2010 Ferrari 599 GTO

• One of only 599 built
• Delivered new to Switzerland
• All books and tools
• Extensive Ferrari service history

Announced in April 2010, the 599 GTO was only the third Ferrari to carry the evocative 'Gran Turismo Omologato' designation, the others being the legendary 250 GTO and 288 GTO. The 599 GTO was a development of the original 599 GTB Fiorano that had been introduced in 2006.

In designing the 599, Ferrari abandoned the tubular steel chassis of the 550/575, adopting a more advanced and lighter all-aluminium chassis of greatly increased stiffness. Styled by Pininfarina, the 599 with its long bonnet, small cabin, raised haunches and aggressive stance seemed the very epitome of the term 'sports car'. Styling details such as the front brake ducts and hot air outlets behind the front wheelarches recalled the great competizione Ferraris of the past, while the tail incorporated Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights.

The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 599's 6.0-litre V12 was a reworked version of that found in the Enzo supercar. As installed in the 599, this state-of-the-art unit produced a staggering 612bhp at 7,600rpm with maximum torque of 448lb/ft at 5,600 revs. Developed as part of Ferrari's Formula 1 programme, the paddle-shift gearbox was available in its latest form for the 599. A conventional six-speed gearbox was available also. Although active suspension had long been banned form Formula 1, its development for road cars had continued and the 599 came equipped with SCM 'semi-active' dampers.

A road-going version of the track-only 599 XX, the 599 GTO came with 671bhp on tap and weighed almost 100kg less than the standard 599 GTB, a combination that delivered a 0-100km/h time of less than 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 335km/h (208mph). The 599 GTO had some 59 horsepower more than the 599 GTB and was the fastest road-going Ferrari at the time of its introduction, proving capable of lapping the Italian firm's Fiorano test track almost a second quicker than the mid-engined Enzo. Despite the increase in maximum power, the GTO was able to meet Euro 5 emissions standards and, unlike the 599 XX, could be looked after by any Ferrari dealer. GTO production was limited to only 599 cars, which were reserved exclusively for Ferrari's most favoured customers.

Representing a rare opportunity to acquire a little used example of this coveted limited edition Ferrari, chassis number '174943' was delivered new in Switzerland in October 2010 via Garage Zenith in Lausanne (a full list of the car's numerous and highly desirable factory options is on file). The GTO also comes with its original service booklet, stamped by Ferrari agents up to 18th January 2021 at 27,605 kilometres; Modena Cars' 2021 service invoice; and the all important Ferrari Classiche 'Red Book'.

Ferrari pulled off a rare trick with the 599 GTO, creating a truly versatile car that is as exciting on the racetrack as it is civilised on the road. There can be little doubt that this modern icon will be a collectible future classic, and few would disagree with Autocar magazine's conclusion: "This is a genuine landmark car for Ferrari... a bona fide addition to the GTO family, make no mistake."