In the past decade, an alarming trend has taken hold with Italian supercars: the death of the traditional manual gearbox. Sure, more often than not the new automated manual gearboxes are more efficient in terms of performance and economy, but I can't help shed a tear contemplating the lack of involvement versus having a car with three pedals. The only new Ferrari you can buy with a proper manual gearbox is the California, and who knows how long that variant of their hardtop convertible will stick around for. I miss the old Ferrari, specifically, the impressive Gran Touring coupes that used to emerge from Maranello. The 456 was an impressive machine; the first front engined V12 Ferrari sold in the US since the 1970s. Most were equipped with a GM 4 speed automatic, but a few were sold in this market with a proper 6 speed manual. This car is one of them.
2001 Ferrari 456M GT
2001 Ferrari 456M GT. One of only 688 456M GT built, very hard to find 6-speed, absolutely impeccable. Black With Crème Connolly leather interior, books & records, toolkit and Ferrari cover. 30K service done at Ferrari dealership to the tune of $16,279.98 in 2011. New belts, new clutch, new radiator, new alternator, new Michelin Pilots, stainless steel Tubi exhaust, brand new leather dashboard!
Original paint, stunning condition. Original MSRP Of $226,964.00. Clean carfax, no stories. You probably won't find a nicer one. The name 456 is derived from the fact that each cylinder displaces 456 cubic centimeters. The Modificata 456 M appeared in 1998, starting with chassis number 109589. Acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) was just 5.2 seconds. Many changes were made to improve aerodynamics and cooling, and the interior. The undercarriage spoiler on the 456 M is fixed, where the older 456 had a motorized spoiler that began its deployment above 105 km/h (65 mph).
Power was up slightly on the Modificata now using Bosch Motronic 5.2 engine management at 448 hp. The firing pattern was changed for smoother running, and the torque remained the same for later versions of the 456 GT. Despite its supercar performance, the 456 has a relatively unstressed engine, which has proven to be a very reliable unit. The chassis is a tubular steel spaceframe construction with a one-piece composite bonnet and body panels of aluminium. VIN# ZFFWL44A910125402.
An under $60,000 asking price is very tempting for so much Ferrari goodness. The recent service is encouraging but keep in mind that Ferrari services come up often and they are expensive. Therefore, a $60,000 Ferrari could turn into an $80,000 one in a heartbeat. Still, it is nice to dream and this is a fine example of a true gentleman's express.
-Paul
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