Are you looking for a barely used Ferrari? Then you can go to the dealer for a young 812 Superfast, or perhaps a fresh 458. What is also possible? This formidable and practically new 456 with only 5, 691 kilometres of experience and just had a service with a fresh timing belt and the like. Roadworthy, a good investment and also interesting from a business perspective. A 456 GTA is of course not Ferrari’s most famous model, so let’s take a look at its history.

In 1992, Ferrari presented the long-awaited successor to the 412. A luxurious 2+2 coupe with a temperamental V12 under a long hood. So far the same recipe as the 412, but otherwise there could hardly be a bigger difference: the very sleek and straight-lined 412 makes way for a rounded model with a fairly rounded rear. These feminine shapes ensure that the 456 still looks modern and graceful.

The design of Pininfarina, or rather of Pietro Camardella who works at Pininfarina, was embraced by many and the 456 was quickly seen as an ultra-luxury GT. However, that does not detract from the fact that it is also a great sports car, with its V12 with 442 hp. Ferrari says the 456 will reach a top speed of 309 km/ h, making it the second-fastest production four-seater behind the Porsche 959. At the time, it is the strongest ‘regular’ production car the brand had ever built.

The 456 is not only available as a GT with a manual gearbox, but also with an automatic transmission. In that configuration, the 456 is known as GTA, where this abbreviation does not stand for Allegerita but for Automatico. That variant, with a four-speed automatic transmission, is exactly the car you see here. Perhaps a less ‘hardcore’ sports car, but the question is of course how fast you still drive with such a beautiful classic in the making. Wonderfully sporty cruising, enjoying long winding ribbons of roads and elongated stretches of asphalt: this machine could turn out to be much better than it was back then.

A bonus is the very special colour combination of this 456 GTA. In 2003 the owner opted for white paint. Now it almost no longer matters what colour the interior is in, but let’s be honest: it doesn’t get more beautiful than natural-coloured leather. The paint is in excellent condition, matching the unique mileage of 5, 691 kilometres. The interior is also very well maintained and once behind the wheel you don’t really want to get out. Buckle up, turn the key, set the control lever of the automatic transmission to ‘D’ and the great enjoyment can begin.

The classic V12 makes itself heard well, without being overpowering. A pleasure during a long drive. The 442 horses do their work pleasantly and clearly without effort. While the manual gearbox may have a more exciting character, the GTA is a ‘gentleman’s car’ par excellence. Enjoy one of the most stylish creations from Maranello and now for manageable amounts.

A toss-and-throw Ferrari? Then we recommend that you look further. A comfortable GT with an ear-pleasing V12 and a look that allows you to arrive anywhere? And with all the original booklets in the original leather case? Then a visit to Gallery Aaldering might be a good idea.