Ferrari captured the essence of its history-making, front-engined V-12 Berlinettas in the extraordinary 599 GTB Fiorano. Built in limited numbers from model year 2007 through 2012, production ended with just 3,500 produced, but perhaps the most significant statistic is the number of examples equipped with the soon-to-be-extinct 6-speed manual transmission. For American market vehicles, that number was limited to just 20; in fact, manual-equipped models accounted for less than 1% of total production. Offered with an odometer reading of just 11,727 miles, this 2007 599 GTB Fiorano has the distinction of being one of the 20 U.S. market, 6-speed manual equipped cars. Ferrari’s own design brief for the 599 GTB Fiorano was a wide-ranging one in keeping with the grand-touring theme, citing the need “to increase driving pleasure, to guarantee performance (courtesy of technology transfers from the F1 single-seaters), and to ensure comfort, ergonomics and safety.” Most of those goals have been cited countless times by any number of manufacturers, but when those commitments issue forth from Ferrari, the result is always nothing less than sublime—and so it is with the 599 GTB. Powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0L DOHC V-12 engine rated at 612 HP and 448 lb-ft of torque and mated to that lovely gate-shifted 6-speed, this 599 GTB is capable of reaching 60 MPH in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 205 MPH, incredible numbers for a GT-centered, front-engined Berlinetta, especially one that at first glance appears devoid of aerodynamic or ground-effects technology. On the contrary, the 599 GTB was sculpted in Pininfarina’s wind tunnel to channel air over and through the body with stunning efficiency, in the process creating one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever in both shape and detail. With underpinnings that include independent front and rear suspension with double wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bars, magnetorheological damping and 4-wheel carbon ceramic brakes behind Michelin Pilot Sport tires on 20-inch aluminum wheels, the 599 GTB exhibits rock-like stability at any speed. Dipped in mirror-like Nero paint with a complementing Nero leather interior, this rare 6-speed 599 GTB offers power-adjustable Daytona-style seats, carbon fiber driving and lower cabin zones, dual- zone climate control, power windows, a Giallo Logo instrument panel, Scuderia fender shields and Ferrari 60th Anniversary badging. To Ferrari purists, only a manually shifted example such as this magnificent 599 GTB Fiorano satisfies the time-tested requirements to fully realize the magical promise of the classic Ferrari front-engined V-12 Berlinetta.
