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456 and later 456 M are front-engined Grand Tourers in true Ferrari tradition and were an overdue replacement for the outdated, front-engined 412 which had been the company's premium four-seat V12 car for many years.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

Finished in gleaming Blu Le Mans with a natural tan interior, this 456 GTA was delivered new to Hong Kong in 1997. Within the history file there are service receipts from Auto Italia in Hong Kong. We understand that the Ferrari has had one former UK-keeper prior to our vendor and the odometer currently reads 37,551km (23,333 miles). Attention in the UK includes the window upgrade, a cambelt service by Keys Motorsport in March last year (£3,600), a replacement immobiliser in Feb 2024 (£600) and a further service in March 2024 by Migliore Cars (£6,060). The car is accompanied by multiple service invoices and a 456 Owners Manual.

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).