The Ferrari 456 GT was the marque’s first car designed with the 21st century in mind
With sedan-like proportions and Ferrari's legendary V12 engine up front, it's one you can enjoy with family and friends
As a true four-seater coupé, the Ferrari 456 GT was also the first modern Ferrari to revert to a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, with the gearbox unit in with the rear differential.
It was a formula that made the brand so famous to begin with, so consider it a return to form. Not only does this layout inspire the ideal weight distribution, but it also lends itself well to offering plenty of space for passengers and luggage alike. Four adults will fit nicely in the cabin, with the boot allowing for a couple of large overnight bags with ease.
Up front lies another iconic hallmark – the V12 engine. Producing 325 kilowatts of power and capable of ensuring a top speed over 300 km/h, it sounds just as impressive as its figures read.
Where modern Ferraris can be overstyled, stiff and cramped, the previous Pininfarina designs look and drive with an air of class and elegance. This 456M – or Modificata – is from the end of production and features plenty of updates.
Aside from 550 brakes, it also wears a set of 550 wheels and features the first-ever commercial application of a carbon-fibre bonnet in the industry. This last-of-line Ferrari GT car also wears stunning Tour De France blue paint, which flips from deep indigo to a striking blue depending on the light.
The car pictured – 2003 Ferrari 456M GTA
This Ferrari 456M was built in February 2003 and is a ‘GTA model’.
That means it’s powered by the Tipo F116 5.5-litre V12 engine with 325 kW/550 Nm torque. Power is sent through a four-speed automatic with a torque converter and then exclusively to the rear wheels.
The Ferrari 456M was the last Ferrari to feature pop-up headlights and a traditional, smooth torque-converter-equipped automatic. This example was imported from Hong Kong in 2018 and has been with one owner since arriving in Australia.
IIt has undergone routine maintenance and is in above-average condition for its age. The original navy blue Connolly leather interior is in excellent shape, with minor wear marks showing on the driver’s seat bolster.
Its Tour de France exterior paintwork also presents well. To match its Ferrari 550 brakes, this example wears a set of original Ferrari 550 wheels too.
Quick facts
- 2003 Ferrari 456M GTA
- 55,000km
- Tour de France blue
- Dark blue Connolly leather interior
- 5.5-litre V12 engine with 325 kW / 550Nm
- Automatic transmission
- Final build year ‘Modificata‘ model
- Interior dash switches restored
- Ferrari 550 wheels
- Triple dash gauges
- Climate control air conditioning
- Well maintained since arriving in Australia
- Imported from Hong Kong in 2018
- Comes with a NSW roadworthy
- NSW rego is available
The 456 GT took the luxury 2+2 coupé theme to new heights and saw Ferrari return to the front-engine concept for the first time since the 1985. The all-new 65° V12 provided unprecedented flexibility and power.Ferrari, launch of the 456
