Ferrari’s V-12 coupes represent perhaps the most romantic notion of continental grand touring, but they can also make for impressive track machines. Their basic theme can be traced to the 250 GT, with its legendary Colombo V-12 power and race-honed design. With the 250, Ferrari had both breadth and depth for every definition of a performance car. Subsequent twelve-cylinder designs ranged the gamut, but Ferrari eventually returned to the long-nose, front-engined, two-seater form.

When the 599 GTB debuted at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show as the long-anticipated replacement for the 550 and later 575 Maranello, contemporary press praised its curvy shape penned by Ken Okuyama at Pininfarina. Its naturally aspirated F140C 6.0-liter V-12, an evolution of the F140B from the Ferrari Enzo, was even more eye-opening with its astounding 612-hp rating. A six-speed semi-automatic, F1-derived gearbox fired off ultra-rapid shifts and ultimately proved far more popular than the standard manual.

Magnetic dampers quelled its Pirelli-wrapped 20-in. alloy wheels for street use while tightening up for more demanding driving via a steering wheel-mounted control knob. An optional Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione (HGTE) package took things a level further with unique spring, shock, and traction control calibrations.

To prove that its grand tourer was indeed a true descendent of the 250 GT, a track-only 599XX arrived three years later at the 2009 Geneva salon. In the same vein as the Enzo and FXX, Ferrari’s Formula 1 team set to work, trimming weight where possible, improving its aerodynamics, and uprating its V-12 to a screaming 720 hp using racing fuel. The V-12’s rev limiter crept up to 9,000 rpm and air quickly and loudly exited via a special exhaust system. F1-grade carbon ceramic brakes brought things to a halt.

The 599XX featured outlandish bodywork that was reported to generate nearly 1,400 lbs. of downforce at 300 km/h, but its most impressive performance feat was announced at the 2010 Beijing International Auto Show: a 6:58.16 lap around the Nordschleife circuit at Germany’s demanding Nürburgring.

The 599 GTO announced in the spring of 2010 resurrected the three most important letters in the Ferrari world, making it only the third Ferrari GTO after the 250 GTO and the 288 GTO. Since it was not designed with racing in mind, the 599 GTO was not merely a homologation version of the 599XX. Instead, it had performance credentials of its own, earning its letters.

Underhood, the 599 GTO featured a 670-hp version of the V-12 with a 180-degree crankshaft paired to a version of the 599XX’s single-clutch automated transmission that could fire off shifts in just 60 milliseconds. The combination was good for a 208-mph top speed and a 0–62 mph sprint of 3.35 seconds. The 599 GTO also took the best of the HGTE package with a version of its magnetorheological automatic-adjusting shocks and added staggered Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires

Compared to the Ferrari Enzo, the 599 GTO was subtler and more sophisticated, yet also faster and sharper. Ferrari at the time called the 599 GTO its “most extreme sports car” and the company admitted that it could lap Fiorano a second faster than the Enzo.

Car and Driver called the 599 GTO “a well-balanced package” in 2011 and noted that “all this adds up to is a sporting machine of an exceedingly high order.”

Ferrari built just 599 examples and earmarked a mere 125 for the U.S., including the Nero Daytona example offered here. With its Grigio Silverstone stripe, this 599 GTO stands out even in the rarefied crowd of high-performance Ferraris. This well-equipped 599 GTO was fitted at the factory with numerous optional items, including carbon fiber interior accents, headlight buckets, wheel center caps, and engine cover. Creature comforts not expected in such a high-performance model include a navigation system with an input for an Apple iPod, full power sports seats, rear parking sensors, and a Bose-branded audio system.

Its interior benefits from an Alcantara synthetic suede headliner and red contrasting stitching for its black interior. Outside, 20-in. stunning black Ferrari Challenge wheels are offset by the large red brake calipers.

According to the accompanying CARFAX report, the 599 GTO was delivered new to California, where it accumulated just over 5,100 miles of its current mileage of 6,400 miles. After a brief stint on the East Coast, the car returned to California and presents wonderfully throughout and remains ready to drive and enjoy amongst its GTO brethren.