In 2025, the manual transmission has fallen so far out of favor with Maranello that even the one-off SC40, a celebration of the famously analog Ferrari F40, comes with a dual-clutch gearbox. But back in 2012, you could still have a manual, even if most buyers didn’t. Ferrari was leaning heavily into the Formula 1-derived “flappy paddle” technology, and its customers were embracing the change, so much so that when Ferrari quietly offered the then-new California with a manual, it is said that only three cars of a 17,000-odd production run were specified with three pedals. So in 2012, when this 599 GTB Fiorano (chassis 187007) rolled off the production line as the last of 30 599 examples with a manual (and the last Ferrari of any kind with a gear lever), it was mostly ignored as little more than a relic of the past. 13 years later, the combination of a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 (producing 612 hp and 448 lb-ft of torque), Pininfarina styling, and a gated manual is a rare and very pricy proposition, and this one is expected to sell for as much as a million dollars when it goes under the hammer via RM Sotheby’s on 1 November 2025.
A Magnificent Specification
Highlights of this car, finished in Canna di Fucile over Cuoio leather, include numerous optional carbon fiber accents, including the dashboard, steering wheel, door cards, and door sills. Speaking of, iconic then-Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo signed the door sill of this car, adding further prestige to the model. The cabin bears a plaque on the rear parcel shelf confirming its honor as “The Final 599 GTB Manual,” and there’s also a plaque on the dash referencing Ferrari’s 13 Formula 1 World Championship titles – 16 Constructors’ and 15 Drivers’ – an achievement that, sadly for the Tifosi, has not been improved upon in the 13 years since this car rolled out of the Maranello gates.
Back to the spec of this car, and the charcoal leather and quilted Alcantara highlights provide some contrast and match the exterior, while the highly sought-after HGTE package makes the car even more desirable. This is the Handling Gran Turismo Evolution upgrade kit that adds stiffer and lower suspension, a thicker rear anti-roll bar, updated software for the adaptive dampers, a sportier exhaust, a special front grille, and unique five-spoke multi-piece wheels. For the record, this upgrade also meant quicker shift times for cars with two pedals.
Lightly Used But Heavy On The Wallet
Despite its special nature, the single owner did drive the car occasionally, amassing 6,524 kilometers (4,053 miles) of use. During this time, the car was involved in a minor accident that required the replacement of the left front fender by Nicole Competizione, the official Ferrari dealership in Yokohama, Japan, where this car has resided after initially being delivered to Hong Kong. Its original owner recently imported the car to the United Kingdom, and it was acquired by the current selling owner in April 2025, who carried out an annual service at H.R. Owen South London, which also fixed the sticky interior buttons and switches earlier this month. The minor crash is a small blemish on an otherwise faultless record, and this 599’s special nature means the auction house has placed a valuation of £750,000-£850,000 ($997,300-$1,130,000) on the car. Given that Ferrari is unlikely to ever revive the manual, despite what its Chief Product Development Officer said earlier this year, that’s probably a fair estimate.
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