After the tremendous success of the 550 Maranello and 575M, in 2006 it was time for Ferrari to debut their next grand tourer. Designed by American Jason Castriota, the 599GTB was unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006. A far more modern looking car than the 575 it replaced, the 599 featured numerous unique styling elements such as a pair of flying buttress sail panels in the rear, intended to optimize the car’s aerodynamics. Under the hood laid a V12, based on that found in the Enzo, displacing 6-liters and producing 612 horsepower between 7,600 and 8,400 RPM, making it the most powerful series production Ferrari at the time. The engine was situated behind the front axle making it a front-mid engined car and a 6-speed F1 style paddle shift transaxle was mounted behind the passengers for optimal weight distribution. For the first time in a Ferrari grand touring car, the chassis was made of aluminum as opposed to the tubular steel used previously, which increased torsional rigidity and lowered the overall weight of the car as well. As with every Ferrari grand touring car, all of the power and engineering is combined with a luxurious leather lined interior which features lots of carbon fiber accents and all of the amenities you would come to expect in a modern vehicle. Although upon its debut, some described the design as fussy and over the top, it has come into its own in recent years and stands today as a beautiful V12 Ferrari that represents a tremendous amount of style and performance with a very reasonable cost of entry.
This 599GTB was first delivered to the Bay Area where it was registered 11/25/2008. That owner had possession of the car until selling in September of 2013 with just 2,550 miles on the car. It has since seen another two owners, all of whom have been diligent with servicing and maintaining the car so, after 13,350 miles it is still in excellent condition. The Grigio Ferro Metallic paint does a wonderful job of showcasing the car’s intricate lines and makes different parts of the car really pop in certain lights. On the interior, the deep brown leather looks fantastic set against the carbon fiber trim and the addition of Daytona seat inserts is a great reference back to Ferrari grand touring cars of old. The 599 represents a unique place in Ferrari history, it retains much of the hand built feel that you have come to expect from a classic car, but with more than enough speed and handling to be exciting. This car is offered with a full set of original books and manuals and retains its original leather folio.