The Ferrari 456 is one of the cars that doesn't appear too often on this site out of what is admittedly a conflict of interest. Despite the fact that we aren't in a position to make a move on any of these late 90s 2+2s, we still try to avoid drumming up any interest in them, with the hopes of keeping the values sane for the day when we do finally make a move on one. And if we were to move in on one? It would be identical to this example.

Finished in a reserved Blu Pozzi deep blue paint, this Ferrari 456M GT is loud on the inside with its light blue Poltrona Frau leather interior. No shields adorn the fenders, and the wheel center cap shields are painted to match the wheels rather than stand out. It's a 456 first, and a Ferrari second, as far as we are concerned.

Year: 2001
Model:  Ferrari 456M GT
Engine: 5.5L V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  5,293
Price: $122,000
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 Ferrari 456M GT

Finished in a seldom seen and attractive color combination of Blu Pozzi over a light blue leather interior with contrasting dark blue piping, this particular 456 remains in wonderful condition throughout. According to its original window sticker, it was outfitted with brake calipers in aluminum and Scuderia Ferrari shields, as well as color-matched stitching and a color-matched steering wheel. Currently, the car shows less than 4,450 miles from new on its odometer and remains ready for further road use following a recent belt service by a Ferrari specialist. Importantly, it retains all of its original books, keys with remotes, and its original toolkit
For the enthusiast looking for a subtle automobile with exceptional performance and true grand-touring credentials, a 456M GT would be a perfect choice. With space for four plus luggage and powered by a front-engined V-12 with nearly 450 horsepower on tap, this would be the perfect choice for cross-country trips at speed whilst remaining under the radar.

The original owner showed incredible restraint, racking up a paltry 250 miles - Scottsdale to Tucson and back - in this example's 20 years of existence. If they were anything like the miles we put on a green 456 GT in 2014, then we salute the original owner, but we have a feeling that any exuberance would have sent golf clubs tumbling around the trunk.

Our 2004 Maserati Coupe GT matches or exceeds the 456M GT in nearly every performance category for 20% of the cost, so the rational argument for the upgrade to a 456 is out the window. That is, unless the Ferrari's 15mph advantage in top speed can be considered a rational factor - and in Germany, it certainly could be. Appealing as the 456M GT is, we are content with our stubbier, homelier Coupe GT, and our theoretical $100k savings.

-Graham