1996 Ferrari 456 GT

An elegant 5.5-litre V12 powered four-seat GT

UK-supplied with the desirable manual six-speed gearbox

Finished in Argento Silver over a Nero interior

49,900 miles with a substantial history file. Freshly serviced before the sale

Produced from 1992 until 2003, the Ferrari 456 and later 456M are front-engined 'Grand Tourers' in true Ferrari tradition and were an overdue replacement for the outdated, front-engined 412 which had been the company's premium four-seat V12 car for many years. 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 secs, and a top speed of 188mph, the 456 has a relatively unstressed engine which has proven to be a very reliable unit. 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.

Finished in Argento Silver over a Nero leather interior, this UK-supplied 456 was first registered in March 1996 and is fitted with the desirable six-speed manual gearbox. The specification also includes 17" five-spoke alloy wheels, electric seats, adjustable suspension, 10-disc CD autochanger, leather headlining, Xenon headlights, Black brake calipers, and a Tubi exhaust.

Having now covered 49,900 miles this lovely example has substantial Ferrari main dealer and specialist service history, details listed below:

1.3.96 PDI Reg Vardy

20.5.97 Maranello 6,250

13.1.99 Maranello A+Belts

26.5.99 Maranello 12,750

12.1.00 Maranello Annual

7.5.03 Maranello 18,750

16.5.05 Neal Lucas 37,750

2.3.06 Neal Lucas 43,750

STORAGE PERIOD

11.11.13 Rardley Ferrari A+Belts

10. 9.15 Rardley Ferrari A+Belts

Accompanied by its original service book and an MOT until June 2019, 'N806 MBB' will be serviced by specialists John McGurk before the sale. These manual-gearbox 456 GT four-seaters are now getting the attention they have so long deserved, with the inevitable upward movement in values so, as they say in Italian, "Batti il Ferro quando è caldo" (Strike whilst the iron is hot).