456 vs 612, classic 4 seater v12 Ferrari

[Wayne95]

Hi,

looking at a birthday treat for my 60th year!

I have a budget of up to 60k, and although some mid-engine v8 of an older variety might be nice, I am looking at something more GT.

It seems a well cared for 456 and lower end 612s are not that far apart in price, but the newer car has paddle shift, more toys etc.

It will be something to enjoyed occasionally on UK country roads with the odd long distance weekend.

has anyone driven / owned both, are there any big issues with the 612 over the 456 that I need to look out for?

thanks

[belfry]

I’ve had a 612 F1 and a manual 456. I still have then 456 and I enjoy the attention needed to drive the 456. My children found the F1 gearbox quite queasy making, possibly due to the huge torque. They were fine with the same gearbox in the 360 I had.

The 612 sounded better and was much faster but less fun for me.

The 612 felt more fragile. We’ve done 2,000 mile euro trips in the 456.

Both were very comfortable.

[belfry]

Oh,… and I get loads of compliments on the design and beauty of the 456.
I rarely got these compliments when I owned the 612, despite them both being dark blue over Crema.

[MDL111]

not helpful for your decision,but I think the 612 has aged really well. I think it has one of the prettiest side and rear views of any Ferrari, the front while challenging looks less bad to my eyes than it did when it was new

[belfry]

My 456 near St Tropez a couple of summers ago.

[Wayne95]

That’s a lovely colour combination, and a great way to tour France.

Thanks for your comments, I’ve found one local buts it’s an automatic, worth a closer look though

Thanks

[WCZ]

MDL111 said:

not helpful for your decision,but I think the 612 has aged really well. I think it has one of the prettiest side and rear views of any Ferrari, the front while challenging looks less bad to my eyes than it did when it was new

this, good value for money too imo

[67Dino]

Having had one I’d say the 456 has a well-deserved reputation for being ruinously expensive to own. Everything is complex and expensive to replace and some parts aren’t available at all and have to be fabricated. I had a few high single digit k services.

That said it’s beautifully appointed, gorgeous to look at and very nice to drive. The 612 is not so pretty but is far less likely to be a money pit.