The Ferrari 550 and 575 heralded the revival of the golden age of the front-engined V12 Ferrari, after a long absence since the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. The logical successor of the 575, the 599 GTB ‘Fiorano’, debuted in the 2006 Geneva Motor Show as a 2007 model, and took its nomenclature from its engine displacement of 5.99 litres.
Conceived as a grand tourer, the 599 GTB did not skimp on performance: the timing-chain V12 made over 600bhp, and took the heavy coupe from 0 to 100kmph in 3.7 seconds, to a top speed over 330kmph. Numerous advances in aerodynamics (hence the interesting buttresses in the back), a gearbox developed with F1 technology, magnetorheological suspension, and an advance aluminium chassis, contributed to the 599 GTB’s sophisticated road manners. A perfect ‘everyday Ferrari’, the 599 is also easier on maintenance than its predecessors and mid-engine counterparts, not requiring complex timing belt changes that often times require full engine removal.
This F1 gearbox example has only had one owner since new, and presents beautifully in one of Ferrari’s signature colour combinations.