Image Credit: Ferrari.The manual transmission has been making a surprising comeback in recent years. From boutique hypercar makers to established performance brands, manufacturers have discovered that many enthusiasts still value driver engagement over outright speed.Ferrari, however, has largely resisted that trend. The company has repeatedly defended its decision to abandon manual gearboxes, arguing that modern dual-clutch transmissions deliver superior performance while classic Ferraris already provide the traditional three-pedal experience collectors seek.That stance may soon be softening. New reports suggest Ferrari is preparing a limited-production version of the 12Cilindri equipped with a gated manual transmission, marking the first time in nearly two decades that a front-engined V12 Ferrari could be offered with three pedals.AdvertisementAdvertisementIf the rumors prove accurate, the car would not only revive one of Ferrari's most beloved features but also create one of the most desirable modern Ferraris ever built. The catch is that most enthusiasts will never have the opportunity to own one.Ferrari's Last Manual V12 Is Already A Collector LegendImage Credit: Ferrari.Ferrari's relationship with manual transmissions effectively ended during the late 2000s as buyers overwhelmingly embraced paddle-shifted gearboxes.The final front-engined V12 Ferrari offered with a manual transmission was the 599 GTB Fiorano, introduced in 2007. Only around 30 examples were reportedly equipped with the six-speed gated manual, making them some of the rarest modern Ferraris in existence.Earlier V12 models such as the 575M Maranello and Superamerica were also available with manual gearboxes in extremely limited numbers. Today, those cars regularly command massive premiums at auction, demonstrating just how valuable the combination of a naturally aspirated Ferrari V12 and a gated shifter has become. That collector demand appears to have caught Ferrari's attention.The 12Cilindri Could Be The Perfect CandidateAccording to reports from sources close to the company, Ferrari is evaluating a manual-transmission variant of the 12Cilindri that could debut later this year.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe special edition would reportedly retain the standard car's 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, which produces 819 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The major change would be replacing the current eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a traditional gated manual setup.Details about the gearbox remain unclear. Some enthusiasts have speculated Ferrari could develop an entirely new transmission, while others believe an existing high-performance manual gearbox could serve as the foundation.Either way, the focus would be less about acceleration numbers and more about restoring a driving experience many enthusiasts thought was gone forever.Not Everyone Will Be InvitedAs exciting as the prospect sounds, availability could be extremely limited. Reports suggest Ferrari intends to reserve the manual 12Cilindri for a select group of long-standing customers. That approach would mirror how the company allocates many of its most exclusive limited-production models, prioritizing loyal collectors and repeat buyers over newcomers.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn practical terms, having the money to buy the car may not be enough. Prospective owners would likely need an established Ferrari purchasing history and a strong relationship with the brand.The rumored strategy lines up with Ferrari's approach to exclusivity, where access to the most desirable models is often carefully managed rather than simply sold to the highest bidder.Ferrari's Position On Manuals Has Been MixedThe report arrives at an interesting time for Ferrari. About a year ago, Ferrari chief marketing and commercial officer Enrico Galliera told Evo that customers seeking a manual Ferrari should look to the company's classic models. He suggested the brand currently sees manual gearboxes as part of its heritage rather than its future.At the same time, other Ferrari executives have left the door open for a potential return. Chief Product Development Officer Gianmaria Fulgenzi previously suggested a manual transmission could make sense for an ultra-exclusive limited-edition model, particularly within Ferrari's most collectible series. A manual 12Cilindri would fit that description perfectly.A July Debut Could Be ApproachingPhoto Courtesy: TheCarPhotographer / Shutterstock.Sources indicate Ferrari may privately reveal the car to selected customers during the annual Ferrari Cavalcade event, which begins on June 29.AdvertisementAdvertisementA public unveiling could then follow sometime in July, potentially alongside other special variants rumored to be based on the 12Cilindri platform.Until Ferrari confirms anything officially, the project remains speculation. Even so, the idea of a gated manual paired with one of the last naturally aspirated V12 engines on sale today is enough to get enthusiasts excited.After years of downsizing, electrification, and increasingly automated performance cars, a manual Ferrari V12 would represent something increasingly rare in the modern automotive world: a supercar designed as much for the driver as the stopwatch.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
