Is It Worth Buying A 'Bargain' Ferrari? [456 GT]

[@GlitzyZebra]

Nooooo, stop making people appreciate the 456, or I'll never be able to own one.

[@Sithhy]

My dream car already went 2x up in price in the last year & a half... so I feel you

[@dl6860]

I feel you - the 456 is so beautiful, I'd argue better looking than the Maranello.

[@findingwithterry]

I agree! "These are not the Ferraris you are looking for."

[@herme99]

Hankering here too!

[@Future-Classic-Cars]

But but Peaugot 406 coupes aren't *that* expensive 😢

[@bartboosman953]

I went this route and bought a '94 456GT in need of total restoration, doing all work myself in the off-hours. I found the car beautifully engineerd and mostly well constructed. I had it apart almost to the last nut and bolt, including engine and gearbox, 'while I was at it'. While working on this car you very quickly understand why it cost a fortune when new, and also why maintenance bills can be astronomical. Now it's finished and looks stunning. Steering is great (for a GT) and engine torque is just amazing. Most amazing is the driveability; you can idle in 6th gear, doing about 50km/h. If you floor the pedal it will start accelerating immediately and without any hickups and will continue to accelerate ever faster until well over 250km/h. Amazing and very satifying.

[@kashv2500]

Why do Ferrari stop making parts for the older stuff? They have the classic program but don't make the parts that are failing I.e front light mechanism

[@shanescarlife]

Cost, plain and simple. To keep all the molds, tooling, etc, and then have to start production for one/two parts per year just isn't financially viable. That's why, at least in North America, manufacturers are only legally required to keep making parts for 10 years after production stops

[@kashv2500]

@shanescarlife I understand, and that makes sense to a degree with most manufacturers, but for the likes of Ferrari it doesn't, as they offer their own classic scheme in the UK....

[@19KingLloyd]

@@kashv2500 porsche was looking into 3d printing for classic parts, seems like the best solution as it keeps improving.

[@stef1833]

@@kashv2500best chance is to look for specialists that can make copies. I know it kills the value. But it os better for an enthusiast compared to bleeding dry.

[@timjones2357]

The issue is not a Ferrari issue per se, but their suppliers no longer making or holding parts. No manufacturer makes everything on a car, but buy in the lionshare of parts. I have a 456 and had to replace the windows regulator (Bosch), pop up headlight motor (Bosch) and immobiliser siren unit (also Bosch)… see a theme here….

[@th3b0untyhunter]

365 gt4 2+2 then 400 then 400i and finally 412 were all in production shortly before the 456GT. So this was NOT the 1st front engined V12 since Daytona.

[@davidnicholson6680]

I was gonna say.

[@richardwintle1020]

Yup. 412 produced up until 1989.

[@daveglover6115]

Lovely cars too, especially with the manual 'box...

[@adogmcdizzle]

Yeah, not sure what he was on about there.

[@johngeren1053]

The Daytona formula includes a rear transaxle. That layout beban with the 275 GTB or could even be traced back to racing Ferraris of the 1950s or even further to some pre-war Alfas that Scuderia Ferrari raced.

[@adrianmay2970]

Where’s Manish ?! 😅

[@mcrdave27]

Maybe thats why the CA pod ended!? Who knows...

[@eddyeddy3281]

I have owned one for 9 years. Never costed me more than regular maintenance. Doesn’t mean that’s cheap, but no Ferrari is cheap to own.

[@piratetype]

I highly enjoy my '95 456 GT. Quite easy to work on. Most of the 'problems' have been worked out. As long as you're able to wrench on the car yourself, it's not a big deal to maintain these!

[@piratetype]

The power is, as in Rolls-Royce terms, adequate!

[@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb]

I bet you do about 500 miles a year in it.

[@piratetype]

@@blackporscheroadster-yw8hb Driven 6500 miles in it the past year. The odometer is at 87.000 miles.

[@victorhall]

Drove one back in 1999 the same spec as this. Same colour but with black trim. Drove from Watford to Strasburg via the channel tunnel. Then, on to Insbruk, through to Bologne, Maranello for a factory visit and then on to Florence. Returned via Pisa, Genoa, Monaco for the GP and back through France to Watford via the channel tunnel. Loved it. I didn't want to hand it back. Something I will never forget.

[@MarcSob22]

I still tave the 550 from the same era, but i love the 456!! I've already traveled in a 458M and on the Autobahn this car is incredible!! Very fast and it's a very reliable car if it's been properly maintained! My friend has one with over 140,000km and uses it every day without any problems!

[@LandoHopkins]

You’re a legend Sam, the Ferrari content never gets old!

[@pereldh5741]

Watched Collecting Addicts have we? 😊 I love the 456… And this is a great example! Almost bought one in 2014. Remember clearly how fast & nimble it felt despite its size. Yes, I think you’re spoiled. 😊 Minor tweaks? The whole front end & the instrument panel was changed with the M.

[@findingwithterry]

Yeah, for 456 lovers the modifications are probably not small. I'm a pre-Modificato fan myself but each to their own.

[@pereldh5741]

@@findingwithterry Yeah its not much in it between them, but it seemed Sam was unaware of how many new parts there actually are

[@MrPrajitura]

yeah, cringed hard on that

[@MM-xr6tz]

Manish Pandey (Senna director) just bought an auto in black. My good friend paid £175k for his at launch and wrote it off 12 months later, which did him a favour as he had a new for old policy and it had dropped in value like a stone. Having seen the new 12Chlamydia, i'd say it is a classy bargain. Just as long as it's been well cared for! A good warranty is essential.

[@simonsauter3229]

It’s not if you can work on cars because that’s possible with these models.

[@MM-xr6tz]

@@simonsauter3229 Great news for all owners.

[@Racelinekarting]

This is not the first Eric Clapton car you have driven Sam. You must buy it as it’s not only more cool as it was Eric’s, obviously more valuable but you are a guitarist. It’s a sign!

[@JOEM747]

This is a pretty neat genre if you keep it up. Always interested in experiencing and getting your thoughts on used cars.

[@jamesmarshall1673]

Great video Sam. Oddly I saw a street parked one today in black. I didn’t know what it was and had to google. Then I learned all I needed to know tonight!

[@rare6499]

Older Ferrari’s are always way cooler than a brand new one. I’ve always loved these and the 612.

[@bimbobaggypants4820]

They sound better too.

[@huzcer]

Would rather have an FF over a 456. 456 doesn't look special enough imo and that's why it's not worth near as much as other similar era Ferraris like a 550.

[@bimbobaggypants4820]

@@huzcer I like that's it more understated in design, it could be because I'm getting older.

[@power2me1]

@@huzcer Comes down to how important to you is a manual v-12. FF is amazing, but your mom could drive it.

[@huzcer]

@@power2me1 456 looks like a Peugeot 406 coupe tbh. not special enough and that's why the 550 is worth a huge multiple of it despite the 456 being more expensive at the time to buy new

[@peterkirton4580]

A friend bought the 456GTA about the year .2000 because he wanted a 2+2 with a decent boot however the previous owner had a very expensive radio CD with woofers and tweeters filling up the boot space. My friend was 6tt 7 and so had to have the seat as far back as it would go to drive comfortably rendering the back seat useless on his side and luggage also had to go on the back seats. The stereo cost £16,000 to install and he was quoted £6000 to remove it. He left it in place. One of his standard service bills which started at £3000 ended up with a couple of other things at just under £9000!

[@chriscooper3384]

Normal for a Ferrari V12 of this era

[@henryhol8538]

I love these! Do you all remember its star role in the old Top Gear intro? What we need is one company to be able to retrofix all the usual problems in one sweep after anyone buys one!👍🏽

[@adamdahlberg8572]

Sold my boring Continental GT Speed and got a 456M GT instead. Love it. Two different worlds.

[@ColinSims-fw7qq]

Adore my 456M GTA and is my garage go to for an easy waft. The auto box is perfectly fine for the cars character and actually adds to the relaxation of a true GT. I'm lucky to have 4 more horses and i often chose 456 over my 599/575/360 and even my much loved 458... if i am out for a relaxing time, great video and wonderful car. Mine is in TdF with Crema with Daytona's which i prefer to other colours on the model. Thanks again

[@ColinSims-fw7qq]

Oh and Martin and Mike at Rardley Motors are utter experts on all things 456 and massively recommended - especially for a window set up - they are genius and anyone with one should use those guys!

[@eric.frasch]

I really like these “buyers guide” videos for old super cars. Keep them coming!

[@Gobbbbb]

12:30 - I prefer this type of FOV, it makes the speed you're driving look like what you'd see if you were actually in the car. I hate how most go pros or dashcams make it look like you're going 100+ everywhere.

[@joen7575]

Love the break dance when you're standing up and giving an intro.

[@CarObsession]

Great video Sam, I knew nothing about the 456 before this video, so your enthusiastic history lesson made for a very good watch.

[@Lfldn]

Love me some STG Ferrari content. Really looking forward to seeing what you end up doing with the paint on your CS! Any updates planned anytime soon?

[@AlexisPorki]

No question - one of the most stylish cars of any era. It is however a classic Ferrari. It needs the be stored indoors on a battery conditioner and cannot be driven daily. On the credit side though, the headlight motors are the same as the Volvo 480’s so perhaps you can save a few pounds that way.

[@huzcer]

has nothing on say the 550 from the same era tho which is also worth up to 10 times as much despite costing less at the time.

[@Habdabi]

Carbon bonet is picked to help with weight distribution, being a front engine car weight over the front is already an issue for handling (target is 50:50), so a carbon bonet is a perfect cost effective size application for the new material and manufacturing process, that will actually have a noticeable impact on the handling 👌👍

[@chriscooper3384]

Target of 50:50 is not optimal actually. Technically it’s a front / mid configuration with the engine set back behind the front axle achieving the optimal 53:47% weight distribution. 50:50 weight distribution is not desired in either a mid engined car or front engined. Much of this perfect distribution is achieved by it having a transaxle rear gearbox.

[@barryfastcars25]

The front apron is updated on the M as well. Including the in grill foglight which are so hot.

[@AndrewTindale]

Another great video Sam. You have found a unique niche in the content you create. Very relatable.

[@jugheadsrule]

To the silly Pommy twat market?

[@andrewburns3952]

Did Alexanders have a dealership at Billborough Top in York at one point?

[@drew699]

I remember seeing Tom Chaplin from Keane in a blue one navigating one of these down a narrow high street. As a car person, they don’t interest me at all. V12 is prob nice but it’ll be ballpark £7K pa just in maintenance servicing.

[@wrangazz]

The 456 has aged beautifully

[@theseb1979]

Has it? In my opinion it was ugly when launched and still looks bad now

[@wrangazz]

@@theseb1979 I think those 90s Ferraris have aged well... It's all personal opinion I suppose... The 550 is even better in my opinion and I know not everyone likes them

[@justsomeguy1141]

Weirdly small wheels

[@erkkavilhunen4916]

17" was big when 456 was designed. 18" for 550 and 19" for 612 and 575. Development was fast on those years.

[@theseb1979]

@@wrangazz I hear you. I really dislike these designs personally with the 360 as my peak worst looking Ferrari.

[@secretbrad9259]

On first glance I thought you were reviewing a Peugeot 406 coupe! 😂 Great video!

[@kevinsenyeli4200]

Both designed by Pininfarina.

[@curiousoffice]

I have an FF - costs a fortune to operate. These are simpler and should be less expensive but when buying any of these "older" Ferarri's, you need to be realistic and expect that $30,000k to address a bunch of iffy stuff isn't unrealistic. With an FF it is to be expected.

[@PhilippevanHeek]

why is it called 456GT? displacement? because it´s a V12?

[@andybroer651]

I seriously considered a 456 manual, but I bought a Maserati Granturismo S which has better rear seats and in theory service will be less. I happen to like the appearance over the 456 (Which is beautiful!)

[@ScottZ370]

I’ve got such a vivid image of the type of person who bought these back in the 90s… think grey suit, banker, suitcase, out of work relationship with office receptionist

[@ggkik]

...what about an 850i or even better to an 850Csi, 12cylinder paired to a manual?

[@JeffMirek]

Bought my 2003 GTA for $90k in 2020 and recently exceeded $90k in maintenance, restoration (+ repeat repairs groan) and improvements (MSW ECU, exhaust, etc…) over just the last 4 years and 12k miles. They are eye wateringly expensive to run but I hope to keep mine until I drop once I get it right.

[@chriscooper3384]

I had three in period and drove my family all over Europe in them. Perfect GT car for a family. Word of warning thought the older pre-modificato version is nowhere near as resolved as this version. The Modicato version is however EPIC. Has to be a manual though. Rardley Motors in the UK know all of the tricks and tips for these.

[@RobertRedford77]

How to take out the tool box and sell separately for £5-7k.....remove service logs and sell them.back as extortion....same with hiding the red master key and selling back

[@kristianspencer1978]

The problem the 456 gt had when it came out was the Aston Martin vantage v550. 550 bhp and 550 ibft.. and a similar example today is £140 /£150 k..

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

In the 80' I longed for a 456GT - Love the shape and the 4-seat configuration with the V12. Honest review!

[@johnmitchell2269]

Being a Ratarosa viewer, I already know that the reason these things have massively come down in price so much (from new) is because they are money pits. Still a cool car though. V12 four seater coupe GT (with pop ups) you don't get many of those.

[@prileydrums]

I always longed for a 456 but ended up buying a metallic blue/beige manual 400i at the end of last year instead. At auction, unseen. Somewhere on the brave/stupid scale, but I think I did ok. And while both cars undoubtedly have the potential to present ruinous bills, I take some comfort in the 400’s simpler construction; no belts, leaky shocks, windows etc. In an ideal world mine will at some point be restored to some extent but in the meantime it currently wafts around nicely and looks ace from about twenty feet. No regrets but the 456M is still a lovely thing.

[@cephasmakuzva]

Tony where are you to speak some reason into Sam. The Ferrari 456 MGT. Cool it had the first commercial use of carbon fiber. Its huge value but the maintenance of an old V12 Ferrari. It would be very expensive to maintain. I'll admit this is an incredible example but even so. I wouldn't have it but beautiful to look at and appreciate.

[@Ashfielder]

Lovely vintage looking Blaupunkt stereo in this, I always enjoy spotting these in various classics. Thinking of getting one myself.

[@user-ie1hg5ov1m]

One of the final 3 cars to have pop ups the other being the Lotus Esprit and the Corvette

[@stuartrowe3761]

Blimey. Saw you filming yesterday. I was the guy with the telephoto lens next to the gates you waved at!! Fan of your channel. What a coincidence!!

[@malanne1]

I own a 456 GT non M manual. Paid 12k for it with some damage in the rear. Windows alignment has been fixed and service done. I can't wait to fix the scratch and take it for a long trip across the continent 😊. I won't mind spending 10-20k on making it a perfect for driver.

[@thefrog9119]

I would like to own one, it will remind me of my Peugeot 406 Coupé. 😃 Ferrari was not happy to see the design of the Peugeot which was out not long after the 456 to ressemble to the 456. Well I was happy when I was driving my Peugeot which unfortunately dies on a roundabout in my area.

[@richboy900]

The 456 is gorgeous (especially in the blue) but you'd need more than a brave pill to buy one imo. Either that or pockets that run on forever

[@peterbroadwood476]

Yes blue is the standout colour for me on this model.

[@adogmcdizzle]

Much like some other exotics that got cheap, it wasn't unusual to see a ropey looking one of these rolling around, wonder what it was, and be surprised to see a Ferrari badge - I always thought the styling looked quite muted, looks under-wheeled, and even in this video its not really done justice. But see one today in a blue and all cleaned up and they look great, with real road presence. They'll be worth lots in future I'm sure, but you'll spend for sure keeping it going in the meantime. Just had a search, and some bigger more intricate wheels lift it a bit - but each to their own.

[@Babar13-2]

the problem of the continentals gts isnt that they are not reliable or something, because they are quite reliable if you take care of them, the real problem is that to do any sort of maintenance beside changing oil and coolant you have to take the engine out of the car, and its not some small 1.9l tdi that can be taken out with an autozone engine jack taking the engine out is the most expensive part. But the V8 is alot alot easier to work on becuase its smaller so you don have to take the engin out everytime

[@lips5913]

Absolutely, superb v12, lovely tourer, but very pricey on maintenance. Also, very much under the radar. We used to tour all over Europe in ours and it was rarely noticed by people.

[@quintongrand]

not even a purosangue?

[@prettyboyzaneking]

congratulations on 600k subscribers sam much deserved 🙏

[@michaelwilliams8781]

The engines can suffer from worn valve guides. It’s a bit of a lottery due to poor quality control of materials used in some batches. Heads off is a very expensive fix. I don’t think I’d buy one unless this had been done …

[@RobertRedford77]

20k

[@DaleSteel]

I bought a car from alexanders about 15 year ago. Only done 30k miles. Had it for 4 month and clutch went. Never went near them again.

[@Lucan-ve6zc]

I love all Ferraris. And, pretty much all Italian sports cars. Faults etc. We have one. This does remind me a lot though of a Peugeot 406 Coupe. Much nicer but, like a better looking half sister.

[@maniacninja]

Forgot about the front engine v12 412 series from the 80's. Really the same niche as the 456 and the last front engine v12 ferrari before it.

[@lewisbuckley879]

Love your enthusiasm but from personal experience of 15 years ownership of a manual Modificata that has been recently classiche certified, ownership has been a breeze with none of the eye watering bills you talk about. It’s a mile munching joy to drive with huge amount of torque. It doesn’t need the 600 - 800 bhp of modern Ferraris - you can’t compare it to them. It’s a different kettle of fish from a different period. But like any car, buy the absolute best you can. That is always sound advice. Keep the videos coming. Great watching 👊

[@kevmagill5163]

In the States these are 140,000 dollars for a low mileage car. 80,000 for a relatively high mileage. They're very elegant, though, aren't they? Great vid Sam!

[@zzhughesd]

Never understood the additional depreciation over the then newer Ferraris. Look well now. Saw them in BCA down to 16k

[@Bmontepeque11]

I love cars like these 🥰❤️ You know, luxurious, soft riding, relaxing, achingly beautiful and elegant, they are amazing! I like these cars more than hardcore race cars, I just wish they were more reliable :(

[@stradivarioushardhiantz5179]

Try seating on rear seats

[@eddieg6436]

…….Always enjoy seeing you pull over for coffee! Missed that in this episode. Great otherwise!

[@benpenagonzales6014]

You have to do the 612 scaglietti. I think it’s a great idea at £50k. 4 seats and a flappy paddle box for the weekend.

[@RobertRedford77]

Most problematic car. Went to 20k. All abused. Valve guide issues 15k. Clutch 4k. Window seals/modules 2k. Rear shocks 4k engine service 3k. Rust issues.

[@Cannedbrit]

I guess Eric Clapton had a couple of these. I'm pretty sure he had a pre facelift model as well. I've alway loved these, looks better than the 612

[@stewartschuster]

Sam - I'm curious about an element of the Ferrari Classiche program. If their goal is to bring a car to factory specs, and (just as an example) you have a 456 that has the headlight issue that you said the parts are basically non existent for, how do they handle that? Because I feel like there's probably a lot of parts they don't manufacture anymore, and if the goal is to deliver, essentially, a "factory spec" vehicle, wouldn't their refusal to produce parts directly conflict with that?

[@canto_v12]

The no-limits solution to a broken old electromechanical Bosch part is to have a workshop rebuild it. It can be done, it's just very expensive.

[@550panerai5]

Always fond of the 456 as an elegant under the radar Ferrari. I even went to my local dealer to buy one……I came out with a 550 instead!

[@gregv3920]

I bought one of these about 15 years ago. Beautiful car. $21,000 repair bill within 3 weeks. I just gave it back 😅

[@alastairblair]

Strange that you brushed over the 400i/4123i ?

[@slytherben]

I have a friend who never drives his 360. He finally decided to go on a Sunday drive with us. Probably drove it 2.5 hours. $21,000 bill. Didn't get the car back for 6 months. He parked it for about 3 months. Finally built up the courage to drive it - you guess it - on a Sunday drive. $13000 bill. He sold it after that.

[@canto_v12]

He probably would have had a nicer ownership experience if he drove the car more and sorted the problems gradually. Old exotic cars develop a lot of problems if they're left sitting.

[@slytherben]

@@canto_v12 yeah but you already know the truth. Ferraris decrease in value after they exceed 9999 miles. Ferrari ownership is an emotional nightmare

[@timothywing8604]

I remember chasing one of these on the Autobahn, circa 2001, in my Eagle Talon TSi (US market version of 2G Eclipse Turbo)... I was able to keep up. But I don't think the guy knew I was chasing him.

[@eddieg6436]

I always thought of the 456 as the successor to the 2-door 400i. (another beautiful car).

[@dannypreston1268]

Hey Sam how do you find all these great coffee shops

[@lawyer104]

I drew the Ferrari 456 as one of my GCSE exam pieces!!

[@gregkirkpatrick2]

I had one. Everything that ever went wrong with it started with a 7 and 3 other numbers, and a lot went wrong! I used it regularly, almost dailied. There were some sublime moments, but a heck of a lot of real lows too. A 21,000 Euro service being one of them. No such thing as a cheap Ferrari

[@MostlyHuman]

I still prefer the sharper lines of the prior 456 design but there is no doubt this softer design is incredibly elegant.

[@kirkpatrickdavid]

I remember one of these on PistonHeads for £17k about 10 years back

[@mrmarkyrichards]

Blue with tan interior

[@nyhcbd]

i think, for the current price, it would be a bargain! like that style and, c'mon a NA V12 with manual gear box!! a new set of wheels may improve the looks, though. oh, and a new stereo too 😊

[@David-wl7qs]

not the 456 GT as per video title [456 GT] with the bonnet intakes like 365GTB/4 and the minimalist clean front, but the modified facelift 456M GT where they removed these bonnet intakes and added big fog lights, so video title should be [456M GT]

[@malcholden5357]

It’s a beautiful looking car. I think I’d chance a Maserati 3200/4200 or Granturismo. They’re not 12 cylinders cars though.

[@RedC220]

If it's being sold by DK engineering it won't be a bargain, in fact as it's a manual this is likely to be close to six figures asking price, which buys an FF. Stop faffing, if you want a 4 seat useable Ferrari just buy an FF man. I've had mine two years (and 17K miles use) now, it's awesome, there is nothing (Lusso included) that can replace it for me.

[@mooboo6603]

Sitting sideways on the front seat...ouch! The bolster!! Old car!!! 🤨🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@nigel.w]

Seems like the throttle cable slack needs to be adjusted!

[@miguelfreitas1991]

call me sad but the 456 and 456m are one of my favotite Ferraris ...... the styling is just on point

[@puggzymalone5824]

This is my favourite old Ferrari! Obviously a manual I've always wanted one!

[@scottlenahan8228]

Great series dude!! I love this

[@cocheshiperdesportivos7181]

Sam. Surprised u didnt mention its a pininfarina design

[@timbonfield3589]

456 is genuinly one of the prettiest ferraris made in more modern times, makes a 550 look fussy, will take mine in dark blue please

[@sarastroaster2457]

Do you prefer this or a 612 Scaglietti?

[@simonborowicz9284]

Wasn't F40 the first Carbon Fibre production car for ferrari Sam?

[@timcritchlow35]

It'll be a money pit I'm afraid

[@ABoringTool]

Like all good cars

[@cj41079]

I was about to say that.....

[@pierredebug17]

The rationale choice is to buy two and keep one for parts.

[@brianiswrong]

Why would DK be ashamed to list the price? Seems a funny flex.

[@gregorygant4242]

Gorgeous looking car ! So elegant looking even after so many years .

[@charliemacklin7017]

Taking about reliability on a 456, Sam did you not see Tyler hoovers?

[@vincentvandervaart8019]

This Ferrari in Blu Pozzi with tan interior and of course a manual dream car😊