456M | Classic Italian Cars For Sale

The Ferrari 456 was one of the most tame Ferraris of recent memory and brought back the idea of a grand touring Ferrari to the modern era in the US. Before the end of production, Ferrari released a limited production 456 modeled after the car that Formula 1 Champion Michael Schumacher owned. Buyers could specify this limited edition package via the Carrozzeria Scaglietti Program. Included in this "Schumacher Edition" was a two tone color scheme, special leather interior, revised instrumentation and an upgraded suspension with drilled Brembo brakes. This particular 456M for sale in San Francisco is claimed to be one of only three of its kind to make its way to US shores.

2003 Ferrari 456M Schumacher Edition

This 2003 Ferrari 456M GT Bi colore "Schumacher Edition" is very rare with 11k miles from new! This rarest of rare Ferrari special editions is now available for your consideration. One of less than 20 total built for the world and one of only 3 known to have come to the U.S. market, this is an amazing opportunity for the discerning collector. Ordered new from The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills for a special client and now available to you if you act fast. The vehicle is as follows:

Exterior:

Extracampanario (special order) Maserati Grigio Nuvolari exterior paint (body)
Canna di Fusille (dark grey) roof color

Interior:

Grigio Scuro leather
Grigio Scuro carpets
Bordeaux stitching

Options:

Red brake calipers
Factory battery charger
Two-tone paint scheme
Dark grey painted wheels
Drilled Brembo brake calipers
Stitching throughout in Bordeaux

The Schumacher Edition was based on the vehicle built for and given to Michael Schumacher when he won the world championship, the dominant characteristic is the two tone paint. This elegant tone on tone color mix was obtained through a special study on the chromatic tones of grey, then also applied to other exterior details such as the wheels and front grille. Ferrari went one step further and gave specialized options to the car such as new graphics for the instruments, interior leather trim, and drilled brake calipers a la the 550 Maranello. #132385 is in exceptional, almost new condition and was delivered new 02/06/04 making it one of the last 456M built for the U.S.

Normally, I'm a fan of the 456, but this special edition seems a bit too brash for my tastes. Generally, more subdued colors work well on this car versus the two tone we see here. Late model examples of the 456 can range between $60,000 to $80,000. With a reserve higher than that range, I'd assume the seller is looking for a sum closer to six figures. For what is essentially a color and trim package, will this car warrant the premium?

-Paul

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