330 P3
With a name like Daytona, it was almost inevitable that there would be stylistic references to the Daytona-winning Ferrari 330. As a result, the discovery that the new Daytona has the same wraparound windscreen and targa roof as its racing forebear is hardly surprising. Because of the same rear-mid-engine layout, the sinuous lines of the wheel arches rise above the height of the bonnet and door line, creating a more angular appearance. Yes, it is perfectly functional, but it is also incredibly attractive.
330 P4
To say that the 330 P3 and P4 appeared to be identical would be equivalent to saying that identical twins appear to be identical. Is it really necessary to change a shape as iconic as the P3 when you have something like it already? Small changes included a slightly shorter chassis, improved suspension, and a slightly more powerful engine, all of which were noticeable. To further complicate matters, Ferrari entered cars with P4 engines in P3 chassis, which is how we ended up with a 330 P3/4 winning the Daytona 500.
312 P
High haunches, a low nose, and a wraparound canopy are all visual cues that are present here as well. However, the 312 P's most popular models were coupes rather than targas. With the 908 Porsche completely destroyed the 312 P in terms of performance and handling characteristics. Even so, you can draw inspiration from the stunning styling – we believe the front vents pay a fitting tribute to the 312 P Berlinetta's NACA ducts – without violating the rules.
512 S
Ferrari's insistence on open-top endurance racers is... well, 'admirable' is the closest word we can come up with to describe our feelings about it. In any case, the Ferrari 512 S Spyder – as driven by John Surtees in the 1000km of Nurburgring – is a fascinating machine and a fine piece of Ferrari history to have on hand for future reference.
512 M
For those who are unfamiliar with the term "Modificata," a capital M at the end of a Ferrari's name indicates that the vehicle has been modified. However, it could be argued that it is also a tacit admission that the original car was not good enough, but we'll leave that debate for another day. In any case, the 512 M has better brakes, better suspension, better fuel economy, and more power than the previous model. As for the shape, it's still a gorgeous 512, it's just a little lower and more aerodynamically shaped. The Daytona's long-deck tail must have derived at least in part from the 512 M's delectable derriere, don't you think?
350 Can-Am
There's nothing special about the 350 Can-Am; it's a 330 P4 that's been reworked and thrown into the Canadian-American Challenge Cup against its will. However, ironically enough for Ferrari, the 4.2-litre V12 – which was as big and powerful as the 330's engine could be while still maintaining structural integrity – was simply not big or powerful enough to compete with the big-displacement Can-Am cars. If only there was a second competition for the most attractive person on the parc ferme, wouldn't that be great?
... and, without a doubt, the Testarossa?
Ferrari hasn't said anything about it, but there's no denying that the new Daytona has more than a hint of the glorious Testarossa of the 1980s about it, do you? When you put strakes on a Ferrari, you can't help but think back to when we were racing away from the cops in the first Need for Speed game, which took place in... well, what else?
It's more than likely a nod to Pininfarina's 250 P5 concept, which is fine with me. However, it's like the old adage goes: if you hear hooves, you automatically think of Ferrari Testarossas. Or something along those lines.