Man Maths: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano

And do you know, I think 8mpg has a point. That pithy observation describes the 2002 Ferrari Enzo rather well, what with its 651bhp from a 6-litre naturally aspirated V12. But Enzos appear to be even more expensive today than a brand new F80, so let’s look elsewhere.

The 599 GTB Fiorano, new in 2006, is nearing its 20th birthday. It marked a turning point for Ferrari’s front-engined, V12 two-seaters, the moment in time when these flagship models became hard-edged supercars rather than rounded grand tourers like the 575M and 550 Maranello that came immediately before it. The F12 Berlinetta and 812 Superfast took the 599’s lead and ran with it, although by all accounts the latest in the line, the more civilised 12Cilindri, takes at least one step back in the other direction.

So the 599 has a certain sort of significance, plus a lightly detuned, 612bhp version of the Enzo’s V12 to go with it. I have driven a 599, albeit the exceedingly rare GTO version, but I well remember being hurled at great speed through the Wye Valley in a GTB as a passenger several years ago. And in either model, the F140 V12 that spins to 8000rpm is just about as ferocious as the internal combustion engine ever gets. The Old Man’s quip about buying the engine and getting the rest of the car thrown in for free rings absolutely true.

You’ll need to put up with a jerky robotised manual transmission with shift paddles, one that requires a deft touch if it’s not to hinder the driving experience too much (manuals are so rare I could’t find a single one for sale in the UK; apparently only three came here), plus a flaky interior that feels even older than its years. But you’ll be in a modern Ferrari that goes like a bullet and sounds far better than the new F80 ever could. Half the power? Who cares? It’s got double the pistons.

You can find them today for less than £80,000, but you won’t need to spend much more to buy an exceptional 599 GTB that’s covered only 20,000 miles or so. I would want one with a watertight warranty and a flawless history, which you should be able to find for less than six figures. And when I one day pulled up alongside an F80 costing many times the price, well, I would just know…

Free Reads on The Intercooler are freely available for all to read. The vast majority of our stories, including all of our feature articles, sit behind the paywall, only available to subscribers who get unlimited access to our ever-growing library of more than a thousand stories and close to two million words. 

Click here to start your 30-day free trial and gain full access to The Intercooler’s multi award-winning website and app.