Fantasy Junction

Description

1995 Ferrari 456

Chassis Number – ZFFSP44A4S0103313
Exterior Color - Silver
Interior Color – Black Leather
Engine Type – 5.5 L V12
Gearbox – 6-Speed Manual
Current Mileage – 9,967 miles
Current Owner Purchase – 2015 with 9,362 miles

Highlights of This Car

- One of 1,435 Pininfarina-built examples
- One of just 1,548 gated 6-speed manual examples built
- Low mile, 2-owner example with excellent cosmetics

General History

Although Ferrari has enjoyed a long-standing tradition of crafting two-seat sports cars, a great deal of their growth as a premier brand can be attributed to grand touring examples built with 2+2 seating. The Pininfarina designed 456 debuted at the 1992 Paris Auto Show with production models arriving in 1995. Surprisingly, the 456 was priced above both the 512 and 550 Maranello models at an impressive $225k when released in 1995, making it one of the most expensive premium luxury performance cars at that time.

Offered with a gated 6-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic, the 6-speed variant achieved 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, with a 13.3 quarter mile. Top speed was astonishing as well at 192 mph, falling only second to the Porsche 959, which was unavailable for US import. Constructed using lightweight alloy body panels (composite for the hood), and tubular steel space frame chassis, each of these cars were fabricated at Pininfarina until 1996 when Ferrari assumed production in house. These early series Pininfarina-constructed cars are distinguished by Pininfarina script and badges on the rear fenders. Just 1,435 of these rare cars were built.
Although Ferrari built a total of 3,289 456s from 1995-2003, fewer than half of the production, 1,548, were outfitted with the highly desirable 6-speed manual transmission, fewer still within the first series Pininfarina-built examples.

History of this Example

Manufactured in August 1995, according to the owner’s manual accompanying this car, this example was delivered to the first owner in April 1996. Features include a 10-disc trunk mounted Ferrari CD player, power windows, power door locks, air conditioning, leather interior, and 6-speed manual transmission. A copy of the current Carfax confirms consecutively recorded miles, two owners, safety inspections while in Vermont, and California emissions inspections performed under second/current ownership. Originally purchased and delivered to Vermont, the car remained with the original owner until sold in 2015 to the current owner, a resident of Northern California.

Service records accompanying the car date back to 2004 under the first owner including a Ferrari Quebec service with 5,295 miles including timing belt, filters and fluids, and recall campaign replacement of fuel hoses. During the same service, two new rear shock absorbers and a new actuator were installed. In 2016, with 9,411 miles, under current ownership, a timing belt service was performed at Roselli Foreign Car Repair, San Jose, CA. Service included new timing belts, fluids, filters, the installation of a complete 456 Scuderia Ramparte silicone coolant hose kit, four new Pirelli tires mounted and balanced, and power door lock repair.

Cosmetic Overview

Today this Ferrari 456 presents in excellent condition. The silver finish is quite nice throughout, showing excellent gloss and smooth surfacing on all exterior body panels. The car has been metered with a digital paint meter indicating thickness readings consistent with original finishes from this era with the exception of a small area on the A-pillar which was painted and blended due to minor surface imperfections. A crack approximately 2.5” in length is noted on the top portion of the driver’s side A-pillar. The sloping windshield, side, and rear glass bear factory brand etchings consistent with original glass. The lighting, lenses, emblems, and Ferrari script are in excellent condition, including the Pininfarina badge unique to the early first series production models. The body panels display very good fit throughout with excellent panel gaps and tight closures. A set of Pirelli PZero tires are mounted on factory 17” silver alloy wheels.

The black interior features supple and smooth leather seating with some wear evident to the driver’s left side seat bolster and a few small signs of use along the driver’s side power seat controls. The dashboard, instruments, and switches are in excellent condition and function properly including the A/C switch. There is no stickiness on the window or dash switches, however the plastic ignition key surround is sticky at the key entrance. The owner notes that the passenger side window actuator is functional but does not activate in the single-touch auto-down mode, and the passenger door requires a bit more closure force, a common result in early PF built cars. Also, per early build cars, the side windows whistle at speed and will allow water intrusion. The steering wheel, dash pad, and instrument cluster are free of notable wear; however, the dash top material is pulling in a small area inboard of the binnacle.

The center console, door panels, visors, and A-pillars are in excellent condition. The center console features the gated alloy gear 6-speed shifter, which is both a rare and highly desirable feature of this Grand Touring 456. Rear seating is in excellent condition with minimal use evident to the leather seating surfaces. The trunk compartment and carpeting are in excellent condition including the Ferrari 10-disc CD player unit concealed in the left side portion of the trunk compartment

Under the hood, the powerful and legendary Ferrari V12 engine has been properly maintained displaying correctly finished intake castings, air intake housings, and original components as delivered. With the hood raised, the gas hood shocks hold position but will likely need replacement as they are weaker than new units. Ferrari number plates, factory installation stickers, paint indication sticker, and verification markings are in place and in excellent condition. The engine and engine compartment condition are supportive of the low miles and excellent care the two owners have afforded on this rare example. The underside of the car shows original clean components, suspension, brakes, and an upgraded Tubi muffler. Though not detailed for show, condition is consistent with the indicated miles. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension components.

The car starts, drives, and shifts smoothly in any gear and the three suspension modes are all functional, each exhibiting different “feel” when driving. The manual gearbox is easily engaged even when the seat is adjusted to accommodate larger drivers. The rear seats are surprisingly roomy and comfortable though best suited for smaller occupants. Power is fantastic from the capable V12 engine with delightfully engaging launches to highway speeds and road manners beyond what most Grand Touring cars offered during this era. Ferrari had already begun to raise their technology levels to new heights in the 1990s and the 456 is evidence that they were clearly seeking the very best in this class. Often overlooked due to the 2+2 configuration, the 456 is among the very best examples of 20th century driving, particularly configured with the 6-speed manual transmission.

Included with this car

The car is accompanied by a set of owner’s manuals and leather case, a factory tire inflator and case, a CoverKing car cover, a set of tools and accessories housed in a factory leather covered toolbox, a CTEK battery tender, and two keys.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608