Thursday 20th March 2014

Ferrari 456 GT: Spotted

Fancy a four-seat V12 Ferrari after seeing Harris's FF? Right this way

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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 adventure. A 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.

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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.

[E30Addict]

Beautiful!

TdF blue with tan leather is the colour combo for a 456 IMO. Much prettier than the 612 as well.

[Roma101]

One vote for you, Matt. I know it is subjective and all, but reading that a 612 is better looking than a 456 is the craziest thing I have heard for a while! For me, the 456 and 550/575 are probably the two finest looking Ferraris of the last 35 years.

[Wills2]

Lovely thing, but you'd need deep pockets if it went wrong.

[myhandle]

The 456GT is way better looking than the 612.
The early 456GT is also better looking than the later 456M.

[jtopps]

The 456 is so so pretty. Also it has pop-up headlights and that's just game over if you ask me. After 2 years with my Mk1 Eunos I still love them. The Blue on this one is the perfect colour for it. I don't know why but I think Ferraris look so good in blue. The 612 in comparsion to this is a bit odd looking with its stupid grinning face although from what I've heard it's a great car to drive.

[GroundEffect]

That CO2 value is brilliant.

[Krikkit]

E30Addict said:

Beautiful!

TdF blue with tan leather is the colour combo for a 456 IMO. Much prettier than the 612 as well.

This.

The 550 is my ideal in this combo, but the 456 is a very close 2nd. Gorgeous.

[daytona111r]

It is one of the most beautiful designs ever. Period.

So good, until now I couldn't imagine anyone, whatever your tastes, not think it gorgeous.



edit: 456 that is!

[E30Addict]

myhandle said:

The 456GT is way better looking than the 612.
The early 456GT is also better looking than the later 456M.

The pre-facelift 456 is much better resolved IMO.

[MaserBob]

Gorgeous and great value. 612 still appeals tho, if only for the size and presence - 4 seat Ferraris have such style and class.

[Roma101]

GroundEffect said:

That CO2 value is brilliant.

Wow! Just seen that. That is crazy. Were they actively trying to kill the planet back then?

[Pistachio]

gimme gimme gimme

[carinaman]

No shields and a spare wheel that looks right at home.

[NXXN]

Pretty and practical.

[vtecyo]

MaserBob said:

Gorgeous and great value. 612 still appeals tho, if only for the size and presence - 4 seat Ferraris have such style and class.

I saw one today in black pulling out of Wentworth golf club and it looked absolutely stunning.

[Dave Hedgehog]

i do like a pop up light

[binnerboy]

NXXN said:

Pretty and practical.

one of those pulled up next to me on Park lane a few years ago, probably the rarest car I have sen on the flesh. Only 12 made , If I remember correctly

[canucklehead]

456 >>>> 612

anyone who thinks different is wud. garlick, you, sir, are plain wrong.

[Ken May]

It’s depreciated at a rate of £543 every single month for 20 years, ouch that’s painful.

[Whiters]

I'd take an early 456 thanks.

But don't knock the 612 completely. Early one's look a bit underwheeled and ungainly, but late models are much nicer.