There's some debate in the PistonHeads office about whether the Ferrari 456 is a good looking car. There are those who consider it something of a highpoint, a great example of how a Ferrari can be beautiful and eye catching yet also quite modest and restrained - then there are those people who are wrong. It's lovely in isolation, yet even lovelier when you look at the models that directly preceded and followed it.
Could have got it to 456 at least...
Anyway, before that hornets' nest is disturbed further, it's time to discuss 456 values. Because, like apparently everything from the past with a Prancing Horse on it, prices have soared in recent years. The big V12 endured a prolonged period
in the doldrums
, before the market woke up to just what good value - relatively speaking - both the 456 and its 550 contemporary represented.
PH was on this trend a while back, so there's no hope of picking up a cheap 456 again sadly. Instead we're now dealing with cars at comfortably £50K plus, and in extreme cases cars like this: a Rosso Corsa 456M GT, priced at £179,995.
That's because it has covered just 453 miles since 1999, a truly tiny amount and reflected in the car's incredible condition. 'Nearly new' is a terribly overused phrase, but this 456 really is immaculate. The paint, the leather, the wheels; all look as fresh as they must have done in the last year of the last century, which is a rather appealing prospect. And it's a manual! If only it were Tour de France Blue...
Now it would be very easy to witter on about just how lovely the 456 is, though of course it's also worth considering what else from the Ferrari stable - pun intended, apologies - is available. 612s haven't yet enjoyed the resurgence that the 456 has, meaning the best cars are well within budget. Very nice FFs can even be bought for £180K, with 599s also on offer if you fancy something racier. That's before you consider venturing elsewhere - £180,000 is a lot of money!
Once upon a time this was sold with the 355...
Perhaps the question is therefore whether the big V12 Ferraris are worth it. Famously the series production four-seater V12s have depreciated savagely, and seemingly never quite appealed to collectors like some other models. Of course the limited editions will always be in demand but, with a
355 GTS F1
currently for sale privately at £150,000 (!), could attention be switching to the front-engined cars?
This is surely a 456 destined for a collection, which seems rather a shame given not enough are seen as it is. Can't exactly blame whoever gets hold of it, given the price and the condition. What it will be fascinating to see, however, is just how wise an investment it turns out to be in the mad world of Ferrari values.
FERRARI 456M GT
Engine: 5,473cc, V12
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 442@6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@4,500rpm
MPG: 13
CO2: 495g/km
Recorded mileage: 453
Year registered: 1999
Price new: N/A
Price now: £179,995
See the original advert here.