Part of a long line of elegant 2+2 V12 Ferraris, the 456 was the first modern V12 Ferrari. When it appeared, it was exceptionally sophisticated in terms of both its technology and its performance. With a new V12 engine, it was Ferrari’s most powerful roadgoing V12 produced to date, and was paired for the first time with a 6-speed gearbox which was mounted at the rear, making it the first transaxle 2+2 Ferrari, a configuration previously reserved for Ferrari’s two seat cars. With its 192 mph top speed, the 456 was the fastest 4-seat car available new at the time, and was only marginally slower than the 195 mph 512TR that was simultaneously available. The car genuinely represented a quantum leap forward. Midway through the 456’s life, it was updated to create the 456M (for modificata), which employed a new front fascia including carbon fiber hood, revised engine, and updated interior to modernize the styling in a fashion more consistent with the interior of the then-new 550.
This particular car was sold new by Ferrari of Washington (DC) to its first owner, a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, on the 9th of December 2002. The car remained in North Carolina until 2006, when it was purchased by a resident of Beverly Hills, California. It has been in California since and was routinely serviced, most recently by ISSIMI Meccanica in November 2021, which included a major service (timing belts, spark plugs, fluids, filters and hoses), rebuilt camshafts, valve adjustment, motor mounts, camshaft position sensor, new tires, new battery, new brake pads and rotors front and rear, and all four shock absorbers were rebuilt as well. This work totaled approximately $32,500. The car is extremely complete with books, tools, car cover, seat and steering wheel covers, original 456 brochure, and battery tender.
