Description
The type F116 456 was the successor to the 412, taking the spot as Ferrari’s primary V12 GT car. With a Pininfarina design drawing heavy inspiration from the legendary 365 GTB Daytona, the 456 offers a similar side profile and is the final Ferrari model offered with the much loved pop up headlights. At the time of its development, the 456 was the most powerful regular production road car ever developed by Ferrari and the world's second fastest production four-seater automobile behind the Porsche 959.
The name ‘456’ is derived from the fact that each cylinder displaces 456 cubic centimeters. This was the last Ferrari to use this naming convention until the 488. Despite its exceptional performance, the 456 has a relatively unstressed engine, which has proven to be a very reliable unit - A further developed version of this engine was used in the front-engine 550 Maranello grand tourer introduced in 1996, which became the most powerful naturally aspirated Ferrari production car aside from the 456.
This particular vehicle is originally a Japanese market vehicle, supplied and originally serviced by the famous ‘Cornes’ Ferrari dealer to Kiichi Haruyama of ‘Tojunkai Medical’. Despite being a RHD market, this particular vehicle was specially ordered as LHD. This is due to the ‘status’ of being seen to be driving a LHD and therefore a more exotic vehicle. Often, premium vehicles were specially ordered as LHD in Japan due to perceived ‘prestige’, and senior ‘Yakuza’ also only drove LHD vehicles.
This 456 is a rare colourway (Argento Nurburgring with Navy) and extremely low mileage example of Luca di Montezemolo’s (Previous Ferrari Chariman) favourite ever model, ready to be enjoyed!
Exterior
The ‘Argento Nurburgring Metallic’ exterior presents exceptionally well, and has been clearly stored indoors and under cover when not in use - There is no notable damage, with only light stone chips commensurate with age and mileage. All brightwork is present and shines exceptionally well with no pitting, along with all trim. The OEM wheels which often look underwhelming on the larger frame of the 456 have been replaced by period correct custom Novitec wheels at a cost of £5000 (Original wheels also available if preferable). All glass is original and in good condition, with only some delamination to the rear windscreen along one edge.
Interior
The Navy interior offers a fantastic contrast to the lighter exterior, and compliments well the light grey plastics present in the 456 - All trim is present and correct, with an aftermarket stereo upgrade offering more functionality than standard. The leather itself is in good condition with only some light signs of wear commensurate with age and mileage.
Mechanical
Mechanically, all feels very tight and the car drives exceptionally well - The 436bhp 5. 5L V12 sounds absolutely glorious throughout the rev range as do all famous Ferrari V12’s, and the 4 speed automatic transmission (The final hydraulic automatic transmission and torque converter offered by Ferrari) changes gear exactly as expected. On the move the car is comfortable and composed, but thanks to the upgraded wheels and tyres offers better feel and dynamics than usually found in the 456.
History
Imported to the UK in 2015 (So very little time on our salty roads!)
3 UK Keepers
44, 200 KM (27, 500 Miles)
Will come with 12 months MOT, Timing Belt & Oil service
HPI Clear
Walk around video available. National Delivery can be arranged. Part Exchange Welcome. Viewing strictly by appointment.
While we try and take the time to describe the car as thoroughly as possible, as always with a classic car there are quirks that cannot reasonably uncovered by us here - Although, it’s these quirks that make us fall in love with classic cars! Please do consider this when purchasing a classic vehicle.
