Classified of the week: Ferrari FXX

Back in 2005, Ferrari selected some customers and offered them the opportunity to purchase a very rare, very special car. That car was called the FXX, and it was built for a very special journey.

The FXX was a hardcore version of the Enzo, you could only drive it on track, and even then only when Ferrari allowed you to, and on selected circuits. You'd get an army of mechanics and engineers on hand to assist, too, documenting every turn of the steering wheel and every judicious stab of the throttle.

The original programme lasted from 2006 to 2007, and involved 20 customers in 14 group test sessions, 14 private test sessions, and 35,000km of testing over two years. Even Michael Schumacher - who once brought his very own black FXX to the TG test track - had a say in the development.

As a result of this testing, Ferrari rolled out an even harder version of the FXX, called the FXX Evoluzione, and this, ladies and gentlemen, in a long-winded manner, is what we present to you for this week's classified pick. It's a 2005 Ferrari FXX, retrofitted with the Evoluzione upgrades, and it's coming up for auction.

So, what do you get? Well, a ruddy rare Ferrari for starters. Underneath, and as a direct result of the first FXX programme, the 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V12 has been upgraded to an extraordinarily healthy 860bhp at 9500rpm (nine and a half thousand!), while the gearshifts from the six-speed 'box - lightning quick in the original FXX - now take just 60ms.

There's a new traction control system with nine different settings (plus the all-important ‘off' position), special 19in Bridgestone tyres, Brembo brakes with composite ceramic material discs (the brake pads are said to last twice as long), and some new aero aids. There's a new rear diffuser and an active front spoiler.

This particular example, offered up for sale by Gooding & Co at this weekend's Pebble Beach sale, has had "little use since 2008", participated in three FXX programme events, and is a single owner car. It's also one of 30, and a rolling development test bed of ingenuity and noise. It's estimated to go for upwards of £1.5m ($2.3m), and, well, you want it.

Click here to see the listing