Few Ferraris of the modern era have generated excitement comparable to the furore surrounding the 812 Superfast—intended to replace the F12berlinetta—as it was revealed at the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show.

The 812 Superfast arrived amid great fanfare as Ferrari’s two-seat, front-engined, rear-wheel-drive flagship model, and the fitment of a 6.5-litre 789 horsepower V-12 engine ensured that it more than lived up to its name. It was marketed by the Maranello marque as the “fastest and most powerful Ferrari yet” and interest in the car was understandably huge.

Four years later, Ferrari raised the stakes even higher with the unveiling of the 812 Competizione, hailed as the “ultimate expression” of an extreme front-engined berlinetta. The purpose of the 812 Competizione from the outset was clear: to show what was possible when development of a supercar was forensically targeted on extracting the maximum performance at every turn, with the intent of delivering peerless driving pleasure.

At the heart of the car’s appeal was, of course, the V-12 powerplant, which had been upgraded to a breathtaking 819 horsepower, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine to ever feature in a Ferrari road car. In tandem with this, the rev limit was raised from 8,900 rpm to 9,500 rpm, aided by engineering solutions that included lighter component parts, and a carbon coating for the camshafts that increased durability and reduced friction.

Further adding to the 812 Competizione’s allure was its likely significance as one of Ferrari’s final petrol-powered machines, with Maranello bosses obliged to develop powertrain solutions away from the internal combustion engine. Ferrari has not yet confirmed its long-term plans for its signature V-12 formula, but it is likely that the 812 Competizione will represent one of the final opportunities to enjoy the majestic blend of smoothness, power, and intoxicating soundtrack that it delivers.

As you would expect of such a finely honed supercar, the performance figures are startling. With all that power transferred to the road via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, 0-100 km/h is dispatched in 2.85 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 7.5, and a top speed of 340 km/h is claimed by the factory. Furthermore, the 812 Competizione’s quickest recorded lap time at Ferrari’s feted Fiorano test track is one minute and 20 seconds, putting it in exalted company among the brand’s road cars—behind only the electrified SF90 XX, SF90 Stradale, and LaFerrari.

A Ferrari with such a magnificent pedigree was always going to be highly coveted by marque collectors, so it was no surprise that news of its launch in limited numbers in 2021 was immediately accompanied by confirmation that all 999 examples had already been sold. The fact it has been an extremely rare sight at auctions since has only added to the 812 Competizione’s mystique.

The example offered here, chassis 287558, presents in Giallo Triplo Strato (triple-layer yellow) over an Alcantara Nero interior lined with Giallo details. The 812 Competizione was prepared by the factory for delivery to the Middle East with an impressive specification with many optional extras. The exterior of the car was enhanced with the fitment of a carbon fibre rear diffuser, with further lightweight application on the front air vents, parcel shelf, instrument cover, inner door handle, upper centre console section, dash inserts, and under door cover. A suspension lifter system was fitted while the Ferrari wears matte black forged racing wheels set against glossy black brake callipers. The fitment of Daytona racing seats was complemented by a racing seat lifter, while the interior was further enhanced with Cavallino stitching on the headrests, coloured seatbelts in Giallo, coloured floor mats with the Ferrari logo, and a rev counter in yellow. The 812 Competizione has been used sparingly, with just 803 kilometres on its odometer at the time of cataloguing.

Ferrari has produced no shortage of iconic grand tourers over the decades, and the 812 Competizione is a worthy successor to the legends that preceded it. The availability of such a distinctive version is sure to capture the attention of brand aficionados the world over.