1997 Ferrari 456 GTA

The Ferrari 456 and 456 M are front-engined "Grand Tourers' in the true tradition, that were produced from 1992 until 2003. The 456 was an overdue replacement for the then defunct front-engined 412 which had been the company's premium 4-seat V12 car. The 456 was warmly received by the motoring community. The later 456M was replaced in 2004 by the 612 Scaglietti making it the last Ferrari model to use pop-up headlamps.

The 456 has a small grille with fog lights outside the grille. The 456 also has bonnet-mounted air scoops which were removed on the 456 M. The undercarriage spoiler on the 456 is motorised to begin its deployment above 65 mph. On the later 456M the spoiler is fixed.

The beautiful 456GTA offered for sale here has lived a pampered life. Sold new by Westover Sports Cars of Poole for the grand sum of £176,000, this car is one of very few (and certainly the only one that this cataloguer has seen) in Ferrari-best Rosso Corsa and Crema colours. Regulars to the NEC Classic Motor Show may recognise this car since in 2011 it won the Ferrari Owner's Club Concours, and thus was invited to be displayed on the Ferrari Club stand at the NEC last year. Due to a house move and change in circumstance this treasured Ferrari is now reluctantly offered for sale.

Our vendor is only the fifth owner of this cosseted motor car. Sold by the first owner at just 8,000 miles, it then passed through the hands of only 3 more keepers being acquired at 10,500 miles, 12,600 miles and finally by our vendor in April 2010 at 14,700 miles . It has performed beautifully on European driving trips with the powerful engine and underrated automatic gearbox performing faultlessly. Combine this with the luxuries offered by the well-appointed cabin and this Ferrari 456GTA is a very special place to be.

The service history of this car is impeccable, and in recent ownership the car is now well known to the respected Ferrari Specialist, Bob Houghton.

30/01/97 - 1,000 mile service, Westover Sports Cars12/08/98 - Annual at 4,638, Westover24/05/99 - Annual at 5,881, Westover13/03/01 - Annual & belts at 7,932, Westover25/01/05 - Annual & belts at 10,445, Hollingworths of Ombersley11/02/06 - Annual at 11,656, A Hill02/04/08 - 12,500 service & belts by Migliore Cars23/07/09 - Annual at 14,183 by Migliore13/04/10 - Vehicle inspection and condition report at 14,71818/01/11 - Annual at 17,765, plus new switch surround, oil cooler pipe, rear brake hoses, anti-roll bar link24/05/11 - Cam belts and drive belts, oil seals and cam cover gaskets, alternator bearing, overhaul rear shocks, gearbox service, change diff oil12/07/11 - Re-paint coolant header tank09/09/11 - Steam clean, new spoiler motor, paint splash panels, fix aircon pipe, clean/lube brake pads28/11/11 - Re-core radiatorJune 2012 - New Battery

Further to the mechanical works, this car has also benefitted from expenditure on a complete set of keys in April 2007, Tubi-exhaust in May 2007, brake hoses in April 2008 and new Pirelli P-Zero tyres and locking wheel nuts all-round in May 2010.

There is no doubt about the exceptional quality and standard of this car which comes with UK V5C and current MoT to April 2013. We strongly urge interested parties to visit the NEC to see the car in the flesh as you will not be disappointed.Please note: The private license plate adorning the car will be retained by the vendor, and would be grateful for the assistance from the lucky new purchaser in working with us to administer the transfer. Thank you.