Highlights
- One of only 650 RHD 456M GTAs made
- Only 35,510 miles from new
- Full service history
- Comprehensive maintenance file
- Stunning TDF Blue paintwork
The Appeal
There is nothing more iconic in the motoring world than a Ferrari V12. And in the 456, it found one of its greatest partners. Widely recognised as one of the prettiest Ferrari GT cars – and therefore one of the prettiest cars ever made – it remains an incredibly capable and practical machine that is becoming ever more sought-after.
This example is a 456M GTA – the later development of the 456 and the top-of-the-range model. It’s presented in beautiful condition, with a fine history, exceptional specification and genuinely low mileage. It’s a unique and unmissable opportunity to obtain one of the greatest cars in the Ferrari catalogue.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in May 1998
- Ferrari assembly No.30394
- First registered in 1999
- 7 owners from new
- Just 35,510 miles
- Full service history (last stamp at 35,452 miles)
- Supplied with 12 months MOT
- Certificate of Conformity from Ferrari
- Original handbooks included
- Maintenance receipts from specialists including Dick Lovett and DK Engineering
- Current V5c
The Interior
- Gorgeous Connolly Leather upholstery
- Modern Pioneer BT / USB / RDS system
- Electric memory-function seats
- Powered windows and mirrors
- Air-conditioning
With a stunning light tan Connolly Leather interior, the cabin of this 456M is stylish, comfortable and effortlessly elegant. All of the leather – which generously swathes the seats, door cards, headlining and transmission tunnel – is in superb condition for a 23 year old car. With just a handful of minor blemishes, it belies its age incredibly well.
Complementing the exterior and contrasting well with the upholstery are the deep blue carpets which adorn the cabin. Thick, quality items, they are presented in good condition.
All of the switchgear and instruments looks to be in near-perfect condition, with little evidence of wear. There are, naturally, small marks and the occasional blemish, but nothing that should raise any concern for a new owner. This is as “box fresh” as you could wish for a two-decade old grand tourer to be.
The vendor tells us that all of the car’s features and functions operate exactly as they should, with no issues.
The Exterior
- Stunning Tour de France Blue paintwork (522)
- Original 18” 5-spoke alloy wheels
- Bridgestone Potenza tyres
- The last Ferrari model with pop-up headlights
When Pininfarina styled the 456, they really did get the proportions and detailing spot-on. The later ‘M’ model (Modificata) subtly enhances and refines that styling to create something that is truly bewitching, especially when finished in Ferrari’s unique TDF Blue.
The paintwork itself is in superb condition. Of course, there are minor blemishes, but in general it is shown here in an excellent state. This is no doubt thanks to the fact that, in November 2018, the owner had the paintwork subjected to a full correction, enhancement and machine polish by Autofficina. The benefits of this are self-evident.
In regard to the metalwork itself, the panels are straight, undamaged and neatly gapped, with no evidence we could see of any damage or repair. The 456M benefits from a full aluminium bodyshell, with a carbon fibre clamshell bonnet, all built on a tubular steel space-frame. Therefore, any issues with corrosion are minimised by the vehicle’s construction.
All of the external trim, glass, lights and badging appear to be in similarly fine condition to the metalwork. Everything is complete, straight and in very good order. Of course, the iconic pop-up headlights work exactly as they should too.
The Mechanics
- Epic 5,474cc naturally-aspirated V12
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Full service history
- Just 35,510 miles covered
It’s all about that V12. Sporting the legendary layout of a longitudinally mounted V12, rear-wheel drive and a 2+2 cabin, this 456M GTA is every inch the grand tourer.
That engine is a work of art too. Based on the Dino V6, it’s a 65-degree 5.5-litre DOHC 48-valve V12 that offers up a more than adequate 442bhp and 550Nm. With Bosch Motronic fuel injection, a dry sump and that deliciously smooth 4-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, it provides easily accessible performance, cosseting progress and a near-bottomless well of power.
Despite all this ability, it’s a relatively unstressed unit, and is therefore known for its reliability. With less than 36,000 miles on the clock, this sumptuous V12 is barely broken in and should be good for many more years of continental touring.
Also included in this car’s specification are ASR traction control, a ‘Sport’ mode and fully independent suspension with self-levelling function at the rear.
The owner tells us that the car is in excellent condition mechanically, with no known issues or faults. They assure us it drives incredibly well, exactly as you’d expect.
Summary
Few cars are as well-regarded and universally acclaimed as the 456. And the 456M GTA is the finest evolution of the breed, offering a superb drivetrain twinned with an achingly pretty design and superb handling chassis.
To add to its appeal, this car comes with very low mileage, a great service history and one of the best specifications it’s possible to get – TDF Blue over light tan Connolly Leather is a simply sublime combination.
This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a quickly appreciating classic with a great history and near perfect specification – whatever you do, don’t let this one slip away.
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