It was nearly two years ago that Harris wrote a You Know You Want To about the
£17K Ferrari 456
. Dipping back into the thread after Dan met
owner Paul Goodlad
showed one PHer curious about the car just yesterday and then today we've had Harris's first update on his latest
V12 Ferrari
456
just had to feature again.
Pain and pleasure in equal measure here?
Reading back through the earlier stories revealed Chris chose a
612
over a 456 because the potential for a mechanical meltdown was too great. Even the costlier ones are a risk then.
But would you just look at it? Le Mans Blue with dark tan leather is perhaps the best 456 colour combo, with Rosso paint/Crema leather looking a bit out of place on the bigger Ferraris and black not really doing justice to the shape. It's just so elegant, proving that small wheels and big tyres can really work if the fundamental proportions are right.
Chris may be accustomed to his steering wheel controls in the FF now, but there still something to be said for the beautifully unadorned three-spoke item in the 456. Without an airbag it looks almost classic, dainty and thin and lovely. We've all harked on about the romantic appeal of an open-gate manual enough already.
Gorgeous place to sit if it does break though
Recently I had the audacity to challenge Paul Garlick on a style matter. He maintains the 612 is a prettier car than its predecessor and I believe he's wittering a load of old tosh. Any support for either team would be appreciated. But personally, the mid-90s remain a great era for Ferrari design. Mainly that's because of the 355 and 456 (in fact, it's probably nearly all due to the 355), but even the 550 is looking especially fine in its teenage years.
Furthermore, as the values of those cars continue to rise inexorably (see the £65K 355 Spider and £80K 550), the 456 has remained relatively steady. Excepting a few cars at POA, the most expensive 456 is an M manual at £42K. With the majority being autos, nabbing a manual for the £34,990 required for this car looks a bargain. Until something needs replacing, of course...
Will 456 values go up? Will this just be an horrendous money pit? Who knows, but it should feel fantastic (and look damn good) finding out.
FERRARI 456 GT
Engine: 5,474cc V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 442hp@6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@4,500rpm
MPG: 13
CO2: 495g/km (really)
Recorded miles: 47,000
Year registered: 1994
Price new: £156,445
Yours for: £34,990
See the original advert here.