1999 Ferrari

The 456M (M standing for Modificata) was unveiled in March 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show. Many changes were made to improve aerodynamics and cooling and the interior and external appearance. At the rear of the car, a new bumper along with a fixed undercarriage spoiler to replace the previous motorised spoiler was used. The new front bonnet without cooling vents was the first commercial application of carbon fibre, the previous bonnet being made of a composite material. The aerodynamic improvements to the 456M resulted in the car being 33 mm (1 in) longer than the 456.

Mechanically, the front suspension geometry now consisted of modified control arms to reduce dive under heavy braking and larger, 330 mm brake discs from the 550 Maranello were used at the front. Power and Torque output remained unchanged on the Modificata using Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management but the cylinder firing order was changed for smoother running.

The Car

Delivered new in March 1999 this 456M GTA was specified in Blue Nart with contrasting cream leather seats with Daytona style inserts and contrasting dark blue carpets and blue interior trim. Outside there are silver Ferrari brake calipers. These Ferrari’s were very expensive when new, costing in the region of £174000 and came well specified, including fully electric adjustable seats with memory functions and adaptive switchable suspension damping. There is a fully functioning Alpine stereo system with 6 CD multi-changer in the boot.

The odometer indicates 23591 miles, but the correct reading is 63483 miles as the speedometer was changed in March 2007 at 39892 miles and the old speedometer is included with the car.

This Ferrari comes with its non-age related number plate and a set of wheels from a 550 Maranello that many feel give the 456 a better stance on the road.

Provenance and Condition

This original UK supplied car was purchased from its previous custodian of 4.5 years by the current owner in June 2025 and was viewed very much as a “keeper” and significant expenditure, in excess of £18k, was under taken to get the Ferrari into its current superb condition. It’s only now regretfully for sale as the owner has moved to Canada. The work carried out by Prestige Autoworks Ltd in Bicester includes;

·Major top-end engine overhaul and rebuild, including upgraded valve guides and new valve stem seals and gaskets

·Timing belts and cam covers replaced with Ferrari items and auxiliary belts replaced

·Overhaul and testing of the complete cooling system

·Fresh Service including engine oil, coolant, HT leads

·Shock absorbers replaced with genuine OEM Ferrari items

·Driver-side throttle body replaced.

·New Bosch battery

·Gearbox serviced, including replacement sump gasket and gearbox fluid change.

·Oil-system leak repaired, involving fitting a replacement oil-tank junction and seals

·Resolving a lumpy idle by replacing the crankshaft and camshaft sensors

·Alternator replaced with a WOSP Motorsport unit.

·EGT / “SLOW DOWN” warning system repaired, including replacement of the relevant thermocouple/control component and NSF EGT sensor junction box.

·Failed headlight motor replaced with a genuine used Ferrari 456 unit.

·Front brake discs and pads replaced.

·Both door windows aligned/adjusted and the central-locking rods adjusted.

This Ferrari 456M GTA is presented in the condition enthusiasts hope to find as typified by

·Original book pack and Ferrari tool kit

·Original interior with minimal signs of wear and everything working as it should

·Exterior paint in excellent condition with minimal stone chips and recently detailed

·Recent major service and remedial work by marque specialist

·Extensive Service history from new

·Non-age related private number plate

A summary of the main dates and mileages from the service history are;

Oct 2026 – 22500 Miles (Indicated) – Prestige Autoworks

May 2025 - 22034 Miles (Indicated) - LM Supercars

Mar 2023 - 19550 Miles (Indicated) - LM Supercars

Mar 2021 - 14376 Miles (Indicated) - LM Supercars

Jan 2016 - 6970 Miles (Indicated) - Rardley Motors Ltd Ferrari Specialist

Apr 2009 - 2396 Miles (Indicated) - Autofficina Ferrari

Oct 2007 - 888 Miles (Indicated) - Autofficina Ferrari

Mar 2007 - 39223 Miles - Graypaul Ferrari

Dec 2005 - 29184 Miles - Maranello Sales Ltd Ferrari

May 2005 - 25830 Miles - Maranello Sales Ltd Ferrari

Jun 2003 - 14290 Miles - SEB Auto Services Ferrari Specialist

Jun 2002 - 11603 Miles - Evans Halshaw Ferrari

Apr 2001 - 8187 Miles - Mortimer Houghton Turner Ferrari

On the Road

To understand why this V12 Ferrari feels so special to drive, it’s necessary head to the open road and feel the instant responsiveness of a normally aspirated large capacity V12 engine coupled to a responsive chassis engineered to handle a variety of roads and align perfectly with the drivers driving mood. Then look round the cabin and take in the stylish well specified interior that looks gorgeous and is a lovely place to be. All this with the knowledge that there is plenty of space for people and luggage for that extended road trip. The Ferrari V12 engine is simply magnificent.

Conclusion

This Ferrari 456M GTA is a beautifully presented example of one of Ferrari’s most important cars, heralding a resurgence in form under Luca di Montezemolo’s leadership that saw the marque start to win again in F1 and significantly up its game in the design of its road cars. These Ferrari 456M GTA V12s are stunning long distance tourers in the old school tradition of mighty front engine, superb chassis and an interior that is a lovely place to be combined with plenty of space inside and for luggage.

This particular 456M GTA looks absolutely stunning in its Blue Nart on Cream leather colour scheme, colours that really set off the classic lines of the 456 that continue to improve with age. It blends limited production numbers, high-performance mechanicals, and iconic sporting heritage into a final analogue package. It feels very special and drives as well as it looks. Any drive in a Ferrari is a special event and this car doesn’t disappoint. Yes, we love it!!

Presented by Racing Lines Hampshire, this Ferrari 456M GTA is ready for its next enthusiast custodian — someone who values authenticity, design, and the enduring appeal of a true V12 icon.