2010 FERRARI 599 GTB - HGTE PACK

This 2010 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is a thrilling grand tourer, presented with a very high specification, including the coveted HGTE package. Its engine is the tremendous 6.0-litre ‘Tipo F140C’ naturally aspirated V12, producing 612bhp, coupled to the six-speed ‘F1 SuperFast’ automated transmission. The odometer indicates just 42,952 km (26,689 miles) from new.

An original left-hand drive example that is understood to have been delivered to Japan, it is believed to have had just one previous owner during its life in Asia. It was imported to the UK three years ago, and has been with the current owner ever since, who has covered around 1,000 km on the road. It has been safely stored in a heated unit among a large collection of other cars during his ownership.

The car is understood to have been retro-fitted with the Handling GTE package, rather than having it specified from the factory. The HGTE package includes lowered and stiffened springs, a thicker rear anti-roll bar, five-spoke modular wheels, and a revised exhaust system. The F1 transmission software is also upgraded to enable even faster shifts. This 599 was also specified with the optional carbon-ceramic brake discs, accented by silver calipers.

Its bodywork is in very good condition, with no accident damage or dents in any of the panels. The Grigio Titanio finish does have a few blemishes, including some minor stone chips around the nose, and a small patch of scraped paint at the corner of the offside front bumper. Otherwise, it has a smooth and glossy appearance all around the car, and there are also factory-fitted Scuderia shields on the wings. It rides on the 20-inch split-rim alloy wheels, which present well, showing only minor lacquer peeling when closely inspected.

In the cabin, the full Cuoio leather trim extends to the seats, door cards, upper and lower dashboard panels, transmission tunnel, headlining, and rear luggage shelf. The carbon-fibre bucket seats have the ‘Daytona’ style seat stripes in a lighter beige, and feature full electric adjustment and heating on both sides, with memory settings for the driver. The leather itself has some surface scuffs and discolouration on the driver’s side bolster, which would be relatively easy to smarten up.

High-gloss carbon-fibre is used for the air vent housings, dashboard trim strip, transmission control housing, and centre console panel. The central and top sections of the LED steering wheel are also finished in carbon-fibre, as are the shift paddles. Some deterioration of the plastic coating is present on the ‘Reverse’ button, but the rest of the switchgear is in good order.

Factory-fitted equipment includes dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, the Becker Cascade head unit with BOSE surround-sound speaker system, an older generation iPod connection, and a Thatcham Category 6 Cobra tracker system. There are no electrical faults, and all of the switchgear works as it should.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in October 2017, carried out by performance car specialist R&D Automotive in Manchester. This consisted of a major service, including replacement of the fluids and filters, spark plugs, lower ball joints, front anti-roll bar bushes and drop links, and track rod ends and control arms. Four-wheel alignment was also carried out.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 14 January 2020 at 43,101 km (though this was incorrectly recorded by the tester as being in miles). It resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. The photos in the gallery show the car on older tyres, but they have just been changed to brand new Pirelli P Zero rubber in size 245/35 ZR20 at the front and 305/35 ZR20 at the rear.

Accompanying the car is a comprehensive book pack, though the original service record from Japan has been lost. The original tool kit is present, along with the tyre inflator, car cover, seat covers, trickle charger, and two keys.

This Ferrari 599 GTB is a very smart example of the flagship V12, presented in a rare and elegant factory colour scheme. It is perhaps the optimal blend of sophistication and performance, benefitting from the sharper responses of the Handling GTE package, while being specified with the full leather interior for added luxury. This is a stylish and exciting grand tourer, ready to be cherished by another enthusiast.