2001 Ferrari 456M GTA

The vendor has owned this Ferrari 456M GTA for four years and bought it from renowned Surrey-based model specialist Rardley Motors to add to his collection of cars.

“Most of my vehicles are racing and sports cars,” he explains. “This is the only one that sits outside that frame; it’s a biggish car by comparison, but it handles beautifully and feels much smaller when you’re driving it.”

Service history and mileage are the keys to the value of any Ferrari, and both (full service history and low mileage) were significant determining factors as to why he bought this example.

He himself has continued to have it maintained it to the same level (following the correct service intervals) and its fully stamped service book can be viewed in our photographic gallery, below.

The all-important cam belt changes are indicated and took place in 2003 (at 8,976 miles), ’06 (at 16,132 miles), ’13 (at 16,901 miles) and 2016 (at 24,784 miles).

It’s been used sparingly during his ownership, covering less than 1000 miles. “I’ve driven it mainly on runs out to Ferrari gatherings, and just to keep it ticking over – minimal mileage, but it’s been fun. As they’re so easy to drive many 456s have high mileages on the clock, but this is a very cosseted car and it’s lived more of the life of a standard Ferrari.”

Ian is also a keen racing driver, but has now decided to call time on his driving career. “As such it’s time to restructure my collection, so the 456 is now for sale.”

The 456 had a big service less than 100 miles ago and comes with an MOT certificate that runs until December 2020.

There’s no doubt that a 456 is one of the prettiest modern Ferraris; it has a singularity of line that’s missing from many post-2003 Maranello products. Unlike other prancing horses it also works best in muted colours such as Grigio Titanio or as here in Tour de France Blue, rather than in ‘look at me’ Rosso Corsa.

This example’s paintwork retains a deep and consistent shine, but it’s the alluring metallic fleck that’ll keep your eyes coming back for more. As you can discern from both the photographs in our Gallery and the Video review (both below), it’s generally pleasantly free of scuffs or other imperfections. When caught in some lights, the bonnet does appear to be slightly less glossy than the rest of the car.

There are a handful of stone chips on the front bumper and the bonnet has a small crack away from the offside headlight cutout, But compared to many of these 456s, it’s all relatively minor in the grand scheme of things.

All glass, lights and lenses appear clear and free from damage. Down below, the five-spoke alloy wheels are all in first class condition; they’re shod with matching Bridgestone Expedia S.01 tyres, and all look to have a decent amount of tread remaining.  

456 electric window regulator mechanisms are prone to wearing out, but this car’s windows drop half an inch when you open the door (just as they should). The remaining electrics all function, as does the air conditioning.

The Nero Connolly leather is in nice condition, as are the blue carpets. It’s generally a pleasant masculine cabin and one that’s commensurate with the car’s low mileage, but the plastic trim areas are a touch tacky (common to this generation Ferrari) and a little grazed in places.

There’s also slight shrinkage of the leather on the dashboard and it’s been hand stapled to prevent further retreat, which is a shame. However, it’s a relatively simple job for a decent trimmer to do, so could be easily rectified. The horizontal section of the driver’s door seal is also slightly worn and could do with replacement.

In the boot you’ll also find a lovely tan leather Ferrari tool set and a Ferrari branded fire extinguisher.

There’s definitely room for gentle improvement, but it still remains a cabin that we’d happily occupy for a glorious blast to the south of France.

“It’s an absolutely lovely car to drive,” the vendor states, unequivocally. “The acceleration is blistering, and you can overtake things with breathtaking ease. Despite its size it drives like a small, very fast car.”

He also says that, unlike other Ferraris, it doesn’t feel too big or wide so it’s also usable on country lanes. “Added to that is the fact it’s also nice to drive in traffic (it’s not temperamental in any way), and on long trips it’s simply outstanding.”

We’ve had it out for a spin or two and can confirm that it’s a very nice example; brutish in its power delivery, sharp in its braking abilities and a consummate and poised devourer of UK tarmac. We found no issue with the drive, the controls or the electrics.

Up front, the densely packed engine bay (with stirring lattice-effect V12 sitting proudly) presents very nicely; there’s little fading of the various black housings and the cam covers remain absolutely free from any grime.

On quick inspection the underside looks to be in good health, with under trays firmly in place and nothing more than a bit of dirt and the odd screw with a mild touch of surface rust to worry about.

In this car’s history file you’ll find the original hand and service books, all nicely presented in the original tan leather wallet. As already stated, it has a full service history and this can be perused at prospective bidders’ leisure.

You’ll also find a Ferrari Certificate of Conformity, numerous MOT certificates, a Siemens Trakbak security guide booklet, two sets of keys, a Becker Automotive Systems code card and two spare key fobs.

There are also a number of invoices detailing the maintenance work carried out on the 456M GTA by previous owners. These include cylinder head rebuilds (new valves, valve guides) and fresh gaskets in 2006, at a cost of £11,974.48, and new cambelts, alternator and power steering belts, as well as a rear shock absorber overhaul in 2013, at a cost of £4,481.82. The gearbox was also refurbished in 2014 (£4,079.80), receiving new torque converter bearings.

During Ian’s ownership he had the engine mounts replaced in 2017 (£687.70). The following year it had a full check-over, along with repair of the passenger seat tilt mechanism and re-bonding of the headlining the following year (£893.51). Finally, last year it had a major service, combined with a second rear shock absorber rebuild, new anti-roll bar boots, cam cover gasket and lambda sensors (£3,289.52). Keeping a big Ferrari should never be attempted on a shoestring, thankfully it looks like this one hasn’t suffered that fate.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to a very high standard.

There’s little doubt that this 456M GTA has been well looked after. It’s received the necessary mechanical fettling when required and has an impressive service history. The vendor has also exercised it regularly, but sparingly.

There was a time when Ferrari aficionados believed a car wasn’t a true Prancing Horse unless it had a V12 sitting up front – Dino 204/246 or V8-engined variants, pah!

Unlike its Sixties, Seventies and Eighties brethren a 456 is also a truly useable Ferrari, and one that you could easily pop down to the shops in – albeit at warp speed.

Prices marched on in recent years, before falling back slightly. We think this example will sell for between £33k and £36k, which is excellent value for a low mileage example of a proper old-school Maranello set-up in a modern classic package.

It’s also one that we feel will never go out of fashion.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located at The Market’s Abingdon headquarters; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.