Looking to invite another group of close clients into the Ferrari family, Ferrari introduced the 599XX program in 2009 after the success of the FXX program. Twenty-nine customers were handpicked to purchase twenty-nine examples of the track-only 599XX, a vehicle that would have no race series but would be used by customers at sanctioned Corse Clienti events in order to help Ferrari research and develop their next generation of supercars. What better group of individuals could there be to determine what customers were looking for in their next Ferrari than a handful of those exact customers? Based on the 599 GTB but completely stripped out and modified for track use, these vehicles were in no way road legal. However, it quickly became clear that a higher performance iteration of the already exceptional 599 GTB would be quite successful.

As such, Ferrari used the 599XX as the basis for the new 599 GTO. In its time, the 599 GTO was the most powerful road car that Ferrari had ever built, with 670 brake horsepower on tap, eclipsing even the fabled Enzo. Nothing was overlooked in making the 599 GTO Ferrari’s new performance benchmark, and virtually everything was addressed, mainly in thanks to lessons learned from the 599XX program. Along with the increase in power, Ferrari increased the shift speed on the F1-style gearbox to a lightning quick 60 milliseconds, while the aerodynamics were revised to provide additional downforce, and the suspension was stiffened and made more responsive. Additionally, all-new state-of-the-art carbon-ceramic brakes were fitted, and overall weight was reduced to 3,295 pounds by utilizing not only thinner aluminum for the bodywork but also thinner glass, along with lighter components for the brakes, transmission, and exhaust.

The first Ferrari to utilize the “Gran Turismo Omologato” nomenclature since the 288 GTO and the vaunted 250 GTO before it, the 599 GTO sought to channel the mystique of its ancestors and their place in Ferrari history. A name steeped in racing lore from the success of the 250 GTO, which had accumulated numerous GT-class wins at events such as the Tour de France, Targa Florio, and 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 599 GTO was created much in the same vein, intended to be an all-out “homologation special” of the 599XX.

This particular 2011 599 GTO boasts a stunning array of options, helping it to stand out from the crowd. Keen observers will quickly note that its exterior color is not your standard Ferrari red but is rather Rosso Fuoco, a special-order, triple-layer paint scheme. The color is further accented by a Grigio Silverstone stripe, and inside the car sports a seldom-seen full Charcoal Alcantara interior. Incredibly well optioned, the car is fitted with front and rear parking sensors, the Bose Hifi audio system, an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, carbon-fiber wheels cups, a carbon-fiber front splitter, a telemetry kit, and numerous other options.

Currently with its second, U.S.-based owner, the car has been well preserved and maintained in his ownership, currently showing just under 7,200 kms (4,500 miles) from new. As such, it presents in as-new condition throughout. Furthermore, the car is accompanied by Ferrari Classiche certification and a clean CARFAX report.

Appropriately, only 599 examples of the 599 GTO were produced, and it is said that all examples were spoken for before the car had been formally announced. Today, the 599 GTO is no less desirable than it was back in 2011, and it has quickly become recognized as a modern-day collectible. Within the marque’s history, the 599 GTO can be considered the first limited-production performance-oriented grand tourer produced since the 275 GTB/C, connecting it to a celebrated part of Ferrari’s history.

A car with a true Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality, the 599 GTO can be smooth and civilized during the regular commute yet instantly transform itself into a furious and aggressive supercar should you feel the desire to test its limits. This particular example benefits from not only an incredible assortment of options and a fantastic Rosso Fuoco and Grigio Silverstone livery but also from having just two owners and under 7,200 kms on its odometer from new. It is an exceptional example in every regard and worthy of inclusion in any Ferrari collection.