sold out, while this special model was added on top of the 599, being numbered 599+1.

Ferrari called the car the pinnacle of its bespoke customization program.

The obvious customization is the two-tone livery, which includes Ferrari’s signature yellow, called Giallo Modena, plus exposed carbon fibre. The front splitter, sills and rear diffuser are in gloss black.

The Ferrari logotype, also in Giallo Modena colour, runs across the upper body, which is a first for the automaker.

The interior is unique as well, with fabric derived from recycled tires and a unique Prancing Horse motif.

The dashboard and steering wheel are also made of a version of carbon fibre that is used in Formula 1, Ferrari said.

Most expensive Ferraris ever sold

While the Daytona SP3 Tailor Made is now the most expensive new Ferrari sold at auction, there have been several classic Ferrari cars that were auctioned at even higher prices.

The highest-priced Ferrari to sell at auction is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which was sold in 2023 at a price of $51.7 million U.S., according to multiple news publications.

But the fun doesn’t stop there, as several Ferraris were sold at even higher prices, but privately. The most widely reported highest-sale price for a Ferrari is another 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which is said to have been sold in 2018 at a price of $70 million U.S.