Styled by Pininfarina under the direction of Ferrari's Frank Stephenson, the 599 GTB Fiorano debuted at the Geneva motor show in 2006 and brought Ferrari's V12 GT into the modern era. Replacing the 575M Maranello, the 599 employed a 620hp detuned version of the 6.0-litre V12 engine used in the Enzo.
Here's your 21st century V12 Ferrari!
A stunning contemporary Ferrari with the charm of a classic GT, the 599 boasted an all-aluminium chassis, an F1-Trac traction and stability control system, and magnetorheological dampers that delivered semi-active control. The car's state-of-the-art, 65-degree V12 produced 448lb ft of torque at 5,600rpm and could rev to 8,400rpm. Needless to say performance is breathtaking, with a top speed of over 205mph and a 3.7-second 0-62mph time.
Ferrari's six-speed F1 Superfast semi-automatic transmission was fitted to nearly all 599s but one UK customer did reportedly order a 599 GTB Fiorano with a six-speed manual gearbox in 2012. A few more also exist in left-hand drive. Ferrari released a handling upgrade called the HGTE Pack that improves the car's handling with stiffer springs, a revised rear anti-roll bar, new calibration settings for the dampers, a lowered ride height, optimised tyres, faster shifts, a revised exhaust and bespoke 20-inch wheels.
2010 saw the launch of the £305,676 599 GTO - Ferrari's fastest ever road car at the time, producing 670hp at 8,250rpm and hitting 62mph in under 3.3 seconds. Top speed was beyond 208mph and production was limited to 599 cars. And in 2011 a special edition 599 GTB 60F1 followed to celebrate 60 years of Ferrari F1 wins.
Big car, big fun, big bills...
Many owners feel that there isn't another GT that comes close to matching the breadth of the 599 GTB's overall ability, and with only around 300 cars registered in the UK supply is relatively limited. And that means membership of the 599 club is expensive. The model's reliability record is good, but if anything does go wrong it's equally expensive to put right - especially if the car is out of warranty. So only the well-heeled should consider applying. If that's you, check out our comprehensive
PH Buying Guide
Prices for well-tended examples start at £100,000 but values are definitely rising. "I like the 599 for sheer performance and the fact they are just over half of what they cost new. But they have bottomed out in terms of depreciation, and are starting to climb back up," confirms Silverstone Auctions sales manager Will Smith. And this view is confirmed by both Glass's, and Foskers' Antony Glynn. "The 599 is enjoying continuous growth in demand, and is now in short supply," confirms the latter.
Buy if: You have serious funds and the time to really enjoy the car
Don't buy if: You're remotely concerned about running costs or longer-term depreciation
We found: 2008 599 GTB HGTE, black metallic, full service history, 9K miles, £149,995
Price Guide
Poor: Under £100,000
Good: £100,000 to £140,000
A1: £140,000+
Special Editions: Rare HGTE models often fetch £150,000+, GTO is a staggering £400,000+