1995 Ferrari 456 GT - Manual

The 456's looks are elegant and understated, with distinctive external features including a small grille with fog lights on the outside, bonnet-mounted air scoops, a motorised undercarriage spoiler that begins its deployment above 65mph, and pop-up headlamps. By today’s standards, the 456 can be viewed as the last Ferrari to offer uncompromising styling and luxury interior comfort. The model was well-received by press and enthusiasts alike and, although not produced in large numbers, was always gently in demand by sophisticated Ferrari owners before it was eventually replaced in 2004 by the 612 Scaglietti. Data indicates that 1,548 456 GTs were manufactured with as few as 141 manual gearbox cars delivered in right-hand drive.

The name '456' refers to the fact that each cylinder displaces 456cm³, 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, over time, to be an extremely 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 1,690kg. The Ferrari 456 had no direct rival, as it does today, the antiquated Aston Martin V8 was too bloated and the Porsche 911 was simply not exclusive enough for some.

Offered here is a right-hand drive 456 GT delivered new to Hong Kong and specified in Argento Silver with a classic Tan leather interior and a manual gearbox. Manufactured in 1995 prior to being supplied in 1996, this 456 GT was meticulously maintained during its time in Hong Kong by Ferrari agents Italian Motors HK and Auto Italia HK with periodic recorded maintenance. Imported into the UK in 2015 and correctly-registered, this well-preserved example was selected to join a well-known collection of V12 Ferraris. Peter Holloway’s Collection of front engined V12, manual gearbox Ferraris featured in The Official Ferrari Magazine where his appreciation for the 456 was noted due to its 'wolf-in-sheep's-clothing' nature, presenting as a four-seat gentlemen’s carriage yet capable of over 190mph.

Presented for auction in outstanding condition, F12 MPG is accompanied by a comprehensive history file with every invoice and receipt from new. The odometer currently indicates just 47,623km which equates to just under 30,000 miles. The Argento paintwork is pin-sharp, the interior presents like new and we understand that this modern classic Ferrari performs just as well as it looks.

With very low-production numbers, we rarely see a manual 456 GT, especially with such a lovely specification and in such good order. We welcome any inspection of this very desirable Ferrari which is offered on a very sensible guide and is now ready to join another collection of landmark Grand Tourers.