The headlines about the 599GTB are made by its superb engine. The 6.0-litre V12 comes from the Enzo – one of the fastest production cars ever. The engine doesn’t use any turbo or superchargers but still manages to produce a whopping 620bhp and propels the Ferrari from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. However despite this thunderous performance, the 599GTB is surprisingly smooth and easy to drive in traffic.

Of course its real home is the open road and even a slight prod of the accelerator is accompanied by a wonderful noise from the engine and a howl from the exhausts. A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard but most buyers spend the extra £5000 for the F1 Superfast paddle shift alternative. This changes gears in just a tenth of a second, although the 0-62mph times remains the same with either transmission.

Thanks to the use of lightweight aluminium panels the 599GTB is light for a supercar (it weighs around the same as a BMW 5-Series Touring). Not only does this help to give it superb pace, but also means it is agile and nimble. The engine is situated in the front – but it’s almost under the driver, which gives excellent balance and with pin-point precise steering and unprecedented levels of grip the 599GTB is an absolute delight to drive.

It’s not intimidating or unruly either, so will flatter less experienced drivers rather than frighten. A sophisticated traction control system called F1 Trac means the Ferrari never loses composure and the electronic suspension system means ride quality is impressively comfortable for a supercar. All cars built from January 2008 came with carbon brakes as standard (they were previously optional) and these provide outstanding stopping power without fading.