Ferrari is a company that built its reputation on the production of front-engine V12 road and race cars, finding great success with this layout on tracks everywhere during the 1950s and 1960s. Even today, the V12 road cars are the pinnacle of Ferrari’s production car lineup and represent a fantastic blend of on-track performance and grand touring luxury. After reviving the 2-seat front engine V12 format with the 550 Maranello in 1996 and updating it with the 575M in 2002, it was time for Ferrari to develop an entirely new car to fill this spot in the lineup. First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in February 2006, the 599 GTB Fiorano was a styling departure from the outgoing 575, eschewing the more traditional throwback look in favor of aerodynamic efficiency. Penned by American designer Jason Castriota, the 599 GTB was an initially polarizing design that has aged gracefully and, more than 15 years after its debut, looks both classic and restrained in comparison to more modern cars in this class.
This 2008 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is finished in the quintessential Ferrari color of Rosso Corsa over a tan leather interior. Showing 11,774 miles on the odometer is in good condition throughout and represents an important time in Ferrari’s history. From the factory, this car was ordered with Scuderia Shields and a chrome egg-crate grille in front.
The interior of a 599 GTB is an extremely nice place to be, a pair of supportive and comfortable bucket seats are paired with a simple HVAC and stereo system, and outside of the small driver’s display in the gauge cluster, there are no large screens to distract from driving. The original owner of this car wanted to improve the 599’s interior further and specified it with Daytona seat inserts, along with black piping, which provides a great contrast to the tan leather. Additionally, numerous pieces of carbon fiber trim were specified, including the center console, door cards, and dash-upper.
Powering the 599 is a 6.0-liter V12 from the same family as the powerplant found in the Enzo hypercar from 2003. In this application, it produces 612 horsepower and 448 lb-ft of torque and is one of just a few engines capable of producing more than 100 horsepower per liter without forced induction. This engine was an excellent choice for the 599 thanks to its flexible nature, with a broad powerband and plenty of low-down torque for use around town. Nearly all 599s were delivered with the 6-speed sequential paddle shift gearbox like the unit found in this car. Although it lacks some of the low-speed smoothness of the later dual-clutch-equipped cars, the shift feel at high RPM is enough to make you forget all about that and adds a tremendous amount of character to the driving experience.
The 599 GTB represents a real turning point for the front-engine V12 Ferrari. Where the 550 and 575M Maranello before it were really only geared towards high-speed, long-distance cruising, the 599 had more of a dual-personality. It is a car you can comfortably drive all day, and then when you get to your favorite mountain pass or race track, it will stun you with its agility and performance. This is a beautiful example, finished in a classic color combination that will provide a memorable drive as soon as you slide behind the wheel.
