Discussion
Saw this crop up on Bonhams last week. Sort of half followed it.
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/ferrari...
A few years ago I has a TdF 355 for 8 years. Probably my favourite car but sold it as needed money for a house build. However always liked the 456 and think the shape is probably the last elegant v12 Ferrari built, even if a little under-wheeled looking by todays standard.
Rardley, where I got and sold the 355, always seemed to have a few of these but I was never brave enough to take the plunge despite the 355 being no issue contrary to all the doom mongers.
Now looking for an XKR but struggling to find one in an interesting colour with non black interior. However saw this, which sort of got me thinking maybe again. I know the running costs etc will be greater.
And my favourite colours inside and out and manual. Ignoring the fact it didn’t sell and commission on top, they really around this level? Got to be worth £30 something k of anyone’s money. Or am miles off?
Did think of posting this in the Ferrari V12 section but all the modern cars I’m interested in appear to be considered classics now. Getting old is rubbish!
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/ferrari...
A few years ago I has a TdF 355 for 8 years. Probably my favourite car but sold it as needed money for a house build. However always liked the 456 and think the shape is probably the last elegant v12 Ferrari built, even if a little under-wheeled looking by todays standard.
Rardley, where I got and sold the 355, always seemed to have a few of these but I was never brave enough to take the plunge despite the 355 being no issue contrary to all the doom mongers.
Now looking for an XKR but struggling to find one in an interesting colour with non black interior. However saw this, which sort of got me thinking maybe again. I know the running costs etc will be greater.
And my favourite colours inside and out and manual. Ignoring the fact it didn’t sell and commission on top, they really around this level? Got to be worth £30 something k of anyone’s money. Or am miles off?
Did think of posting this in the Ferrari V12 section but all the modern cars I’m interested in appear to be considered classics now. Getting old is rubbish!
The issue is it is very high mileage (for an 80s Ferrari) and sounds a bit scruffy inside and out.
At the best of times the 456 can cost a fortune to maintain, and if it is at all tatty underneath then there’s pipework you can’t buy and needs to be handmade to sort, suspension parts need replacing, may need an engine rebuild etc, so could easily be £10-15k before you start. That said, it’s a lovely combination and also the manual, which makes it worthwhile spending a bit more on it.
I had an auto and rather liked mine, other than the leaky windows and the constant maintenance bills. Would be worth £30k for a brave gamble I’d have thought.
At the best of times the 456 can cost a fortune to maintain, and if it is at all tatty underneath then there’s pipework you can’t buy and needs to be handmade to sort, suspension parts need replacing, may need an engine rebuild etc, so could easily be £10-15k before you start. That said, it’s a lovely combination and also the manual, which makes it worthwhile spending a bit more on it.
I had an auto and rather liked mine, other than the leaky windows and the constant maintenance bills. Would be worth £30k for a brave gamble I’d have thought.
I had a manual 355 and test drove a manual 456 to go with it around 6 years ago. I actually found the 456 decidedly average to drive. Its a V12 but you wouldn't know it, its not that quick, didn't feel that special and was quite ordinary.
Of course it looks absolutely stunning so it was still pulling at my heart strings. My friend, who was selling, also let me drive his Rover 800 Stirling. Now that was a surprise, a much nicer car in every way, cant believe I'm writing this! But am still as shocked now as I was 6 years ago.
There is a reason 456's are cheap. When they are 40+ years old and a bonafide 'classic' V12 Ferrari I think they will start to appreciate. And rightly so as they do look spot on. But as a 'modern' driving experience i was underwhelmed. Also given my 8 cyl F355 cost me £5k pa in servicing and repairs to keep on the road 12 cyl did worry me, 50% more expense?
You need to test drive yourself, there is a saddle for every arse and cars do vary, above was my own subjective opinion on an individual car. Even after saying all that, when I look at the Bonham's car I still go weak at the knees, and at least you know its not been clocked like many other Ferrari's. I would rather buy an 'honest' high mileage Ferrari than a low mileage one. I was talking myself round again until I remembered its not ULEZ.....
Of course it looks absolutely stunning so it was still pulling at my heart strings. My friend, who was selling, also let me drive his Rover 800 Stirling. Now that was a surprise, a much nicer car in every way, cant believe I'm writing this! But am still as shocked now as I was 6 years ago.
There is a reason 456's are cheap. When they are 40+ years old and a bonafide 'classic' V12 Ferrari I think they will start to appreciate. And rightly so as they do look spot on. But as a 'modern' driving experience i was underwhelmed. Also given my 8 cyl F355 cost me £5k pa in servicing and repairs to keep on the road 12 cyl did worry me, 50% more expense?
You need to test drive yourself, there is a saddle for every arse and cars do vary, above was my own subjective opinion on an individual car. Even after saying all that, when I look at the Bonham's car I still go weak at the knees, and at least you know its not been clocked like many other Ferrari's. I would rather buy an 'honest' high mileage Ferrari than a low mileage one. I was talking myself round again until I remembered its not ULEZ.....
Edited by Bispal on Tuesday 25th July 09:48
I’ve had a 456 GT manual for a few years. We took it on another 2500 mile euro trip to France and Spain this year. The car absolutely excels in this role. I left my FF at home to take the 456.
Low miles are more of an issue than high miles. Iain Tyrell said on his 456 video that these V12s on 456s are not properly run in until 50,000 miles.
These are fairly straightforward machines with a Ferrari V12 and a wonderful, sumptuous cabin. Certainly my wife’s favourite car.
These were Ferrari’s top of the range when launched and were the modern day equivalent to a £300k car. Luca di M. Did a fabulous job of bringing the build quality and lux back to Ferrari after the quality issues of the cars from the late 80’s in my view
Low miles are more of an issue than high miles. Iain Tyrell said on his 456 video that these V12s on 456s are not properly run in until 50,000 miles.
These are fairly straightforward machines with a Ferrari V12 and a wonderful, sumptuous cabin. Certainly my wife’s favourite car.
These were Ferrari’s top of the range when launched and were the modern day equivalent to a £300k car. Luca di M. Did a fabulous job of bringing the build quality and lux back to Ferrari after the quality issues of the cars from the late 80’s in my view
belfry said:
I’ve had a 456 GT manual for a few years. We took it on another 2500 mile euro trip to France and Spain this year. The car absolutely excels in this role. I left my FF at home to take the 456.
Low miles are more of an issue than high miles. Iain Tyrell said on his 456 video that these V12s on 456s are not properly run in until 50,000 miles.
These are fairly straightforward machines with a Ferrari V12 and a wonderful, sumptuous cabin. Certainly my wife’s favourite car.
These were Ferrari’s top of the range when launched and were the modern day equivalent to a £300k car. Luca di M. Did a fabulous job of bringing the build quality and lux back to Ferrari after the quality issues of the cars from the late 80’s in my view
I did a bit of 355 maintenance myself and was never afraid to use non Ferrari specialists, which we have plenty of down this way and kept the costs down. And they are ‘90s gen cars before stuff got uber complicated. Low miles are more of an issue than high miles. Iain Tyrell said on his 456 video that these V12s on 456s are not properly run in until 50,000 miles.
These are fairly straightforward machines with a Ferrari V12 and a wonderful, sumptuous cabin. Certainly my wife’s favourite car.
These were Ferrari’s top of the range when launched and were the modern day equivalent to a £300k car. Luca di M. Did a fabulous job of bringing the build quality and lux back to Ferrari after the quality issues of the cars from the late 80’s in my view
Agree with the mileage, properly looked after should never be an issue. Wonder if it will pop up at auction again. Or on other means.
belfry said:
I’ve had a 456 GT manual for a few years. We took it on another 2500 mile euro trip to France and Spain this year. The car absolutely excels in this role. I left my FF at home to take the 456.
Low miles are more of an issue than high miles. Iain Tyrell said on his 456 video that these V12s on 456s are not properly run in until 50,000 miles.
These are fairly straightforward machines with a Ferrari V12 and a wonderful, sumptuous cabin. Certainly my wife’s favourite car.
These were Ferrari’s top of the range when launched and were the modern day equivalent to a £300k car. Luca di M. Did a fabulous job of bringing the build quality and lux back to Ferrari after the quality issues of the cars from the late 80’s in my view
Yes, Luca did a marvelous job of improving the quality of Ferrari's - Apart from sticky plastics that still afflicted cars 25 years plus after the 348/355, leather dashboard covering's that shrink, F1 gearbox pumps that fail, ball joints that wear out prematurely, exhaust manifolds that crack and disintegrate, taking out the catalytic converters, tail lights that come loose........ Low miles are more of an issue than high miles. Iain Tyrell said on his 456 video that these V12s on 456s are not properly run in until 50,000 miles.
These are fairly straightforward machines with a Ferrari V12 and a wonderful, sumptuous cabin. Certainly my wife’s favourite car.
These were Ferrari’s top of the range when launched and were the modern day equivalent to a £300k car. Luca di M. Did a fabulous job of bringing the build quality and lux back to Ferrari after the quality issues of the cars from the late 80’s in my view
Many many years ago I wanted to buy a 456 gt manual because of its beauty outside and (beige) in, but bought a 550 as “they don’t go wrong and they’re a way better car if you don’t need 4 seats.” All true. 8 years of 550 ownership….
A few months ago after 15 years Ferrari-less I looked again for a 456 gt manual and bought one in May. My fourth Ferrari, so I know what to expect owning them. Car I bought was titled first owner, had the luggage and unique colour (blu chiaro) and the beige interior I so wanted … and everything worked - even the AC, the clock showed the correct time and it had all the original service books etc. not bad for a private sale.
Wow. I’d describe it as “old school”. V12 normally aspirated front engined, no bells and whistles. Funny having a 90s car - no parking sensors, no cup holders, front and rear cigarette lighters (now phone chargers!) etc. Discrete but goes and makes noise when needed. I must do a long continental trip in it, as TBH shorter trips don’t suit it. Original owner told me you always get to a destination a long way away much faster than you expect.
Luca Di M said on Collecting Cars that if he could have only one Ferrari, it’s be a 456gt manual.
I like the story of the 456: Ferrari wanted a front engine 4 seater to go round Fiorano as fast as the mid-engined cars and to rewrite the rule book on 4 seaters. They did it, but then went one better with the front engined 2 seat 550.
The 456 is discrete. If you “get it”, you can’t take your eyes off it. It is a really beautiful car. The 550 was faster and exciting, where the 456 is beautiful and discrete.
Not entirely sure what I’m saying here: after a 15 year gap I have owned a Ferrari again for a few months, so I’m bound to love it, however I don’t think any of the things I have said above will change over time. Oh, i reckon I’ve done 3000 miles in 4 months. I just can’t stop driving it.
A few months ago after 15 years Ferrari-less I looked again for a 456 gt manual and bought one in May. My fourth Ferrari, so I know what to expect owning them. Car I bought was titled first owner, had the luggage and unique colour (blu chiaro) and the beige interior I so wanted … and everything worked - even the AC, the clock showed the correct time and it had all the original service books etc. not bad for a private sale.
Wow. I’d describe it as “old school”. V12 normally aspirated front engined, no bells and whistles. Funny having a 90s car - no parking sensors, no cup holders, front and rear cigarette lighters (now phone chargers!) etc. Discrete but goes and makes noise when needed. I must do a long continental trip in it, as TBH shorter trips don’t suit it. Original owner told me you always get to a destination a long way away much faster than you expect.
Luca Di M said on Collecting Cars that if he could have only one Ferrari, it’s be a 456gt manual.
I like the story of the 456: Ferrari wanted a front engine 4 seater to go round Fiorano as fast as the mid-engined cars and to rewrite the rule book on 4 seaters. They did it, but then went one better with the front engined 2 seat 550.
The 456 is discrete. If you “get it”, you can’t take your eyes off it. It is a really beautiful car. The 550 was faster and exciting, where the 456 is beautiful and discrete.
Not entirely sure what I’m saying here: after a 15 year gap I have owned a Ferrari again for a few months, so I’m bound to love it, however I don’t think any of the things I have said above will change over time. Oh, i reckon I’ve done 3000 miles in 4 months. I just can’t stop driving it.
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