Following the success of the FXX program within Corse Clienti, Ferrari sought to bring in another group of client test drivers into the fold to continue developing its next generation of road cars. Utilizing the 599 GTB as a starting point, 29 customers were handpicked to purchase a 599XX. Similar to the FXX, it was a track-only vehicle with no racing series, only eligible for Ferrari-sanctioned Corse Clienti events. Clients would be able to drive their cars to test both their own personal limits and the limits of the car itself, in turn giving Ferrari engineers feedback about their driving experience and receiving feedback from those same engineers on their own driving style. For Ferrari it was a win-win scenario, as they could learn exactly what their most valued customers wanted from their next Ferrari.

It quickly became apparent, however, that a street-legal version of the 599XX would do quite well, and Ferrari designed its first limited-production version of the 599 GTB using the 599XX as inspiration. Dubbed the 599 GTO, this new car boasted an incredible 670 horsepower from its F140CE 6.0-litre V-12 engine, a derivative of the Enzo’s F140B powerplant. Ferrari made every effort to extract every last drop of performance from this incredible platform thanks to lessons learned from the 599XX program. Along with its increase in power, Ferrari tuned the suspension on the 599 GTO to be more responsive, increased the shift speed of the F1-style gearbox to 60 milliseconds, added additional downforce through revised aerodynamics, and fitted state-of-the-art carbon-fibre brakes. Ferrari also reduced the car’s weight to 1,495 kilograms by utilizing both thinner aluminium and glass and employing lighter components for the brakes, transmission, and exhaust.

Finished in Rosso Scuderia with a Grigio Silverstone Opaco roof and a Nero leather interior—the quintessential colour combination for a 599 GTO—this particular example is surely one of the finest. Delivered new to Switzerland and still retained by its original owner, it has only travelled 180 kilometres from new. Furthermore, the car is outfitted with a desirable array of options, including matching Rosso Scuderia brake callipers, anti-stone chipping film, Rosso-coloured seat belts, a Rosso tachometer, stitching in Rosso, iPod integration with a navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, and carbon-fibre racing seats, among others.

Quickly proving itself to be a modern day collectible, the 599 GTO is truly one of the most compelling Ferraris built thus far in the 21st century and a must-have for any tifosi. Today, this 599 GTO remains in virtually as-new condition and is surely one of the lowest-mileage examples available.