Styled by Pininfarina designer, Pietro Camardella, the 456GT ruffled a few feathers when it debuted in 1992, the first front-engined V12 GT to emerge from the stable of prancing horses since the controversial 400 model in 1972.
The 5.5-litre V12 rear-wheel-drive coupé was built in the oldest of traditions and was a much more conventional car than the company’s mid-engined models, but in a glorious way – luxurious, comfortable and truly stunning to look at, it was Ferrari’s answer to Aston Martin and Bentley’s big GTs and was a truly beautiful car. It was also the first car in the world to feature a single-piece composite ‘clamshell’ bonnet.
It enjoyed an 11-year production run, with a major facelift in 1998 leading to the introduction of the ‘456M’ models (M for ‘Modificato’), which were more refined and had subtle styling differences. Coming direct from a private collection, this one is one of the very last, registered in April 2003 and believed to be the very last right-hand-drive model to come to the UK. It has an impeccable pedigree and has covered just 23,000 miles from new.
Black leather seats with red hand-stitched details
Replacement OEM-spec Becker stereo
2+2 four-seater
Superb throughout
Although ostensibly a sports car, the 456GT is still a four-seater and the rear seats are quite generous for a 2+2.
It’s a beautiful thing inside as much as it outside, with lovely black leather, piped with red trim and the ‘Cavallo’ logo embossed into the leather of the head rests. It features a billeted aluminium gear lever and surround, along with delicate dials and an OEM-specification Becker stereo, which was sourced by the previous owner to replace an aftermarket unit.
The seats, carpets, headlining and door cards are in superb order as you’d expect from such a low mileage car, the only very minor faults being some lifting to the leather on the airbag cover and a very small mark next to the ashtray
Finished in discreet yet stunning Ferrari Nero Daytona, a lovely glossy black, the 456 looks drop-dead gorgeous.
But its’ more than just a pretty face. It’s in stunning order with no flaws to the panels or paintwork – not a mark, dent, ding or stone chip to be seen. It really is a remarkable example, with an impeccable finish.
The 17-inch alloys are also superb, with only the tiniest of kerb marks on the nearside front wheel and all of the others utterly spotless, and shod with the correct factory-specified Pirelli P-Zero tyres.
The tubular steel chassis appears to be sound throughout, and there is no evidence or history of accident damage, backed up by a clear data check.
The V12 powerplant is as intoxicating as you’d expect a V12 Ferrari unit to be and the soundtrack this car offers is as much a part of its appeal as its truly striking styling.
It’s the last of the ‘conventional’ V12 Ferraris with a mechanical key-start and a straightforward four-speed automatic transmission, developed especially for the 456 by FF Developments and Ricardo Engineering and with more than enough durability to handle the model’s 440bhp – which at the time made it the most powerful Ferrari ever made.
It has been impeccably maintained – the service and invoice history goes right back to the car’s early years and documents a lifetime of care, with thousands spent on its maintenance at a selection of the UK’s best-known Ferrari-approved specialists.
In 2021, and less than 1,500 miles ago, it had the big one – a full cambelt service that set its then owner back a tidy £5,367. It won’t need doing again for a long while yet.
All 456GTs are beautiful cars, but this is as good as they get. The final evolution, the best of the breed and presented in truly remarkable, impeccable condition. It’s a low mileage car with superb pedigree to back it up, and has to be one of the best 456GTs on the market. A rare find and one to truly cherish.
Notice to buyers
This vehicle is subject to third party financing. The amount of finance due on the vehicle is less than the reserve. The seller will discharge the financing debt and all related costs absolutely within two full working days from the end of the auction on a successful sale and will confirm to the buyer that such release has occurred. This obligation will be implied into the contract of sale between the buyer and the seller on auction close.
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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2003 Ferrari 456M GTA
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