‘It’s a detail masterpiece, a track genius, a road tonic and yet another great Ferrari.’ –Evo

Prior to 2010, there had only been two cars in the Ferrari bloodline to be decorated with the revered ‘Gran Turismo Omoligato’ badge: the 1962 250 GTO and 1984 288 GTO. Such is their reputation that neither require introduction. When taken as a pair, however, they are an indication of the level of excellence that Maranello’s engineers feel is required to be worthy of being adorned with the fabled moniker.

By combining old-school tuning and modern electronics, the 599 GTO was the fastest road car Ferrari had ever produced at the time of its launch in 2010. Borrowing heavily from the 599XX track-only hypercar project, Ferrari produced a front-engined road car that could lap Fiorano almost a second quicker than the Enzo and over a second quicker than a 430 Scuderia, despite weighing 300 kg more.

Under the bonnet, the Tipo F140 V12 had 12 percent less internal friction than the standard 599 GTB installation, courtesy of re-coated tappets; ‘superfinished’ cam lobes; re-profiled crankshaft weights and a new design of piston skirt. The headline figures were stark improvements over the existing 599 GTB: 661 bhp at 8,250 rpm, up from 612 bhp at 7,600 rpm.

These mechanical improvements were then mated to similarly extensive electronic advances; the gearbox was fettled to deliver shifts in 60 milliseconds, 40 milliseconds quicker than the GTB, whilst second-generation magnetorheological dampers and the latest F1-Trac traction system provided superlative driving involvement, faster lap times and extreme responsiveness to driver inputs.

To complete the package, the standard car was put on a radical diet: a single-piece hydroformed exhaust manifold was used, thinner windows were installed alongside an aluminium boot lid and second-generation carbon ceramic disc brakes adorned each corner, featuring carbon pads for the first time. On the inside excess carpeting was stripped out and carbon fibre backed seats installed. Curb weight dropped to just 1,495 kg, 100 kg lighter than the 599 GTB.

Chassis no. 181050 was delivered on 28 June 2011 and presents in immaculate condition throughout having only covered 3,600 miles from new. It is specified in the launch scheme of Rosso Corsa bodywork, a Nero roof and Grigio alloy wheels, behind which sit silver callipers. The inside is trimmed with beige leather featuring black inserts and is also equipped with an Alcantara clad roll cage and four-point safety harnesses. Its service book shows a total of four visits, solely to main dealers for routine servicing, with its most recent service being carried out in January 2018 at 3,492 miles.

The 599 GTO is as versatile as it is desirable; able to hold its own on any circuit, whilst equally capable of whisking two occupants and their luggage over great distances with ease. Fast becoming a modern-day collectible, this opportunity to acquire a low-mileage UK RHD example is worthy of the attention of even the most discerning ferraristi. As Autocar surmised, ‘This is a genuine landmark car for Ferrari . . . a bona fide addition to the GTO family, make no mistake.’