2010 Ferrari 599

Highlights

• Iconic V12 grand tourer with 620bhp
• Just 13,371 miles on the clock
• Gorgeous Nero Daytona over Nero leather
• Dealer fitted HGTE pack
• New gunmetal finish 5-spoke alloy wheels

Overview

“Aerodynamics are for people who can’t build engines”, so said Enzo Ferrari during Ferrari’s 1960s racing heyday. And it’s easy to see why he said this as Ferrari engines are exquisitely crafted mechanical sculptures as much as actual powertrains. It’s long been said that, when you buy a Ferrari, you’re paying for the engine and rest comes free.

Naturally, over the years Ferrari has used all manner of engines – V6s, V8s, turbocharged and now even hybrid electric. But few partnerships are as dyed in the wool, so intrinsic to the DNA as Ferrari and the V12 engine. From the delicacy of the Columbo V12 in 1947’s 125S to the bombast of the current 12Cilindri, the marque’s greatest and most enduring grand tourers (as well as many track specials) have at their heart a naturally aspirated V12.

It’s easy to see why, the V12 is a deeply charismatic layout – grandiose and layered with torque in the low and mid ranges, rising to a free-revving banshee howl that’s so intoxicating and addictive it should probably be regarded as a class-A substance. Yet it’s also a smooth and sonorous engine, capable of whisking you along effortlessly on waves of delicious torque. Perfect for a high-performance grand tourer then.

Which is exactly what this 599 GTB is (or 599 Gran Turismo Berlinetta Fiorano, to give it its full name). Benefitting from an evolution of the Enzo’s 6-litre V12, this 599 is presented in exceptionally good order, with very low mileage and a truly attractive Nero-over-Nero specification. And did we mention the dealer fit HGTA (Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione) pack? No? Well, it has that too. A near £14,000 option when new, and one that finesses the handling to an even greater degree, further increasing the desirability of a 599GTB.

Naturally, as a modern Ferrari, it also benefits from the aerodynamic refinement that Enzo was so disparaging about in the 60s. Pininfarina did an incredible job styling the 599, and it remains one of the prettiest modern Ferraris, subtle yet striking, elegant yet muscular. All while delivering real, usable downforce from its wind-tunnel refined bodywork.

While Il Commendatore couldn’t be right about everything, he was right about Ferrari’s engines. The V12 is the very heart and soul of the prancing horse, and this is one of the most exquisite examples you’ll find.

History and documentation

• First registered in the UK in late 2019 – previously registered overseas
• Two former keepers in the UK, current owner since April 2021
• Just 13,371 miles on the clock
• The vendor tells us that the car comes with a fully stamped service record
• Two keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 4th April 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• This car has a finance agreement in place which will be cleared upon a successful auction prior to collection
• HPI checked (November 2024)
• Supplied with a private registration, which will remain on the vehicle
• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Nero leather upholstery, presented in excellent condition
• The seats show no significant wear, there are no tears and no sagging to be seen
• Both seats are electrically operated and fully adjustable, with the driver’s seat also offering a 3-position memory function
• Black carpets and tailored overmats grace the cabin and look to be in fine condition
• Electrically operated windows and side mirrors
• Dual zone climate control
• Factory-fitted CD/radio system
• Smart carbon-fibre and aluminium detailing is liberally sprinkled about the cabin, adding a dash of motorsport style to proceedings
• The dark grey headlining looks to be secure and undamaged, with maybe just a little rippling evident
• The airbag warning indicator appears to be faulty
• All of the internal trim and switchgear looks to be in good condition, with some minor wear on show, consistent with the car’s age and mileage
• Tracker fitted
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Parking sensors
• Automatic headlights
• We love the simplicity of the steering wheel controls from this period in Ferrari’s history, with the long, slender carbon-fibre transmission paddles, simple manettino and change lights in the top of the wheel
• Generous luggage space behind the seats is nicely trimmed
• Reasonable boot space offers room for a couple of overnight bags and is well trimmed in black carpet
• A grey leather branded case is included, as is the original inflation kit and towing tool set

Exterior

• Smart black metallic (Nero Daytona) paintwork really shows off the 599’s streamlined styling
• All of the body panels look nice and straight, with crisp lines, even gaps and no signs of corrosion or damage we could see
• We adore the iconic flying buttresses which channel air over the rear deck – they present in good condition with no blemishes apparent
• LED rear clusters and front projector style headlights show very nicely, looking to be clear and free from scuffs or misting
• All of the external trim and badging is in fine fettle, with nothing missing, broken or notable aged
• As far as we can tell, all of the glass is in good order, with no cracks, chips or delamination we could discern
• Large rear diffuser and flat underbody offer a significant downforce contribution to the car’s aero package
• The underside is in excellent condition, with all the undertrays looking to be neat and unbroken, and no signs of corrosion or damage
• We’re told the wheels are new – 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear – and they look to be in excellent condition, with a fine gunmetal finish and no signs of kerb damage or lacquer peel
• The wheels feature carbon-fibre centre caps and are shod in a matched set of Pirelli P-Zero tyres (245/50 front and 305/35 rear) that look to be in great condition with good tread levels

Mechanical

• 5,999cc naturally aspirated V12 – derived from the Enzo V12, but more compact and with a reduction in overall package weight
• Factory performance figures: 620bhp, 448lb-ft, 8,400rpm limiter, 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-124mph in 11 seconds, top speed of 205mph+
• Rear-wheel drive, mid-front engine layout
• F1 SuperFast six-speed semi-automatic transmission
• Multi-position F1-Trac (stability and traction control system)
• Launch control
• Magnetorheological suspension system
• Brembo carbon ceramic brakes all round
• Dealer fitted HGTE pack (post factory) – this near £14,000 option lowers the suspension by 10mm, stiffens the spring rates, adds a thicker rear anti-roll bar, modified the active suspension software, adjusts the front camber and updates the transmission software
• The engine bay is very clean and tidy, with no evidence of issues and very little wear to the lovely red rocker covers and grey/red plenums
• It starts, idles and revs beautifully, with a fantastic exhaust note
• The vendor assures us that the car drives perfectly, with no mechanical issues to report

Summary

With its magnificent cab-back, long-nose styling and that incredible V12 lurking behind the front axle, this 599 is every inch the perfect grand tourer. But, should you decide to jab at the loud pedal on a particularly twisty Alpine pass, that HGTE pack will work with you to deliver a quite stellar driving experience. Comfortable and luxurious it may be, but don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a cruiser.

As far as we’re concerned, this is about as close to perfect as a modern Ferrari GT gets – the specification is spot on, the mileage is very low and, without wishing to harp on about it, there’s that engine. That magnificent, transcendent, all-consuming engine.

Maybe Enzo was right and the engine really is all you need. But it doesn’t half come in some magnificent wrapping…

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located near Sevenoaks in Kent..