Ferrari 456 & 456M

The 456

After discontinuing 412 production in late 1989, Ferrari had been operating without a front-engined model of any description for the first time in their history. By 1992 though, the firm were ready to re-enter the GT market with this car, the gorgeous 456.

A modern day version of the 365 GTC/4 produced for just 18 months back in 1971/’72, the 456 was clearly influenced by the GTC/4 in concept and style along with that cars glamorous stablemate, the GTB/4 Daytona.

Dry sumped and with Bosch Motronic 2.7 digital engine management, this four-cam, four valve per cylinder motor was initially only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, an automatic option not arriving until March 1996 after being launched at that years Geneva Salon.

Whereas the outgoing Berlina's had gradually lost more and more ground on their mid-engined counterparts, Ferrari were keen to ensure the 456 was a match for its two-seat models. Sprinting from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds and capable of a top speed of 186mph, the 456 could also lap Fiorano several seconds quicker than a 512 TR and 348.

It was no surprise that Pininfarina were commissioned to create the bodywork, the Turinese firm using aluminium panels that were chemically bonded to the steel chassis. Although the 412 had been a very fine looking car, the 456 was a much sportier looking machine, thoroughly modern yet incorporating classic Ferrari cues. More lithe and aggressive than its predecessors, the 456 looked like a four-seat Berlinetta rather than a stately GT. Pininfarina produced an exceptionally clean design, one devoid of wings, flares or blisters but nevertheless aggressive enough to hint at its massive performance. It was quite possibly the best looking 2+2 of all time.

Inside, the new model was luxuriously appointed with full Connolly leather and a classic open gate shift, but the 456 also introduced innovations like windows that marginally lowered when the doors were opened to allow compressed air to escape from the cockpit.

Although self-levelling rear suspension had been seen as long ago as 1967 on the 365 GT, an all-new system fitted to the 456 was state of the art. Two alternative suspension settings (Sport and Touring) allowed drivers to configure the dampers according to their mood while sophisticated Servotronic power steering electronically adjusted the assistance according to road speed and conditions.

Launched at the FF40 International Ferrari Celebrations held in Brussels and at the Spa Francorchamps racing circuit during September 1992, the 456 was an immediate hit - never before had a Ferrari of this type combined the looks and performance of a two-seat Berlinetta with an interior spacious enough for four. However, although designed from the outset as a world car capable of meeting the most stringent emissions and safety legislation, the 456 didn't make it to North America until the summer of 1994.

1996 the GTA

Having been launched in September 1992, Ferrari added an automatic gearbox to the options list during early 1996, 456's equipped as such being designated GTA's.

It was always Ferrari's intention to develop an automatic version albeit one without the normal drawbacks associated with high performance engines. After collaborating with Ricardo, they were able to offer perhaps the finest auto system ever used in a car of this nature, the GTA being launched during March 1996 at the Geneva Salon where its 5.6 second 0-60 time and 185mph top speed caused a great deal of interest. The only major developments came in mid 1996 when the Bosch Motronic 2.7 was upgraded to 5.2. At the same time, remote locking was also fitted. Production ended in early 1998.

1998 Modificato Series

A 5.5-litre 65° V12 engine featured a light alloy crank, cylinder heads and oil sump, the technological progress Ferrari had been able to make since their last V12 meaning this powerplant was not only exceptionally light but also extremely compact. Displacement was 5474cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 88 x 75mm respectively, output an awesome 442bhp at 6250rpm.

Having remained in production with a fundamentally unchanged specification since its introduction some six years beforehand, a revised 456, the 456 M, was unveiled during March 1998 at the Geneva Salon. This subtly re-worked model sported a number of detail differences over the original version, Modificato's featuring a larger, more aggressive egg crate grille that housed a pair of supplementary driving lights in each corner. Furthermore, the 456 M's front was mildly re-profiled to incorporate a more pointed nose than had been the case for Pininfarina's original.

Gone were the large engine louvres carved out from behind each retractable headlight, the Modificato featuring plain creased wings albeit with more prominent definition than before. Other bodywork changes were minimal although the bonnet was now fabricated from carbon composite rather than aluminium. Inside, redesigned seats, an updated instrument binnacle and new dash gave the Modificato a refreshing new look, the last makeover the 456 got before before being replaced in 2004. Options were relatively few although custom leather and body shades (including two-tone paint), fitted luggage and Daytona seats were all very desirable additions. Production ended in 2004 when the 456 M was replaced by the 612 Scaglietti.

Other Rare Versions

In addition to the standard Coupe body style, Berlina, Cabriolet and Shooting Break's were executed by Pininfarina exclusively for the Sultan of Brunei, these mysterious cars being codenamed Venice and typically costing four times the price of an off the shelf example.