1997 Ferrari 456 GTA

Produced from 1992 until 2003, the Ferrari 456 and later 456 M are front-engined 'Grand Tourers' in true Ferrari tradition and were an overdue replacement for the outdated, front-engined 412 which had been the company's premium four-seat V12 car for many years.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 456cm³ 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. 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), 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.

Imported from Hong Kong in 2020, this right-hand drive automatic gearbox car remained with its first owner but was not UK-registered until 1st April this year. It's finished in Tour de France Blue over a natural tan leather interior and has only covered some 36,750km (22,840 miles) from new. When the car arrived, it had all its relevant NOVA documentation indicating that there were no taxes or duties outstanding, but it's clearly now UK-registered and good to go for any potential purchaser. It's supplied with both keys, its original book pack and some earlier invoices. Our diligent vendor sent the car to specialists Keys Motorsport to have it completely gone through prior to the sale, and the list of work included a  major cambelt service, cambelt tensioner bearings, cam cover and inlet manifold gaskets and a few adjustments to the ignition timing. 14 hours of labour are listed on the invoice, which totalled £3,558. The Ferrari now runs perfectly and sitting on a set of refurbished alloys with new branded tyres, looks simply fabulous.

Good-looking and practical, Ferrari 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, 'Battere il ferro quando egrave caldo' (Strike whilst the iron is hot).