At the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the 599 GTB Fiorano, its replacement for the 575 Maranello and the latest in a long tradition of front- engine 12-cylinder grand tourers. Named for its 5,999 cc displacement, the 599 boasted 612 hp, making it the most powerful production Ferrari to date. It was available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or Ferrari’s paddle-shifted F1 Superfast. For reduced weight and improved rigidity, Ferrari used an aluminum chassis for the first time in a grand tourer. Downforce was provided through an underbody spoiler, Venturi tunnels, and flying buttress-style C-pillars, eliminating the need for a rear wing. With a striking modern body by Pininfarina, the new Ferrari was lauded by the automotive press as a welcome leap forward.

At the 2009 Geneva salon, Ferrari introduced the track-only 599XX. As with previous track-day cars, Ferrari’s F1 engineers had improved aerodynamics, added F1-style carbon ceramic brakes, and increased horsepower to 720 at 9,000 rpm.

Borrowing elements of the 599XX and adapting them for road use, Ferrari returned in 2010 with the ultimate expression of the 599. So pleased with its creation, the new car was graced with the most revered of Ferrari nameplates, GTO. For this GTO, Ferrari employed a 661 bhp version of its flat-plane crank V-12, mated to a single-clutch, paddle-shift gearbox, capable of gear changes in 60 milliseconds. The generous application of carbon fiber and aluminum reduced curb weight by 220 pounds. Magnetorheological automatic adjusting dampers paired with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires improved traction and grip. A steering wheel-mounted manettino (little hand) allowed traction control and stability adjustments on the fly while a Virtual Race Engineer display kept track of the action. Finally, stopping was improved with uprated Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. While refined and exquisite, it was also faster than the Ferrari Enzo by a full second around Fiorano.

Just 599 examples were built, with only 125 destined for the US. This 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO was finished in the special “50–60 Years” livery, consisting of Grigio Ferro (Iron Gray) and Nero (Black) paint, and fitted with a Nero and Rosso (Red) Alcantara interior. Delivered to The Auto Gallery of Woodland Hills, California, its option list included carbon door sills, red brake calipers, painted Challenge wheels, Bose hi-fi system, and special interior stitching. Having covered just 1,550 miles from new when catalogued, the Ferrari is offered from a noted collection and includes its Ferrari Classiche certification, window sticker, service records, and books. In marrying elegant lines, modern comfort, and track-bred performance, Ferrari truly created the ultimate grand tourer with the 599 GTO. Its sublime execution and exclusivity make it a serious consideration for the consummate Ferrari collector.