[ ADS ON TEST ]
The 456 is underrated at the best of times, and Alan Anderson wonders whether this one’s gearbox makes it a bargain
Past reports of rust, but bodywork presents well
As the dealer honestly admits, two things count against this Ferrari – the fact it's an automatic and it’s missing some of its service history, both which contrive to keep the screen price down by an estimated £10k, maybe more if retailed at a main agent or top specialist where the best regularly hit £60k; one recently sold at auction for £48,000. An independent inspection by a Ferrari expert is therefore wise to allay any fears before buying. And as for it being an automatic, it's a personal thing but it wouldn’t deter us.
The V12 fires instantly with a 50psi oil pressure that hardly waivers cold or hot, and the temperature gauge is equally stable. There are no unwanted noises and it performs as expected. For many, a self-shifting Ferrari sounds fundamentally wrong, yet the FFD/Ricardo-design, with its Cadillac torque converter, makes a fine match for the big V12 and any performance losses prove immaterial. It's an old-school automatic gearbox without any electronic wizardry other than a Sport mode. On the road we couldn't unearth any faults other than the front 2019-dated Pirelli tyres that are starting to wear a little thin on the top of their treads.
Light interior highlights marks, but is in good overall condition
It makes a pleasant change to see a Ferrari in anything other than Rosso Corsa, and the jet-black Nero gives the 456 a classy appearance that’s obviously been well treated, judging by the lack of marks. However, according to the history file some repairs have been carried out in 2023, comprising attention to the bumpers, sills, mirrors and door handles. Also, a past MoT mentions a rusting jacking point. Those Ferrari alloys are fine apart from the front pair suffering slight kerbing, but whether they warrant completely reconditioning is debatable.
A contrast to the black exterior is the light grey cabin and by and large it’s in good condition. There are no tears in the seats, only some inevitable wear that’s highlighted by the colour, although it’d be easily put right by professional detailing, some which was carried out a few years ago. Other than scratches on the gear selector’s brushed aluminium fascia, the rest of the interior is extremely good and will respond well to further attention. All the electrics appear to work.
Little history, though much recent work
With ten owners from new listed on the V5C – with one apparently holding on to the original service book – a lack of history on such a car can't be shrugged off. But Ferrari servicing records are kept within the dealer network, so provided the car was looked after at official outlets, these can possibly be traced.
Recent recorded work amounting to £23,000 has been carried out. Aside from servicing, there's a new cambelt and tensioners, water pump, gearbox reconditioning, torque converter, rebuilt electric dampers, an air-conditioning service and exhaust repairs. The owner’s handbook, along with other literature, the spare key, and immobiliser fob remains. There’s enough here to make it less of a risk than its missing history might suggest, but that gamble is up to you.
1999 Ferrari 456M GTA
Price £29,995
Contact Justin Banks, Tunbridge Wells, Kent (07794 576886, justinbanks.com)
Engine 5474cc V12, qohc, electronic fuel injection
Power 436bhp @ 6250rpm
Torque 398lb ft @ 4500rpm
Top speed 186mph
0-60mph 5.8sec
Fuel consumption 12-19mpg
Length 4730mm
Width 1920mm
CHOOSE YOUR FERRARI 456
► Released at the end of 1993, the Ferrari 456GT replaced the old Tipo F101 412. It continued that car’s theme of being a full four-seater V12 front-engined grand tourer, but was considerably more dynamic to drive.
► Although Ferrari never marketed the 456 in convertible form, US coachbuilder Straman offered a Cabriolet from 1995. Pininfarina was commissioned by the Brunei royal family to create convertible, saloon and estate models.
► An automatic 456GTA appeared in 1996, using an American-developed four-speed torque-converter from FF Developments.
► Range refreshed with reprofiled body in 1998 as the 456M (Modificata), with much of the suspension and brake setup borrowed from the 456-derived 550 Maranello. Model replaced by new 612 Scaglietti in 2003.
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