1996 Ferrari 456 GTA - Ex Bernie Ecclestone

• Sold new by Maranello Sales Ltd. for ú176,000 in Ferrari Forest Green with a Crema interior
• First registered on the 08/08/1996 to Mr Bernie Ecclestone, who reportedly used the car as his daily driver
• The last production Ferrari to feature pop-up headlights and the 456's classic lines have aged well
• Showing just 24,500 miles. Well maintained with service history from main dealers and specialists
• Presented to auction with book packs, reams of receipts, tool rolls and UK V5c

The name 456 refers to the fact that each cylinder displaces 456 cubic centimetres and this was the last Ferrari to use this naming convention. Despite its supercar performance, 436bhp, 0-60mph in 5.2 seconds, and a top speed of 188mph, the 456 has a relatively unstressed engine which has proven to be a very reliable unit. Developed during the Schumacher era, the 456's construction was ground-breaking featuring composite and aluminium bodywork, cutting-edge body to chassis mating technology, along with four-wheel electronically adjustable suspension, resulting in a super lightweight 1,690 kg. Its looks are smooth and understated, and distinctive external features include a small grille with fog lights on the outside, bonnet-mounted air scoops (removed on the 456M), a motorised undercarriage spoiler that begins its deployment above 65mph, and pop-up headlights, making this the last Ferrari to do so. The model was warmly received by press and enthusiasts alike, and although not produced in large numbers was always gently in demand by silver-haired Ferrari owners before the 456M was eventually replaced in 2004 by the 612 Scaglietti.

The beautiful 456 GTA offered for sale here has lived a very pampered life. Sold new by Maranello Sales Ltd, for the grand sum of ú176,000, this car is one of very few in the stunning combination of Ferrari Forest Green with a Crema interior. The first owner was none other than Mr Bernie Ecclestone, who reportedly used the car as his daily driver. The original service booklet details a full main dealer and specialist service history. Very few 456s remain in superb order and the condition of the bodywork and interior would suggest that this car is the exception to that rule and totally commensurate with a mileage of just under 24,000.

The car is accompanied by Ferrari handbooks, an MOT test certificate (July 2020), the UK V5c registration certificate and a spare set of keys. A competent Grand Tourer, this fantastic car offers V12 Ferrari performance and style for less than a modern family saloon.