If you want to own a Ferrari, stop taking advice from those who drive Toyotas.

The 599, designed by Pininfarina, appeared in 2006 as a significant step forward in Ferrari’s range. Its styling was somewhat controversial at the time, but today it is widely regarded as one of the defining designs of Pininfarina’s final era of elegant, streamlined Ferrari shapes. Simple and understated, yet undeniably aggressive.

The Ferrari 612 is not its predecessor. Instead, it followed a different path as Ferrari’s elegant 2+2 grand tourer, while the 599 GTB Fiorano was conceived as the true successor to the 575M Maranello. So, what is the 599? Take the 575M, add chilli. More… no, more. Now you’re getting it. The 612 was a true GT; the 599 was a supercar that just happened to be perfectly capable of GT duties.

And Ferrari certainly didn’t hold back. At its heart sits the magnificent F140C 6.0-litre V12, closely related to the engine used in the Ferrari Enzo. With 620 horsepower available at 7,600 rpm, the 599 delivers the kind of performance that made it one of Ferrari’s most formidable front-engined cars of its era.

Ferrari was rather coy about the top speed, simply stating that it was “above 330 km/h”. In period testing, however, journalists managed to see around 340 km/h on GPS. In other words, this was no gentle GT. The 599 took Ferrari’s front-engined V12 formula and turned everything up several notches. Time to change gears, Schumi.

And then there is the styling. Forme, sensazione e tecnica: concentrati sull’emozione! No spoilers or wings; we’ll leave those to the boy racers. The open C-pillars act as aerodynamic spoilers, yet look like genuine works of art. Every line flows seamlessly into the next, creating a design that is both elegant and exciting. So graceful that it deserves a little time to sink in. Preferably with a good Barolo, in the mancave, next to the Rari.

Our example has enjoyed a remarkable journey, and one that enthusiasts have undoubtedly dreamed about at some point.

Originally delivered new in Germany, it has retained its original registration throughout its life and has remained exceptionally well preserved. The conversion to a six-speed manual gearbox only serves to enhance what a Ferrari V12 Grand Tourer should be: engaging, effortless and wonderfully rewarding to drive.

Finished in the sensational and highly desirable Rosso Monza, complemented by a Sabbia interior, the combination possesses an extraordinary elegance. The Challenge-style, ball-polished 20-inch wheels add just enough presence to remind you of the performance and character that lies beneath the beautiful exterior.

This particular Ferrari has never missed a service and has retained its original first paint layer throughout. Its previous owner cared for the car meticulously, with attention paid to even the smallest details. As a result, it is difficult to find anything negative to say about this exceptional example.

We would be delighted to welcome you and spend some time together exploring the car, its history and everything that makes this Ferrari so special.