By the early 2010s, a new breed of hybrid-electric hypercars from other manufacturers was challenging Ferrari’s status as a builder of nothing less than the most extraordinary sports cars that money can buy. Tapping the spirit of competition that had served it so well on the track for 65 years, Ferrari duly met this challenge with yet another limited-production offering, one that would dwarf its predecessors in power, technology, and scope. Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show, the new model was simply called LaFerrari, literally “The Ferrari.” When the media and enthusiasts eventually dissected the performance numbers, design, and engineering, it was difficult to argue with the model’s boastful name.

The heart of LaFerrari is a mid-rear-mounted, 6.3-liter V-12 engine directly lifted from the developmental FXX model. With an impressive compression ratio of 13.5:1, the V-12 developed 789 horsepower, redlining at a whopping 9,250 rpm. The 516 pound-feet of torque arrive relatively high, just shy of 7,000 rpm. An electric motor derived from the company’s Formula 1 Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) was installed in the rear, adding 161 horsepower, greatly improving response and acceleration at lower rpms. In total, the two powertrains combined for a head-spinning 949 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque, propelling the slippery LaFerrari to 60 mph from a standstill in as little as 2.4 seconds. The quarter mile arrived in 9.7 seconds at 149.2 mph, besting both the Bugatti Veyron and the Porsche 918.

Ferrari’s in-house designer Flavio Manzoni penned the coachwork, which is beautifully low-slung and sleek while eschewing the brutal and somewhat angular styling of the Enzo. Electronically deployed active aerodynamic elements, including “smart” front and rear undercarriage panels, and a rear spoiler continuously provide downforce from between 200 and 800 pounds to maintain the car’s traction and composure at any speed. Mammoth cross-drilled and vented Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes and proprietary Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires complete the technical profile, keeping the LaFerrari grounded through screaming switchbacks.

Concluding production in January 2016, manufacture of the LaFerrari was capped at 499 examples, lending the model the degree of exclusivity expected of a top-shelf Maranello hypercar. Officially retailing for over $1.3 million, all 499 cars were purchased by preferred clients before the first LaFerrari was even completed.

Displaying 554 miles at the time of cataloguing, this one-owner LaFerrari was delivered new to California in March 2015. Finished in a menacing shade of Nero with bright yellow brake calipers, the interior was specified to match with black leather seats, and a black dashboard composed of Alcantara leather and plenty of carbon fiber.

The accompanying window sticker details several options including sport exhaust pipes and carbon fiber pieces including the rear fog lamp, lower trim, and outer mirrors. Including the unspecified “Special Features” listed on the document, the total original MSRP for this LaFerrari amounted to $1,491,181. A copy of the Classiche Yellow Book will additionally accompany the vehicle.

Ferrari’s first foray into hybrid road car technology, the LaFerrari has quickly solidified its position in the upper echelon of modern hypercars. With its striking design and breathtaking performance, it is destined to be celebrated as one of the all-time great Ferraris, with this stunning, uniquely specified example, displaying just 554 miles, among the best to become available.