599 GTB HGTE (factory optioned)

Can one determine from the VIN # if a 599 was originally equipped with the HGTE package from factory?

 

I think the most obvious way is whether it has Handling GTE stitched into the seat or not. I am sure someone will be along to correct me if I am wrong.

 

Yes Phil, and the white rev counter.

Daniel

 

No, HGTE was just an option package, so no way to tell. Same with 575M HGTC and 612 HGTS/HGTC/HGT2.

 

Not to forget the strip above the radio where it says Ferrari. Original HGTEs have them in carbon fiber and non-HGTEs have them in metal. This is the one feature that in my observation so far has been unique to the HGTEs

 

Interesting, this was new to me.


Daniel

 

Easy upgrade:

http://www.macarbon.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=914&category_id=221&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=133&lang=en

 

Great, thank you.

 

I just checked a 599 HGTE by its chassis number with the Norwegian Ferrari dealer, and I got this, so it is possible!
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Eric- Affirmative, that is a build sheet and it shows the options and all the colors used on the interior and exterior. There is a similar option list that omits the Assembly Number and some other details. Dealers with MODIS access can print those on just about all Ferraris built in the last 15 years or so.

 

The HGTE options package did not have the stitching "Handling HGTE" stitched into the seats, this was ONLY available for cars with the factory fit HGTE package. I don't know whether the carbon piece above the radio or the white rev counter were available as a dealer fit option but the seats is a definite way to tell.

 

Yes but a non-trivial number of owners chose not to have the stitching on their seats. So, although the presence of stitching is a definite confirmation the lack of it does not automatically imply that the car was is not a factory HGTE.

 

I didn't know that, how did you find this out? what is a "non-trivial" number of owners? Where did your evidence of this come from?
Not being obtuse, just genuinely want to know because this is contrary to all that |I have been told.

 

Phil- That is the factory OEM option package fitted at the factory I was referring to and the reference was to the original question, not what was included in HGTE. HGTE 599s were also available with standard 599 seats or HGTE seats without the stitching. We have at least one FChatter who ordered his that way. Hunt through the threads and you will find Chad's 599 HGTE documented.

Do not take dealers' words for much of anything on what was and was not available on Ferraris. They are wrong so many times, it is amazing, and friends of the factory can get just about anything done they like.