1999 Ferrari 456MA

Highlights

• Naturally-aspirated 5.5-litre Ferrari V12 producing 442hp and 398lb-ft of torque 

• First Ferrari of the Luca di Montezemolo era

• Uprated ‘Modificata’ variant offers improved reliability and driveability

• One of only 139 right-hand drive examples produced for the UK

• Solid service history including extensive recent work

Overview

If all of the recent discussion around Ferrari’s future has achieved anything, it’s to have even further sharpened appreciation for its past. The halcyon days of Pininfarina and di Montezemolo may be fading in the rearview mirror, and the epoch of clean lines and natural aspiration seemingly drawing to a close, but we’ll always have the memories. 

Or, if you fancy, you could buy one of the icons of that golden age, and keep the party going for a good few years yet. 

Given its remarkable place in Ferrari history, the 456 remains surprisingly underappreciated (and similarly arguably undervalued) by aficionados. When the first new model of the di Montezemolo era was unveiled in 1992, it was the most powerful regular production road car ever developed by the marque. The 442hp and 398lb-ft of its 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 also made it the quickest option in Maranello’s stable, while its 192mph top speed left it the second-fastest four-seater on the market, trumped only by the hardly comparable Porsche 959.

The 456M (for ‘Modificata’) which arrived six years later, improved on this industry-leading formula further still. In addition to its forebear’s debut of speed-sensitive power steering and first application of electrically adjustable shock absorbers on a V12 Ferrari, the 456M boasted the original commercial use of carbon fibre in its refined bonnet, further enhancing Pininfarina’s already sleek design. 

While output remained the same, the 456M improved performance, braking and handling too, through the introduction of traction control, larger brake discs from the 550 Maranello and new front suspension. The interior, already renowned for its quality and refinement, was refreshed with a cleaner gauge cluster design, a driver-focussed nod to the composed handling and impressive agility bestowed by the mechanical changes. 

Despite its impressive credentials, just 640 manual and 631 automatic 456Ms had been built by the time 456M production ended in 2004. Even when added to the 1,951 ‘regular’ 456s that came prior, that still leaves this as a very rare thing indeed. 

When you consider this car, then - one of only 139 right-hand drive examples produced for the UK, tastefully specced in Nero Daytona with Bordeaux interior and displaying fewer than 20,000 miles on the clock – you aren’t merely looking at an ‘affordable’ Ferrari. Aside from being the consummate GT and an oft-overlooked performance prospect, the 456 was ahead of its time in many ways, and stands today a rare collector classic. Having ushered in one of its creator’s most celebrated eras, a unique place in Ferrari history is already assured for a model that is only now starting to draw the attention it truly deserves. 

History and documentation

• First registered on 22/06/1999

• Multi-owner vehicle, acquired by current keeper(s) on 22/04/2025

• Service and maintenance history including: service at 2,902 miles (2001), service at 8,673 miles (2003), service at 9,472 miles (2005), service at 10,365 miles (2006), service at 11,155 miles (2008), service at 12,219 miles (2010), service at 14,116 miles (Jan 2021), service including cam belts and all fluids at 14,122 miles (Dec 2021), service at 14,420 miles (2022), service at 15,979 miles (2023)

• £18,000 spent on a refresh in 2021, and £5,000 spent in June 2026

• Original leather wallet and book pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Spare key

• Current MOT (expires 08/06/27)

• V5 present in owner’s name

Interior

• Beautifully presented cabin with minimal wear and tear 

• Premium Connolly leather in Bordeaux with matching carpets 

• Nero seat piping

• ‘Modificata’ interior features updated stereo and revised instrument cluster

• Whilst the original stereo is included, the unit in the car is an upgraded item with USB, aux in and an SD card slot

• Electric adjustable seats

• Aluminium shifter

• Odometer shows 18,588 miles

• Ferrari battery charger in delightful leather case also included

Exterior

• Pininfarina-designed aluminium bodywork with carbon fibre bonnet

• ‘Modificata’ updates includes more streamlined design and revised fog lights

• Nero Daytona paint in good condition with few age-related marks

• Rosso brake calipers

• Alloy wheels in excellent condition with new Pirelli P Zero tyres

• Fixed undercarriage spoiler

• Underside appears clean

Mechanical

• Naturally-aspirated 5.5-litre Ferrari V12 producing 442hp and 398lb-ft of torque 

• Four-speed transaxle automatic transmission

• Rear-wheel drive

• Immaculate engine compartment

• Car reported as starting on the button, driving and handling as it should

• Exhaust note described as ‘factory standard’ - which should still be lovely

• Extensive maintenance history with Ferrari specialists

Summary

Having undergone an incredibly extensive £18,000 refresh in 2021, further supplemented by over £5,000-worth of maintenance carried out by the current owner in June this year, this car looks to be in great condition. 

The next keeper shouldn’t have to fear any nasty surprises either, with the 456’s V12 having proven to be one of Ferrari’s more reliable engines, and the M improving dependability further still through several small but significant tweaks. 

Its combination of performance, design, rarity and significance make this not only an excellent car but likely a savvy investment too. Luckily for current buyers, the 456M remains a rare case of a Ferrari that’s flown under collectors’ radars. As for how much longer that’ll be the case? Well, that era looks set to end soon too. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. The seller is located in Clevedon, near Bristol.