Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Distinguished specification
Manual 5.5-litre V12
Comprehensive service record
Registered in the Netherlands
APK for one year

The Appeal

When it comes to truly sporting grand tourers, one company stands head and shoulders above all others – Ferrari. The masters from Maranello have long had the uncanny ability to create GT cars that will comfortably whisk you across whole countries with little effort, yet can switch character to become snarling, snorting stallions at the first sign of twisted ribbons of tarmac.

Released in 1992, the 456 GT is now widely regarded as a masterpiece, and one of the most desirable “modern” Ferraris. Pairing a gorgeous, Pininfarina styled 2+2 body with a bewitching new 5.5-litre V12 engine and a classic H-gate manual transmission, it ticked every box on the “perfect GT car” menu.

This particular example benefits from a suave and subtle colour scheme, an excellent service record and genuinely lovely presentation that belies its years and mileage. As an example of the breed, it’s very fine and sure to make its new owner exceedingly happy.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in May 1996 in Switzerland
Now holding a Dutch registration
One year APK technical inspection
118,554Km indicated, confirmed by the service record
Complete with the owner’s handbooks and service book
Comprehensive service record, all completed by Ferrari dealerships and marque specialists
11 service stamps: 12,648Km (Feb 1998), 20,440Km (Nov 1998), 30,330Km (Oct 2000), 38,470Km (Feb 2001), 41,190Km (June 2001), 47,108Km (March 2002), 66,339Km (Feb 2006), 81,844Km (Feb 2008), 97,882Km (May 2011), 115,684Km (Jan 2017) and 118,292Km (Aug 2018)

The Interior

Beige leather upholstery
Air conditioning
Radio and CD changer
Electrically operated seats
Electric windows and door mirrors

The first thing that strikes you about the interior of this car is just how well preserved it is. All of the leather – even to the bases of the seats – looks to be in excellent condition. There are, naturally, some light signs of wear such as some minor creases, but far less than you’d expect considering the car’s age and mileage. The Interior is all original, it looks fabulous and well cared for.

Complementary beige carpets of a slightly darker shade runs through the cabin and presents very well, with no damage or staining we could identify. The foot wells are further protected with a set of quality black floor mats. Up above, the headlining looks to be clean, secure and undamaged with no evidence of sagging.

All of the trim and switchgear, from the deliciously simple sports steering wheel to the iconic aluminium gear selector and open H-gate, is in very good order. The buttons and switches show some minor signs of wear from use but, much like the rest of the cabin, there’s not as much as we’d expect. Similarly, all of the gauges are clear and legible, with clean plastic covers and no notable wear we could see.

As a front-engined GT car, the 456 has a genuinely useful and generous boot space. It’s trimmed out in the same beige carpet as the rest of the cabin. Here it wears a few minor marks and stains, but remains eminently usable and presentable.

The vendor tells us that everything in the cabin works as it should, and they report no faults or issues.

The Exterior

Canna di Fucile Metallic (703/C) – aka “Gunmetal Metallic”
Pop-up lights working as they should
Factory five-spoke alloy wheels

That smart, deep grey metallic paint really complements the car’s lines, pulling off the unique trick of being subtle and special at the same time. it shows nicely, with a healthy shine and nice gloss to the finish.

With predominantly aluminium construction over a tubular steel frame (welded with Feran to enable the differing metals to bond) and composite front and rear valances, corrosion isn’t a big issue for the 456. And so it proves here, the panels looking to be free from significant damage or corrosion. There appear to be a couple of small ‘car park’ style dings to the passenger side door, but otherwise there were no issues we could discern.

It’s good to see the car still wearing the correct five-spoke alloy wheels. These silver finished, 17-inch ‘Star’ type alloys look to be in very good order, with no kerbing or lacquer peel apparent.

The Mechanics

5,474cc, naturally aspirated, 65-degree V12
Six-speed manual transmission
Power steering, ABS and traction control

It’s impossible to talk about any Ferrari’s mechanicals without first mentioning the beating heart of the machine – that magnificent dry-sumped V12. Newly designed for the 456, this soaring, howling engineering marvel pushes a not inconsiderable 442hp and 550Nm to the rear wheels. So whatever situation you find yourself in, you have power (and aural delights) to spare.

Under that vast clamshell bonnet, the engine bay presents very well, being clean and tidy with no evidence we could see of leaks or overheating issues. The car features a transaxle layout, helping to maintain fine balance and weight distribution. There’s fully independent suspension all round, with a self-levelling hydraulic system to the rear.

We’re informed by the vendor that the car starts and runs very well, with no mechanical issues they are aware of.

Summary

Well presented in a very attractive specification with a fine service history, this lovely 456 is everything you could reasonably want from a Ferrari grand tourer – V12, manual transmission and heaps of style. It is, quite simply, sublime.

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