Ferrari 599 GTO 2011, Itália

Ferrari 599 GTO 2011, Itália
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Ferrari’s V-12 coupes represent perhaps the most romantic notion of continental grand touring, but they can also make for impressive track machines. Their basic theme can be traced to the 250 GT, with its legendary Colombo V-12 power and race-honed design. With the 250, Ferrari had both breadth and depth for every definition of a performance car. Subsequent twelve-cylinder designs ranged the gamut, but Ferrari eventually returned to the long-nose, front-engined, two-seater form.

When the 599 GTB debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show as the long-anticipated replacement for the 550 and later 575 Maranello, contemporary press praised its modern design penned by Ken Okuyama at Pininfarina. Its naturally aspirated F140C 6.0-liter V-12, an evolution of the F140B from the Ferrari Enzo, was even more eye-opening with its astounding 612 hp rating.

To prove that its grand tourer was indeed a true descendent of the 250 GT, a track-only 599XX arrived three years later at the 2009 Geneva Salon. In the same vein as the Enzo and FXX, Ferrari’s Formula 1 team set to work, trimming weight where possible, improving its aerodynamics, and uprating its V-12 to a screaming 720 hp using racing fuel. The V-12’s rev limiter crept up to 9,000 rpm, and air quickly and loudly exited via a special exhaust system. F1-grade carbon-ceramic brakes brought things to a halt.

The 599 GTO announced in the spring of 2010 resurrected the three most important letters in Ferrari parlance, making it only the third GTO model after the 250 GTO and the 288 GTO. Since it was not designed with racing in mind, the 599 GTO was not merely a homologation version of the 599XX. Instead, it had performance credentials of its own, earning its revered letters.

Underhood, the 599 GTO featured a 670 hp version of the V-12 with a 180-degree crankshaft paired to a version of the 599XX’s single-clutch automated transmission that could fire off shifts in just 60 milliseconds. The combination was good for a 208 mph top speed and a 0–60 mph sprint of 3.35 seconds. The 599 GTO also took the best of the HGTE package with a version of its magnetorheological automatic-adjusting shocks and added staggered Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. Compared to the Ferrari Enzo, the 599 GTO was more subtle and sophisticated, yet also faster and sharper. Ferrari at the time called the 599 GTO its “most extreme sports car,” and the company admitted that it could lap Fiorano a second faster than the Enzo.

Ferrari built just 599 examples and earmarked a mere 125 for the United States, including the Rosso Corsa example offered here. Originally delivered by Ferrari of Central Florida to its first owner, the GTO is presented in like-new condition. Without question, the 599 GTO stands out even in the rarefied crowd of high-performance Ferraris. Its specification is truly amazing, with over $25,000 in options. This includes such options as the use of carbon in the interior, its boot compartment finished in dry carbon, “elegant” interior trimming, leather upholstery, iPod connectivity, aluminum-colored brake calipers, and rear parking sensors.

In later years, the car entered the ownership of another Florida enthusiast. Upon acquiring the 599, the owner equipped the car with a performance sports exhaust system, making the already violent 6.0-liter V-12 sound even more menacing. The GTO presents in exceptional condition throughout, care of having been driven less than 1,330 miles from new. Accompanying the Ferrari is a host of documentation, including a copy of its window sticker, dealership binder, owner’s manuals, and Bill of Sale. Furthermore, it is also offered with Ferrari Classiche certification, confirming that it maintains its original mechanical components, including the engine and transmission, and is presented today just as it left the factory.

A staple of any top-quality Ferrari collection, the 599 GTO is truly one of the most remarkable road-going Ferraris of the 21st century, and this example will not disappoint even the most discerning of collectors.