2001 Ferrari 456 M GTA

Design By Pininfarina

5,474cc DOHC 48-Valve V-12 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
442bhp at 6,250rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transaxle
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Finished in exquisite Azzuro California over Crema Leather
*Comes complete with books, tools and service records
*California ownership since 2001 with a clean Carfax report
*One of only 650 produced

THE FERRARI 456

Not since the 412's demise in 1989 had Ferrari offered a '2+2' and when the 456GT debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1992 it was obvious that the long awaited newcomer eclipsed all Maranello's previous four-seat Grand Tourers. Although new from stem to stern, the 456GT incorporated elements familiar to generations of Ferrari cognoscenti - front-mounted four-cam V12, rear transaxle, tubular steel spaceframe chassis and all-independent suspension - while making an appearance for the first time were electronically-controlled adaptive suspension and a six-speed gearbox. Essentially a de-tuned version of that powering the 550 and 575, the new 5.5-litre V12 unleashed no less than 442bhp at a lowly 6,250rpm yet remained smooth and tractable from idling speed to red-line thanks to its state-of-the-art engine management system. F40 excepted, the 456 was the most powerful road car developed by Ferrari up to that time, yet despite delivering supercar performance this relatively unstressed engine has proven to be very reliable.

For the 456 'Modificato', Pininfarina worked its magic once more to create a subtly beautiful curvaceous body that contrasted with the hard edges of its predecessor. Although bereft of extraneous aerodynamic devices, the 456 remained stable up to its maximum speed of around 190mph, a figure that made it the world's fastest production four-seater passenger car.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This automatic transmission example of the 456 M GT has covered 30,600 miles from new and comes with factory manuals, clean Carfax, tool kit and tire inflation kit. Finished in the beautiful light blue metallic (Azzurro California) with an off-white leather interior (Crema), a combination rarely seen and quite appealing. Factory options include power Daytona style seats with blue piping, blue upper dashboard, blue carpeting and silver brake calipers. This 456M also features the excellent soundtrack coming from a Tubi exhaust system. This 456's history file contains numerous service receipts documenting the care that it was given. The current owner purchased this grand tourer around 2014 and has been enjoying it since. Only approximately 200 miles have been driven since the cars latest service. Like many Ferrari's of this era, the car does have some shrinkage of the leather on top of the dash which can easily be addressed. Other than a few minor scuffs on the exterior, this example is in overall nice condition. Given the up to date service history and rarity, with only 650 456M GTAs produced, this is certainly a prancing horse not to pass up.