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I do love how pop-ups died due to pedestrian safety, but yet we have ever bigger landboats on the road. If I had to get hit by something moving 45mph, I would rather it be a popup headlight equipped sedan than the brick wall that is most trucks and suvs
pop-up headlights are dangerous, when I see them I am quite literally like a dear in headlights, mesmerised by the retro coolness until I inevitably get hit by the passing 850i, Miata or 944
As an ex Ferrari technician, the 456 has a special place in my heart, being the first Ferrari I had to work on. The first job being replace the leaking heater matrix, which meant pretty much stripping the entire interior, with a book time in excess of 25 hrs! I absolutely loved removing every screw and rebuilding it to completion. But, I also remember feeling quite sad to learn the 456, once upon a time, was worth more in parts than as a complete car. Probably due to the cost of that bonnet! I'm pleased to see they have come back around to be a great 90's sports GT. If i was in the market for a 90's GT car (and I think 90's cars are just better!) a 456 would be high on the list. Great video, well researched and written, thanks!
@@Matty-B-on-an-MTB Ahh an old life lesson here. lol. There's a difference between being able to afford to buy something and afford to own something. If ya bought with credit..forget it
Possibly one of the most beautiful Ferraris of all time - the proportions are just perfect. The '98 facelift 456M GT is probably my preferred iteration, the fog-lights within the lower grille make it look similar to the 550 Maranello; an equally beautiful car to look at.
Simple is better. The overall shape defines the car, not trendy design cues that date the design when the new one comes out. To my eyes, the 599 also has the same simple elegance.
I've owned a 1995 456 GT for a year now, and it's the top 3 cars I've driven. Mechanically it's been very reliable - apart from the radiator fan that shorted out last week. A new fan was ordered from the US and cost me 170 USD + shipping to Norway which isn't bad. It's a 30 year old car now and most of the weak points are well known and have a modern solution to them one way or another. Remember that most of the parts on these cars are made by Bosch and have Bosch part numbers. If you're good at cross referencing you can get brand new parts for a fraction of the price of parts from Ferrari. Working on the 456 is very easy as well, as there is plenty of room in and around the engine bay. Other than that it's still a 30 year old car that needs 30 year old car maintenance - like bushings getting worn etc.
Parts cross-referencing is a god send. Bosch is a very good example. My 1992 XJR-S has the same ABS vacuum accumulator as my 1993 SAAB. Also the same as a Lotus of the same era, and Bentleys, and Ford Granadas. I got a replacement Ford item for less than 100 quid. The Jag item was near 200, Lotus over 400, Bentley was 4 figures. Exact same part number.
@@albanana683 New injectors for the 456 costs around 1500 USD, that's 30 year old new-old-stock. Chrysler 3.5 V6 uses the same injector size as the V12, but they cost ~500 USD for a complete set for the Ferrari. Being 30 years newer they also have a better spray pattern giving it a minute better power!
@@piratetype My old V12 Jag had an ignition module that costs a few hundred quid. Inside the box is a Chrysler component that is an off the shelf part that can be had for $20 from NAPA.
I’ve owned a 1998 456 since 2017 and barely had any issues at all. I had a transmission line leak and the headlight motors got gummed up over time but that’s been it. It’s been a really reliable car for me. I did have the side window slop but that was an easy fix. My Ferrari is the exact same color combo as that one! I love that color in the sun.
I had one of these, you seem to have eschewed to mention how the instant you stop at a traffic light, the temperature journeys north rapidly making you fear for your head gaskets. Everything that ever went wrong started with a 7 and had 3 more digits after it...always. The 21000euro service I once had. Yes there were absolutely sublime moments, but actually using it regularly is financially crippling. I still loved it though, it was like living with an aging supermodel. The switches do go sticky by the way.
For crying out loud man! I've wanted one of these since I was 6 years old; it was love at first sight. I neeeed prices to stay low so I can maybe one day afford one 😢
@JayEmmOnCars I bought your old S500 on Ebay for 900 quid so I'm no stranger to the art of man maths to justify slightly mental decisions. Hopefully one day the stars will align on one of these beauties!
@@JayEmmOnCars You didn't say anything about if and what they fixed tech-wise with the facelift. I mean, are some of the more costly problems maybe less evident at the post-facelift 'm' models?
BEWARE : 48 VALVE guides was a recall....many will now need doing. Nikasil x12 cylinder liners need changing. Clutch £3.5k. Actuators £250/corner for a replica. Radiator recore £3.5k. Remember, not self adjusting tappets.....you need shims adjusting......every 3-5k miles......you need DEEP DEEP pockets especially now without parts mostly not available, even aftermarket. Windows don't seal, big gaps, window noise. Window modulator and rails seals.
That's right. @@pmwaffle9348 Just need a spanner or better yet valve adjust tool so it doesn't shift slightly on the last 'nip' when tightening the nut.
@@RobertRedford77 Real easy. Same design and same tools as the Lampredi design Fiat twin cam engine, "A piece of piss" but as an ex workshop owner I do all our own maintenance. The valve clearances though if the oil is good quality and changed when it should be and the car is used rather than sitting for long periods do not need attention anywhere as often as Ferrari say they should, That design is extremely well oiled and extremely durable as is the whole engine.
I worked at Pininfarina in the factory where these were being built and Sergio Pininfarina drove one as a daily. It's a great car, perfect for family days out.
Smitten from the moment Eric Clapton pulled up beside me somewhere in Chelsea in a silver one just after they were launched, truly a very cool machine.
The Ferrari 456 was the car of my dreams in the 90s, I couldn’t believe how little air play this GT masterpiece got. One of the most beautiful ‘grown up’ performance GTs ever. If money was no problem this beauty would be a permanent fixture in my life. Exquisite and timeless design doesn’t get better than this.
I drove a silver one for 10 years. The most surprising thing was no issues other than the ashtray lid not closing and 2 shock actuators. Maintenance was not bad really. Tubi Style exhaust is mandatory.
@@INTEL-REDACTED i agree though the german cars have a lot of things to break. The 90’s Ferraris are very basic cars, without much electronics or sophisticated features. There is some “devil you know” involved, but aside from valve guides (buy a 355 w these already done for example) i personally am more comfortable w 90’s/00’s Ferrari than anything MB or BMW.
The 456 is just simply BEAUTIFUL yet oh so classy and not in your face. Utterly sublime. Growing up in the 90s if was the F50, 355 and this that got me hooked,,, addicted to Ferrari… I’d take one in Canna di Fucile please if I could fight the lust fur the Le Mans blu 😍
I bought one last September, 99k miles, Silverstone Green with Beige leather and green carpets. A lot of car for not so much money. Gorgeous car but it has mostly been off the road for all manner of issues. The engine is currently out (despite not being an “engine out” Ferrari).
Great video James! As a long time owner of a Swaters 456 GT, I consider that it’s a Perfect 10! 65000 Km of true driving pleasure and none trouble during the period! Super reliable…at least in my case! Love it!
When I was in middle school in the early 1990s, my first "girlfriend" was from very wealthy, former East Prussian noble family and her mom had this car, 456 in silver, with cream interior and manual transmission, as her personal transport. She was a very nice and stylish lady and let me many times ride in the passenger seat because I loved the car so much. She drove very fast and had glove box full of speeding tickets. She was like the perfect customer for this car! P.S.: They also had Mercedes W189 "Adenauer" in perfect running condition (used by a grandfather, who still had his SS blood group tattoo visible), gorgeous, bright red Jaguar Mark IX and "blackout" Jaguar XJS V12 with manual that belonged to my "girlfriend's" father (who was long dead at that point).
@@plane_guy6051 Well, in this case, the rich guy had Jaguar XJS V12, which I would consider "mistress's" car (I love XJS but I saw much more women driving it than men) but I can see that. But my girlfriend's father died in like 1987 (he had congenital heart condition), long before 456 was on the market, so pretty sure her mother bought it herself. I am quite curious if she bought another big ferrari after that, we sadly lost contact in 2004 when they moved to Sweden.
@@jimmylight4866 I am still curious, how he was not prosecuted for being an SS man. But he lived in East Germany, so there must've been some dark secret...
@@jakublulek3261 Depends on what he did in the SS. If he was a normal combat Soldier he would be okay. If he was implicated in war crimes then he would risk prosecution. Any idea what Division he served in?
I just couldn't part with my Cerbera, or else I was going to get one about 10yrs ago when they were £35-£40K. I tend to love a car and keep it. Wish list would be my car, a 456 and a Lotus Elan plus 2.
Ferrari 456… absolutely top of my bucket list of cars to own. One day, for sure. Until that point though, I’ll enjoy tooling around in my Peugeot 406 Coupé, which has, to my mind at least, some similar lines and qualities.
far far better of with the 406 dailydriver, even if having original 456 one in your garage still saving your nervs and efforts and drive the peugeot to the supermarket over 10times+ smarter ...having issues with the v6 engine? get yourself donor from scrapyard for 2K
Yeah - costs. The 456 is a beautiful thing that needs to be curated, driven regularly and sympathetically, kept in a garage on a trickle charger and loved ie a classic Ferrari and also not for everyone. So few people like these cars for what they are and instead make a calculation about whether they can afford to buy one or not when compared to all the other options available at £40-50k of which there are many. Costs don’t come into that calculation. If they did then quite obviously you wouldn’t buy one. Only buy if you love them. They’re not a cheap proposition but what a super, subtle, sophisticated car.
I bought a 21000 mile 2000 456GTM in 2021 after many years of owning their V8s (328, 360, 355) because I just had to scratch that front-engined V12 Ferrari itch before I shuffled off my mortal coil. What a car! Even my wife liked it (comfortable electric seats, air-con that actually worked, not too noisy). Took it all over the country and had a real blast. Service costs after the 355 even seemed reasonable for a 12 cylinder engine. Unfortunately had to sell it last year after my wife asked me if I really needed and old Ferrari, an old 911 and an even older (1986) 635 BMW. Oh well, happy wife, happy life...Thanks for the vid James, really enjoyed it. Cheers from a slightly chilly Otford, Kent.
James, you mention 550 values a couple of times: Methinks you have forgotten why you bought yours. Yep, I know you've spent quite a bit fettling yours to get it to where it is now, but ultimately the 550 is all about driving pleasure...at any speed...and that quality is priceless. It simply has no peers.
I have admired the 456 ever since its debut and the lust to own one has never diminished. Recently I found myself in the enviable position of being able to seriously consider buying one, but instead I opted for a C63 AMG..... a wagon, no less!! ABSOLUTELY ZERO regrets with that decision, except to say that my option to own ANY Ferrari is now diminished, especially with these 456s going up quite a bit! Being in Australia doesn't help either, as we ALWAYS seem to have to pay quite a considerable premium. Thanks so much for this review James..... love your work!
James ... you're just getting better and better, man. Thank you. Great insights, deep knowledge and thoughtful perspective. I had 4x 328 GTS's, which were beautiful, got more valuable by the day, and never cost me a penny. But they were delicate, difficult and .. outrun by my Oettinger Golf! While I accept the 456 was the first sign of Luca, the F355, in my view, was when they hit the sweetspot. I had one for a few years and annoyed with myself that I sold it. Get the pre airbag wheel, it's much nicer. Thank you, Sir. Great channel. Could you .. pls dive into 928 S4's?
Had a manual 928GT at one stage, and soon founnd out why the earlier air cooled cars are so sought after! Big front engined 'sports cars' are a bit off-piste in terms of *driving experience* and it's now too late to steal any of the earlty mid-engined Catholic cars. Those small block V8s really are Ferraris' calling card - while these seem very (very) 90s/less charm? I dunno. Certainly ~streetable, but who buys a Ferrari for the shopping run? Nice video. Great to see someone wring these things' neck a bit - without being a goose! Sold all my classics after they became far too valuable for any ~fun. Like driving a ~masterpiece around! After a shit box rolled back on me, in mint original 930, trapped at the lights, I realised 'perhaps such nice things just don't have a place any more?' Out there..
@@gkrebs6636 It's a format Porsche lived to regret, mainly on account of all that *heat* trapped up front.. Ferrari had world's best talent designing their turbos, and stuff like 288 GTO went hard/stayed on the line. Perhaps the best thing to come out of Italy. Front engined Ponies are aimed at a market these exotics need to survive: Cashed up wanna..[fast car]. [Truck] [SUV]. Y'know Toyota commissioned focus groups in UK to find out why money started buying their agricultural vehicles: "So other guy dies in crash" wasn't something they could use in marketing signal so 'high driving position' became code for this ~attribute.. Eeeew..
@@heiner71 That was because he thrashed the hell out of it whilst it was badly overheating in one of the Car Trek series. Really enjoy Hoovies Garage, but my god, that man has zero mechanical sympathy.
@@GryphLane Exactly not made for drag races, not too loud. Its a proper GT. I had some maintenace bills through the years but it never let me stranded on my med. trips.
Still the most elegant and classy Ferrari of the last 50 years. I had fallen in love after sitting in one in 1992 at the IAA in Frankfurt. I still lust after one every time I look at cars advertised. Unfortunately it will now almost certainly stay a dream, in particular given the price hike of the last 10 years. Thanks for getting even more people interested in it.... But a good and informative video!
A friend of mine had one with this exact color combination. We went out in it to buy some pizzas. I was 16 and had never been in a Ferrari, nor would I have ever imagine it could be so much more exciting than a Mercedes or a BMW. But it was. It's been 20 years and I remember all the details, those who at the traffic lights invite us to speed up, the interiors, the gear stick and everything.
I have always loved them, but given my experience of owning a 360 and the maintenance costs I have had to endure over the last 3 years, I don’t think I could live with the thought of “just waiting for the next thing to go wrong”
My fav Ferrari, as a kid growing up in the 80's the move back to up front engines was this huge event, and this was the first. The marketing was massive, a proper return to 'classic' Ferrari, 4 seats! They brought one to NZ to showcase and I have a photo of me standing next to the display model at the event, absolute magic.
I’ve been waiting for this for ages! I love your reviews and desperately wanted an updated review of this. Your videos are always brilliant and very informative, especially your Ferrari ones. I first saw one at a car show at RAF Syerston last year and the car and the opinion of the car from the owner astounded me! I’m a sucker for a GT car with a blue over cream spec so it caught my eye and fell in love instantly
I remember the 456 coming out as I was 18 at the time and a gorgeous example in the same blue was emblazoned on the car magazine I was reading. I loved the tan interior and the fact it had a V12 so was a real Ferrari. Its mad to think that 32 years later I still think they are a great looking car and would love one. Way out of my price bracket though. Thanks for taking me back to being an 18 year old who hadn't even bought his first car but had in the last 6 months passed his driving test and was lusting after such beautiful automobiles :-)
I was 10 when these were first shown, and I still have the issues of Autocar to prove it. Instantly became my 'favourite car' and, while visiting Hong Kong in 1994, saw a black one on the street. I had a similar reaction seeing Andrea Corr on Grafton St, Dublin about 6 years later..
Yet again find myself agreeing with everything you say on these, special cars and ooze class, for anyone who doesn’t one I know of one off market, with sports exhaust, ungraded brakes and performance enhanced 😉
This is the kind of spot on revising that is always right on the money. I learned some serious car-ology too. Not a Ferrarista, and never knew all the costly quirks of these cars.
Never knew this vehicle existed. I'm not a Ferrari aficionado, in fact I come from the jdm world. Thank you for educating me, and giving me another vehicle to lust after haha
I ran a 456 GTA for about 7 years and toured most of Europe in it! A bit fragile, and I spent about £5k per year to run it. Recognised by cognoscenti, but never troubled by haters. Always hated the four-seater moniker, it's no more a four-seater than the DB9 I run now, or a 911. The rear seats were useful for small bags and coats. Lovely, lovely car!
Been in love with these since the release date. I have every single road test from back in the day. Achingly beautiful from all angles for me. I have the 1/18 scale in this colour until i eventually win the lotto😂
I think this is one of the most beautiful Ferraris they made, and also one of my favourites. Used to love this back then for the looks alone, but now I love it for its history and specs as well. I also always get baffled when I hear people saying this is ugly or boring, cause it just isn't; I think this design is ageing far better than most of their newer models.
These have always been one of my favourite Ferraris, just such an elegant and beautiful design. V12 and a gated manual does not hurt, either. The fact that they're "cheap" to buy by Ferrari standards may also have a factor... but still. I saw a blue one in a magazine when I was 11 and I think my love started from there lol
I loved this back in the 90s when i was a kid and i still like it today. An example of timeless design that seems almost naturally and universally appealing.
I own a 1998 456 GTA and love it. It's almost identical to that car, but mine is an auto. And you're exactly right, it's a good car that is 30 years old, so it will have a few problems. But nothing that would keep you from buying one. Here in the US, they were around 50k last year. Now they are about 70k, for a nice one.
This was my dream car as a 8-10 year old. First saw one in the magazines and after that on holiday near Cannes. My father had an Alfa 155 but this Ferrari was so elegant, sounded likewise. I just started daydreaming about sitting in the back of that Ferrari. And still it's such a beautiful car. I know Purists will take an F40 or other sport model but for me the Ferrari GT's are the most beautiful.
Nice review. I acquired a 4/2003 456M GTA a year ago as a tourer and daily car here in the USA. So far, 4500+ miles later, I've had one issue (that seems to have been resolved for now). These are an absolute joy to drive (fuel consumption aside). They are comfortable, eat miles effortlessly, and plenty of power is there when required. Mine just rolled 15,000 miles and the actual service needs seem not too onerous. I have plenty of gated Ferraris and other manual cars, but sometimes I just want to get in the car and move gently and quickly, through the scenery. The automatic is extremely good and I suspect most people cannot change gears well enough to beat it in any realistic or useful sense. Hopefully I'll put another large chunk of miles on it before anything expensive breaks, because this is just a wonderful car. ps: I bought this car at auction and have done precisely nothing to it except fix the underside auto cooler vent which had been damaged.
Such a nostalgy inducing automobile for me… I love the interior and exterior lines and that signature spec in blue/cream is so nice! Gotta admit though the silver 456M with the green interior briefly shown in this video is extremely cool as well 😅
No worries for me watching your channel. I don't have any money and drive a 17 year old Focus on 15 inch wheels. I thought Luca was rather weird in wanting front engined V12s and mid-engined V8s but it has turned out rather well. He was right, I was wrong.
A friend of mine bought one new, same colour and interior as featured. Within the space of two years it had dropped half it's value. Good news was he wrote it off entering village in the wet. He had a new for old policy so got all his money back at purchase price. A couple of years later they were going for £28k. Another friend bought one and had a Tubi exhaust put on it which did sound much better. He kept it for a year then sold it to make way for a Countach. I think they are stunning cars, film nor pictures do them justice.
Loved this. Always liked the look of the 456 but people are always so negative about them. So refreshing to see a review of one that actually talks about all the positives.
I remember JC testing one of these on the Top Gear supercars video & being smitten by it at the time...and ever since. I'm not an exotic or Ferrari fan as such but for one of these I'd happily make an exception. Needs to be a manual, probably in the mid met blue. Lovely.
My best friend’s dad had a 456 GT back in 2004, a silver grey with black interior and a manual. Seeing his mom driving it was something to behold. The invoice of €70k for the repair of the blown engine was too. It meant the end of his ownership. In 2004 the car wasn’t even worth 70k!
Smaller rims + thicker tyres is the way to go, i loathe this unending stupid trend of giant wheels and slim tyres on everything.(Its also part of the reason that made cars harsher and stiffer, combined with "sporty aspiration" it often makes for horrendous ride quality even with adaptive dampers.
The only Ferrari I almost bought was a 456. A classic case of a classic car that looked on-so-good. It was also good that I paid for a PPI, which found that the V12 was not many miles away from needing a full rebuild. And lots of suspension issues. And a back half repaint that probably hid collision damage. And, and, and. No regrets for walking away!
Love the 456 to bits. On the sound: all cars with that engine family equipped (456, 550/575, 612) have to separate exhaust strands, meaning they sound like large straight 6 engines. More Modern Ferrari v12. Have an X-pipe which makes them scream rather then grumble (a smarter person than myself told me this is due to the overlap in soundwaves and the valve sounds…I guess…?).
Never been a huge Ferrari fan, coming across most models get me less excited than seeing a Saab, but there is something about the proportions of 4 seated Ferraris that makes them a lot more appealing. Really good looking car, but yeah, most of us probably don´t wanna pay to maintain one.
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Always adored the 456 - definitely a poster car when I was younger. As a Scots Italian, forgive me for one tiny niggle - Montezemelo’s name is pronounced with a soft Z, as in zebra. A hard Z, pronounced tz, is only when spelt with a double z, as in pizza. Please keep up the good work! Cheers!
The hand hitting the windscreen part made me laugh out loud. I showed the family and they laughed also. Just like they laugh at me when I try to wave at someone while driving my 944. I get denied by the glass every time.
Didn’t you do one of these already James? 😅 This is one of my favorite Ferraris ever. Fastest 4-seater when it was released and superb understated looks. I honestly don’t understand how one could look at this car and say they don’t like it, maybe it was *too* tame for a Ferrari for some. Love it, my dream first Ferrari.
Always liked this car. It was the first Ferrari I saw when I moved to London in the late 90's. There's just one for sale in Canada for the equivalent of about 68,000 quid.
It may not be a “track car” but the 456M could lap Fiorano several seconds quicker than a 512 TR (or 348) at that time albeit cost much more at the time too.
I fell in love with the Ferrari 456 from the moment it was announced. To be fair, I also like every previous V12 Ferrari 2+2. I actually prefer the 456 to the 550. Sadly, I can't imagine ever getting behind the wheel of either.
It is a beautiful car and I thought long and hard about buying one 10 years ago. I looked at a few and drove them but ended up with a manual DBS which is better looking and sounds glorious!
This Ferrari is sorely underrated, even more so than the 456M GT. Granted, the latter was quite a facelift, but the original model has always been ignored, it seems.
The car is absolutely gorgeous. My wallet always told me "no to Ferrari" and quite honestly even if I could probably I would never have a Ferrari. Except for this 456 family of cars. Being a big fan of this Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin! All it hard on the elegance chapter. Oh! Well... 🙂
Could not agree more, James. Yes, this is a proper Ferrari! Having owned a Ferrari 400i 2+2 (rare Manual) in 1996, I was the winning bidder of an identical blue 1995 Ferrari 456 GT Manual on Car & Classic Auctions on 13 Feb 2024. For £42,750. Due to an arbitrary & extremely frustrating C&C payments rule, I was unable to settle & take delivery! 🤬 Ironically, I just wrote an email to C&C Auctions one hour ago with copy to Tom Wood. Long story, as I want my money refunded to me. To buy an E-Type roadster I have found, just in time for summer.
These have a sort of refined quality look common to a bunch of (mostly German) 90's cars, such as the E39/38, mk4 golf, Porsche. The 90's were a good time for car design
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I do love how pop-ups died due to pedestrian safety, but yet we have ever bigger landboats on the road. If I had to get hit by something moving 45mph, I would rather it be a popup headlight equipped sedan than the brick wall that is most trucks and suvs
I would rather not get hit at all, which is much more achievable with these older cars with better visibility.
pop-up headlights are dangerous, when I see them I am quite literally like a dear in headlights, mesmerised by the retro coolness until I inevitably get hit by the passing 850i, Miata or 944
I drive a Merc Sprinter at work. The A pillar is HUGE easily hiding an approaching car for long enough to get nasty. Its regulations gone silly.
@@E2005-c4j 🙄
100%
The new Chevy and Cadillac trucks are obscenely large. And I'm an American.
As an ex Ferrari technician, the 456 has a special place in my heart, being the first Ferrari I had to work on. The first job being replace the leaking heater matrix, which meant pretty much stripping the entire interior, with a book time in excess of 25 hrs! I absolutely loved removing every screw and rebuilding it to completion.
But, I also remember feeling quite sad to learn the 456, once upon a time, was worth more in parts than as a complete car. Probably due to the cost of that bonnet! I'm pleased to see they have come back around to be a great 90's sports GT. If i was in the market for a 90's GT car (and I think 90's cars are just better!) a 456 would be high on the list. Great video, well researched and written, thanks!
@SJ-oxy if you can afford to buy a Ferrari, especially an older one, you can afford to run it too!👍🏼👍🏼
@@Matty-B-on-an-MTB Ahh an old life lesson here. lol. There's a difference between being able to afford to buy something and afford to own something. If ya bought with credit..forget it
Possibly one of the most beautiful Ferraris of all time - the proportions are just perfect. The '98 facelift 456M GT is probably my preferred iteration, the fog-lights within the lower grille make it look similar to the 550 Maranello; an equally beautiful car to look at.
I wouldn't mind it for a front engine V12 cruiser. 😊
Simple is better. The overall shape defines the car, not trendy design cues that date the design when the new one comes out. To my eyes, the 599 also has the same simple elegance.
@@encinobalboapop up headlights would like a word with you
It was the perfect best of both worlds
Facts
I've owned a 1995 456 GT for a year now, and it's the top 3 cars I've driven. Mechanically it's been very reliable - apart from the radiator fan that shorted out last week. A new fan was ordered from the US and cost me 170 USD + shipping to Norway which isn't bad. It's a 30 year old car now and most of the weak points are well known and have a modern solution to them one way or another.
Remember that most of the parts on these cars are made by Bosch and have Bosch part numbers. If you're good at cross referencing you can get brand new parts for a fraction of the price of parts from Ferrari.
Working on the 456 is very easy as well, as there is plenty of room in and around the engine bay.
Other than that it's still a 30 year old car that needs 30 year old car maintenance - like bushings getting worn etc.
You are living the dream!
Parts cross-referencing is a god send. Bosch is a very good example. My 1992 XJR-S has the same ABS vacuum accumulator as my 1993 SAAB. Also the same as a Lotus of the same era, and Bentleys, and Ford Granadas. I got a replacement Ford item for less than 100 quid. The Jag item was near 200, Lotus over 400, Bentley was 4 figures. Exact same part number.
@@albanana683 New injectors for the 456 costs around 1500 USD, that's 30 year old new-old-stock. Chrysler 3.5 V6 uses the same injector size as the V12, but they cost ~500 USD for a complete set for the Ferrari. Being 30 years newer they also have a better spray pattern giving it a minute better power!
@@piratetype My old V12 Jag had an ignition module that costs a few hundred quid. Inside the box is a Chrysler component that is an off the shelf part that can be had for $20 from NAPA.
I would have thought parts would be easier to get from a Euro source.
I’ve owned a 1998 456 since 2017 and barely had any issues at all. I had a transmission line leak and the headlight motors got gummed up over time but that’s been it. It’s been a really reliable car for me. I did have the side window slop but that was an easy fix.
My Ferrari is the exact same color combo as that one! I love that color in the sun.
I had one of these, you seem to have eschewed to mention how the instant you stop at a traffic light, the temperature journeys north rapidly making you fear for your head gaskets. Everything that ever went wrong started with a 7 and had 3 more digits after it...always. The 21000euro service I once had. Yes there were absolutely sublime moments, but actually using it regularly is financially crippling. I still loved it though, it was like living with an aging supermodel. The switches do go sticky by the way.
4th gen Camaro and Trans AM V8s in a nutshell...always overheated sitting
All ferrari switches go sticky lol
BMW switches too. And the door handles and trim around the climate vents
For crying out loud man! I've wanted one of these since I was 6 years old; it was love at first sight. I neeeed prices to stay low so I can maybe one day afford one 😢
Never say never
@JayEmmOnCars I bought your old S500 on Ebay for 900 quid so I'm no stranger to the art of man maths to justify slightly mental decisions. Hopefully one day the stars will align on one of these beauties!
@@MrSkilla46 crikey that's a bargain! I paid nearly 3k for it and sold it for less than 2k during COVID times
@@JayEmmOnCarsI bought it from the guy you sold it to and it cost nearly £2k to get it through the MOT. We paid pretty much the same 😂
@@JayEmmOnCars You didn't say anything about if and what they fixed tech-wise with the facelift. I mean, are some of the more costly problems maybe less evident at the post-facelift 'm' models?
BEWARE : 48 VALVE guides was a recall....many will now need doing. Nikasil x12 cylinder liners need changing. Clutch £3.5k. Actuators £250/corner for a replica. Radiator recore £3.5k. Remember, not self adjusting tappets.....you need shims adjusting......every 3-5k miles......you need DEEP DEEP pockets especially now without parts mostly not available, even aftermarket. Windows don't seal, big gaps, window noise. Window modulator and rails seals.
Exactly, this isn't Nissan.
I'm seeing 15k miles for valve adjustments. I'm sure a mechanically inclined person could diy it if engine bay access is easy.
That's right.
@@pmwaffle9348
Just need a spanner or better yet valve adjust tool so it doesn't shift slightly on the last 'nip' when tightening the nut.
@@pmwaffle9348 Old faahioned shims, not just feeler gauges
@@RobertRedford77 Real easy. Same design and same tools as the Lampredi design Fiat twin cam engine, "A piece of piss" but as an ex workshop owner I do all our own maintenance. The valve clearances though if the oil is good quality and changed when it should be and the car is used rather than sitting for long periods do not need attention anywhere as often as Ferrari say they should, That design is extremely well oiled and extremely durable as is the whole engine.
I worked at Pininfarina in the factory where these were being built and Sergio Pininfarina drove one as a daily. It's a great car, perfect for family days out.
My favourite Ferrari; Understated, timeless design and practical as a daily driver.
Smitten from the moment Eric Clapton pulled up beside me somewhere in Chelsea in a silver one just after they were launched, truly a very cool machine.
The Ferrari 456 was the car of my dreams in the 90s, I couldn’t believe how little air play this GT masterpiece got. One of the most beautiful ‘grown up’ performance GTs ever. If money was no problem this beauty would be a permanent fixture in my life. Exquisite and timeless design doesn’t get better than this.
Me too, just so much class about it. So different to other ferraris of the time.
I drove a silver one for 10 years. The most surprising thing was no issues other than the ashtray lid not closing and 2 shock actuators. Maintenance was not bad really. Tubi Style exhaust is mandatory.
i imagine its like buying old flagship BMWs or AMGs where you have to leave something broken as a "sacrifice" so it wont ruin you.
@@INTEL-REDACTED i agree though the german cars have a lot of things to break. The 90’s Ferraris are very basic cars, without much electronics or sophisticated features. There is some “devil you know” involved, but aside from valve guides (buy a 355 w these already done for example) i personally am more comfortable w 90’s/00’s Ferrari than anything MB or BMW.
The 456 is just simply BEAUTIFUL yet oh so classy and not in your face. Utterly sublime. Growing up in the 90s if was the F50, 355 and this that got me hooked,,, addicted to Ferrari… I’d take one in Canna di Fucile please if I could fight the lust fur the Le Mans blu 😍
I was chatting to the guy who owned Haynes Manuals at Castle Combe many years ago and he said his yellow 456 was his all time favourite.
I bought one last September, 99k miles, Silverstone Green with Beige leather and green carpets. A lot of car for not so much money.
Gorgeous car but it has mostly been off the road for all manner of issues. The engine is currently out (despite not being an “engine out” Ferrari).
Great video James! As a long time owner of a Swaters 456 GT, I consider that it’s a Perfect 10! 65000 Km of true driving pleasure and none trouble during the period! Super reliable…at least in my case! Love it!
Always loved the look of the 456. But I dread to think of running costs.
When I was in middle school in the early 1990s, my first "girlfriend" was from very wealthy, former East Prussian noble family and her mom had this car, 456 in silver, with cream interior and manual transmission, as her personal transport. She was a very nice and stylish lady and let me many times ride in the passenger seat because I loved the car so much. She drove very fast and had glove box full of speeding tickets. She was like the perfect customer for this car!
P.S.: They also had Mercedes W189 "Adenauer" in perfect running condition (used by a grandfather, who still had his SS blood group tattoo visible), gorgeous, bright red Jaguar Mark IX and "blackout" Jaguar XJS V12 with manual that belonged to my "girlfriend's" father (who was long dead at that point).
Ha! And that's the exact type of car a rich guy WOULD buy for his wife or mistress, but definitely not for himself!
@@plane_guy6051 Well, in this case, the rich guy had Jaguar XJS V12, which I would consider "mistress's" car (I love XJS but I saw much more women driving it than men) but I can see that. But my girlfriend's father died in like 1987 (he had congenital heart condition), long before 456 was on the market, so pretty sure her mother bought it herself.
I am quite curious if she bought another big ferrari after that, we sadly lost contact in 2004 when they moved to Sweden.
Blood Group tattoo. Now that's a Baller.
@@jimmylight4866 I am still curious, how he was not prosecuted for being an SS man. But he lived in East Germany, so there must've been some dark secret...
@@jakublulek3261 Depends on what he did in the SS. If he was a normal combat Soldier he would be okay. If he was implicated in war crimes then he would risk prosecution. Any idea what Division he served in?
I noticed some weeks ago that there isn’t a single 456 left on (UK) Autotrader - someone has pounced and wrapped them up for the future…
someone saw this video in advance
There is exactly one of these for sale on Autotrader or CarGurus in the US. So unfortunately has become unobtanium here also
It's my dream car and they've all been disappearing. A few turn up a auction every now and again
I just couldn't part with my Cerbera, or else I was going to get one about 10yrs ago when they were £35-£40K. I tend to love a car and keep it. Wish list would be my car, a 456 and a Lotus Elan plus 2.
Cerbera is also a pretty epic car to be fair
Ferrari 456… absolutely top of my bucket list of cars to own. One day, for sure. Until that point though, I’ll enjoy tooling around in my Peugeot 406 Coupé, which has, to my mind at least, some similar lines and qualities.
Both designed by pininfarina at roughly similar time. Beautiful coupe that Peugeot
far far better of with the 406 dailydriver, even if having original 456 one in your garage still saving your nervs and efforts and drive the peugeot to the supermarket over 10times+ smarter ...having issues with the v6 engine? get yourself donor from scrapyard for 2K
That Peugeot was underrated at the time. Much much prettier than the sedan. Great looking car.
@@cp4512 Easily one of the best looking Peugeots of all time
Yeah - costs. The 456 is a beautiful thing that needs to be curated, driven regularly and sympathetically, kept in a garage on a trickle charger and loved ie a classic Ferrari and also not for everyone. So few people like these cars for what they are and instead make a calculation about whether they can afford to buy one or not when compared to all the other options available at £40-50k of which there are many. Costs don’t come into that calculation. If they did then quite obviously you wouldn’t buy one. Only buy if you love them. They’re not a cheap proposition but what a super, subtle, sophisticated car.
My brother in law owned one of these back in the early 2000's. It was such a beautiful classy car in my opinion and the engine was glorious.
I bought a 21000 mile 2000 456GTM in 2021 after many years of owning their V8s (328, 360, 355) because I just had to scratch that front-engined V12 Ferrari itch before I shuffled off my mortal coil. What a car! Even my wife liked it (comfortable electric seats, air-con that actually worked, not too noisy). Took it all over the country and had a real blast. Service costs after the 355 even seemed reasonable for a 12 cylinder engine. Unfortunately had to sell it last year after my wife asked me if I really needed and old Ferrari, an old 911 and an even older (1986) 635 BMW. Oh well, happy wife, happy life...Thanks for the vid James, really enjoyed it. Cheers from a slightly chilly Otford, Kent.
James, you mention 550 values a couple of times: Methinks you have forgotten why you bought yours. Yep, I know you've spent quite a bit fettling yours to get it to where it is now, but ultimately the 550 is all about driving pleasure...at any speed...and that quality is priceless. It simply has no peers.
It is a genuinely brilliant car
@@JayEmmOnCarsyeah, that 550 is the stuff of boyhood dreams. Never get rid of it James!
That was great James. Thanks! Kiwi 456 owner in Japan. If you're ever over here, look me up. Cheers.
I have admired the 456 ever since its debut and the lust to own one has never diminished. Recently I found myself in the enviable position of being able to seriously consider buying one, but instead I opted for a C63 AMG..... a wagon, no less!! ABSOLUTELY ZERO regrets with that decision, except to say that my option to own ANY Ferrari is now diminished, especially with these 456s going up quite a bit! Being in Australia doesn't help either, as we ALWAYS seem to have to pay quite a considerable premium. Thanks so much for this review James..... love your work!
James ... you're just getting better and better, man. Thank you. Great insights, deep knowledge and thoughtful perspective. I had 4x 328 GTS's, which were beautiful, got more valuable by the day, and never cost me a penny. But they were delicate, difficult and .. outrun by my Oettinger Golf! While I accept the 456 was the first sign of Luca, the F355, in my view, was when they hit the sweetspot. I had one for a few years and annoyed with myself that I sold it. Get the pre airbag wheel, it's much nicer. Thank you, Sir. Great channel. Could you .. pls dive into 928 S4's?
Thanks to Graham. This was a treat. I've always had an eye on a 456. They were obviously due to rise in value from last year.
Hoovie's garage has one that he used in the autotempest car-trek specials. The 456 is such a cool car.
Had a manual 928GT at one stage, and soon founnd out why the earlier air cooled cars are so sought after! Big front engined 'sports cars' are a bit off-piste in terms of *driving experience* and it's now too late to steal any of the earlty mid-engined Catholic cars. Those small block V8s really are Ferraris' calling card - while these seem very (very) 90s/less charm? I dunno. Certainly ~streetable, but who buys a Ferrari for the shopping run?
Nice video. Great to see someone wring these things' neck a bit - without being a goose!
Sold all my classics after they became far too valuable for any ~fun. Like driving a ~masterpiece around! After a shit box rolled back on me, in mint original 930, trapped at the lights, I realised 'perhaps such nice things just don't have a place any more?' Out there..
Great comment! I think the 928 engine looks nearly identical to this Ferrari?? Your thought? TY!
@@gkrebs6636 It's a format Porsche lived to regret, mainly on account of all that *heat* trapped up front..
Ferrari had world's best talent designing their turbos, and stuff like 288 GTO went hard/stayed on the line. Perhaps the best thing to come out of Italy.
Front engined Ponies are aimed at a market these exotics need to survive: Cashed up wanna..[fast car]. [Truck] [SUV].
Y'know Toyota commissioned focus groups in UK to find out why money started buying their agricultural vehicles: "So other guy dies in crash" wasn't something they could use in marketing signal so 'high driving position' became code for this ~attribute..
Eeeew..
Why don’t TH-camrs/celebs buy 456gt? Easy: manual shift, and just not flashy enough for a Ferrari.
Tyler Hoover owned one for several years but it sat in the shop for most of the time. due to warped heads.
@@heiner71 That was because he thrashed the hell out of it whilst it was badly overheating in one of the Car Trek series. Really enjoy Hoovies Garage, but my god, that man has zero mechanical sympathy.
Those are reasons for buying them, not against
@@GryphLane Exactly not made for drag races, not too loud. Its a proper GT. I had some maintenace bills through the years but it never let me stranded on my med. trips.
Still the most elegant and classy Ferrari of the last 50 years. I had fallen in love after sitting in one in 1992 at the IAA in Frankfurt. I still lust after one every time I look at cars advertised. Unfortunately it will now almost certainly stay a dream, in particular given the price hike of the last 10 years. Thanks for getting even more people interested in it....
But a good and informative video!
1. de Montezemolo was also boss of World Cup Italia 1990.
2. Rowan Atkinson wrote an article about his 456 buying experience in Car magazine.
A friend of mine had one with this exact color combination. We went out in it to buy some pizzas. I was 16 and had never been in a Ferrari, nor would I have ever imagine it could be so much more exciting than a Mercedes or a BMW. But it was.
It's been 20 years and I remember all the details, those who at the traffic lights invite us to speed up, the interiors, the gear stick and everything.
I have always loved them, but given my experience of owning a 360 and the maintenance costs I have had to endure over the last 3 years, I don’t think I could live with the thought of “just waiting for the next thing to go wrong”
My fav Ferrari, as a kid growing up in the 80's the move back to up front engines was this huge event, and this was the first. The marketing was massive, a proper return to 'classic' Ferrari, 4 seats! They brought one to NZ to showcase and I have a photo of me standing next to the display model at the event, absolute magic.
As a teenager in the 90s it just doesn’t get better than this. Thank you for the video.
I’ve been waiting for this for ages! I love your reviews and desperately wanted an updated review of this. Your videos are always brilliant and very informative, especially your Ferrari ones.
I first saw one at a car show at RAF Syerston last year and the car and the opinion of the car from the owner astounded me! I’m a sucker for a GT car with a blue over cream spec so it caught my eye and fell in love instantly
As a side note, you are by far my favourite automotive TH-camr!
I remember the 456 coming out as I was 18 at the time and a gorgeous example in the same blue was emblazoned on the car magazine I was reading. I loved the tan interior and the fact it had a V12 so was a real Ferrari. Its mad to think that 32 years later I still think they are a great looking car and would love one. Way out of my price bracket though. Thanks for taking me back to being an 18 year old who hadn't even bought his first car but had in the last 6 months passed his driving test and was lusting after such beautiful automobiles :-)
I was 10 when these were first shown, and I still have the issues of Autocar to prove it. Instantly became my 'favourite car' and, while visiting Hong Kong in 1994, saw a black one on the street. I had a similar reaction seeing Andrea Corr on Grafton St, Dublin about 6 years later..
288GTO and 456GT are two of my most favoured Ferraris.
Yet again find myself agreeing with everything you say on these, special cars and ooze class, for anyone who doesn’t one I know of one off market, with sports exhaust, ungraded brakes and performance enhanced 😉
This is actually one of my favourite cars ever made, being a 1990s Grand Tourer.
I think the Ford Probe was a handsome thing... Ferrari could've done worse when looking for inspiration.
My eyes!!!! I cannot un-see it now…. Curse you!
Its always reminded me of the Ford Probe - glad it's not just me!
I thought it looked better than most Ferraris.
Your videos are just so enjoyable to watch. Thank you for creating them!
This is the kind of spot on revising that is always right on the money. I learned some serious car-ology too. Not a Ferrarista, and never knew all the costly quirks of these cars.
Never knew this vehicle existed. I'm not a Ferrari aficionado, in fact I come from the jdm world. Thank you for educating me, and giving me another vehicle to lust after haha
My pleasure
Well in JDM there was a niche interior trim option available from nissan for the S15 Silvia which mimicked the 456M GT interior.
I ran a 456 GTA for about 7 years and toured most of Europe in it! A bit fragile, and I spent about £5k per year to run it. Recognised by cognoscenti, but never troubled by haters. Always hated the four-seater moniker, it's no more a four-seater than the DB9 I run now, or a 911. The rear seats were useful for small bags and coats. Lovely, lovely car!
Been in love with these since the release date. I have every single road test from back in the day. Achingly beautiful from all angles for me. I have the 1/18 scale in this colour until i eventually win the lotto😂
I think this is one of the most beautiful Ferraris they made, and also one of my favourites. Used to love this back then for the looks alone, but now I love it for its history and specs as well. I also always get baffled when I hear people saying this is ugly or boring, cause it just isn't; I think this design is ageing far better than most of their newer models.
These have always been one of my favourite Ferraris, just such an elegant and beautiful design. V12 and a gated manual does not hurt, either. The fact that they're "cheap" to buy by Ferrari standards may also have a factor... but still. I saw a blue one in a magazine when I was 11 and I think my love started from there lol
Interesting that you like the seats because they are from the BMW 8 Series. Strip off the covers and the propeller logo is there!
I loved this back in the 90s when i was a kid and i still like it today. An example of timeless design that seems almost naturally and universally appealing.
I own a 1998 456 GTA and love it. It's almost identical to that car, but mine is an auto. And you're exactly right, it's a good car that is 30 years old, so it will have a few problems. But nothing that would keep you from buying one. Here in the US, they were around 50k last year. Now they are about 70k, for a nice one.
The thing that always impressed me for such an understated but elegant 2+2 GT was that it could hit 180-190 mph. In the mid 90s.
This was my dream car as a 8-10 year old. First saw one in the magazines and after that on holiday near Cannes. My father had an Alfa 155 but this Ferrari was so elegant, sounded likewise. I just started daydreaming about sitting in the back of that Ferrari. And still it's such a beautiful car. I know Purists will take an F40 or other sport model but for me the Ferrari GT's are the most beautiful.
Nice review. I acquired a 4/2003 456M GTA a year ago as a tourer and daily car here in the USA. So far, 4500+ miles later, I've had one issue (that seems to have been resolved for now).
These are an absolute joy to drive (fuel consumption aside). They are comfortable, eat miles effortlessly, and plenty of power is there when required. Mine just rolled 15,000 miles and the actual service needs seem not too onerous.
I have plenty of gated Ferraris and other manual cars, but sometimes I just want to get in the car and move gently and quickly, through the scenery. The automatic is extremely good and I suspect most people cannot change gears well enough to beat it in any realistic or useful sense.
Hopefully I'll put another large chunk of miles on it before anything expensive breaks, because this is just a wonderful car.
ps: I bought this car at auction and have done precisely nothing to it except fix the underside auto cooler vent which had been damaged.
I nearly bought one of these a few years ago - love the look and the V12, went for a 996 Turbo in the end though and wasn't disappointed!
Thanks for posting this James. Contains so much information that I had to watch it twice!
Such a nostalgy inducing automobile for me… I love the interior and exterior lines and that signature spec in blue/cream is so nice! Gotta admit though the silver 456M with the green interior briefly shown in this video is extremely cool as well 😅
Love how the V12 sounds like the 80s and 90s cars that started sounding hi-tech and not just all exhaust.
No worries for me watching your channel. I don't have any money and drive a 17 year old Focus on 15 inch wheels.
I thought Luca was rather weird in wanting front engined V12s and mid-engined V8s but it has turned out rather well. He was right, I was wrong.
My interest in cars started with this model when I was 8. I still have a 1:24 scale Bburago model of that at my parents’ house, my very first one.
A friend of mine bought one new, same colour and interior as featured. Within the space of two years it had dropped half it's value. Good news was he wrote it off entering village in the wet. He had a new for old policy so got all his money back at purchase price. A couple of years later they were going for £28k. Another friend bought one and had a Tubi exhaust put on it which did sound much better. He kept it for a year then sold it to make way for a Countach.
I think they are stunning cars, film nor pictures do them justice.
As ever, well done Sir. Nice hommage to an often overlooked masterpiece. Tell you what though, that NSX sure looked gorgeous as well 😉
Loved this. Always liked the look of the 456 but people are always so negative about them. So refreshing to see a review of one that actually talks about all the positives.
Thank you for another great video. You always make the start of my day a bit better. Always great information, great videography, and perfect wit.
A 456 was for a long time - some 20 odd years - my dream Ferrari. Only just recently surpassed by the GTC4 Lusso. It's understated enough to blend in.
Fabulous Car !
You used to own a 550 ?
Congratulations, you made a grest video and lead a Fantastic Life.
I remember JC testing one of these on the Top Gear supercars video & being smitten by it at the time...and ever since. I'm not an exotic or Ferrari fan as such but for one of these I'd happily make an exception. Needs to be a manual, probably in the mid met blue. Lovely.
Great video as always James!
One small obversation, the b roll at 21:23 feels "short snapped" at the end. Nothing grave, just wanted to let you know 😊
My best friend’s dad had a 456 GT back in 2004, a silver grey with black interior and a manual. Seeing his mom driving it was something to behold. The invoice of €70k for the repair of the blown engine was too. It meant the end of his ownership. In 2004 the car wasn’t even worth 70k!
Smaller rims + thicker tyres is the way to go, i loathe this unending stupid trend of giant wheels and slim tyres on everything.(Its also part of the reason that made cars harsher and stiffer, combined with "sporty aspiration" it often makes for horrendous ride quality even with adaptive dampers.
I agree. back then the biggest size are 16"-17" and its already expensize. but now it's crazy expensive specially those sticky tires
THANK YOU
A wonderful thing indeed! This era was the best, but those ‘airbag’ steering wheels do spoil an otherwise stunning interior? Fab video as ever 👌👌
The only Ferrari I almost bought was a 456. A classic case of a classic car that looked on-so-good. It was also good that I paid for a PPI, which found that the V12 was not many miles away from needing a full rebuild. And lots of suspension issues. And a back half repaint that probably hid collision damage. And, and, and. No regrets for walking away!
A beautifully presented car, Graham. Well done.
Love the 456 to bits. On the sound: all cars with that engine family equipped (456, 550/575, 612) have to separate exhaust strands, meaning they sound like large straight 6 engines. More Modern Ferrari v12. Have an X-pipe which makes them scream rather then grumble (a smarter person than myself told me this is due to the overlap in soundwaves and the valve sounds…I guess…?).
Never been a huge Ferrari fan, coming across most models get me less excited than seeing a Saab, but there is something about the proportions of 4 seated Ferraris that makes them a lot more appealing. Really good looking car, but yeah, most of us probably don´t wanna pay to maintain one.
Always adored the 456 - definitely a poster car when I was younger. As a Scots Italian, forgive me for one tiny niggle - Montezemelo’s name is pronounced with a soft Z, as in zebra. A hard Z, pronounced tz, is only when spelt with a double z, as in pizza. Please keep up the good work! Cheers!
The hand hitting the windscreen part made me laugh out loud. I showed the family and they laughed also. Just like they laugh at me when I try to wave at someone while driving my 944. I get denied by the glass every time.
Always loved the 456. Also kudos to the guy for wearing a shirt from the early 90s to match the car
Didn’t you do one of these already James? 😅 This is one of my favorite Ferraris ever. Fastest 4-seater when it was released and superb understated looks. I honestly don’t understand how one could look at this car and say they don’t like it, maybe it was *too* tame for a Ferrari for some. Love it, my dream first Ferrari.
Always liked this car. It was the first Ferrari I saw when I moved to London in the late 90's. There's just one for sale in Canada for the equivalent of about 68,000 quid.
It may not be a “track car” but the 456M could lap Fiorano several seconds quicker than a 512 TR (or 348) at that time albeit cost much more at the time too.
It was my fav cars when I was 12. Now I'm 42 and it still looks amazing. Wish I aged that well too.
James, I'm just really glad that the rear lights are at the back. 😂
And Allan, I'm really glad that you're... (ahem!) 'down under' 😲, you naughty boy.
I fell in love with the Ferrari 456 from the moment it was announced. To be fair, I also like every previous V12 Ferrari 2+2. I actually prefer the 456 to the 550. Sadly, I can't imagine ever getting behind the wheel of either.
It is a beautiful car and I thought long and hard about buying one 10 years ago. I looked at a few and drove them but ended up with a manual DBS which is better looking and sounds glorious!
Ive been thinking about buying my first Ferrari for a long time. Maybe Ill think about that one for a while
This Ferrari is sorely underrated, even more so than the 456M GT. Granted, the latter was quite a facelift, but the original model has always been ignored, it seems.
The car is absolutely gorgeous. My wallet always told me "no to Ferrari" and quite honestly even if I could probably I would never have a Ferrari. Except for this 456 family of cars. Being a big fan of this Ferrari, Maserati and Aston Martin! All it hard on the elegance chapter. Oh! Well... 🙂
Could not agree more, James.
Yes, this is a proper Ferrari!
Having owned a Ferrari 400i 2+2 (rare Manual) in 1996, I was the winning bidder of an identical blue 1995 Ferrari 456 GT Manual on Car & Classic Auctions on 13 Feb 2024.
For £42,750.
Due to an arbitrary & extremely frustrating C&C payments rule, I was unable to settle & take delivery! 🤬
Ironically, I just wrote an email to C&C Auctions one hour ago with copy to Tom Wood.
Long story, as I want my money refunded to me.
To buy an E-Type roadster I have found, just in time for summer.
The rear lights are my favorite part of the car , the rear end is beautiful
Lived in Chelsea in the 90's when I was a student, and these were everywhere
These have a sort of refined quality look common to a bunch of (mostly German) 90's cars, such as the E39/38, mk4 golf, Porsche.
The 90's were a good time for car design
Yes, the good old days when you could tap your fingers to the music- on the windscreen.
The 456 is such a pretty car, absolutely one of Ferrari’s better efforts… that V12 up front doesn’t hurt its appeal either!