2000 FERRARI 456M GTA

This Ferrari 456M GTA is an exceptionally well-documented example of the handsome grand tourer, presented in an eye-catching factory colour scheme. Under the bonnet is a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V12, producing around 436bhp, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 42,252 miles from new, which is fully supported by its history file.

An original UK-market car, this 456M was first registered on 8 March 2000, and now has seven previous registered keepers from new. The current owner acquired the car in a Collecting Cars auction earlier this year, and has since treated it to some cosmetic refurbishment at well-known independent Ferrari specialist, Foskers in Kent. During his brief ownership, and the previous keeper’s four-year tenure with the car, it has been kept in humidity-controlled storage with Foskers whenever not in use. Copies of available invoices for storage will be provided to the next owner.

The bodywork and paint are reported to be in very good condition, finished in the attractive and desirable hue of Blu Tour de France. Since acquiring the car, he has spent just over £1,000 on rectifying minor imperfections, attending to bubbling in the finish on the lower offside front wheel arch, some defects on the offside rear quarter and nearside front wheel arch, and touching-in small stone chips on the front bumper. It is believed that the carbon-fibre bonnet has previously been resprayed, and the car is now in even better order than when the vendor bought it.

As the later ‘Modificata’ variant, this Ferrari features the fog lights recessed into the front grille, taking a classic styling cue from the likes of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Since leaving the factory, enamelled metal Scuderia shields have been applied to the front wings, and the car has more recently been fitted with straight-through exhaust pipes and new silencers that enhance the noise of the mighty V12. It rides on what are believed to be the original 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, which present in very good order.

Inside, this 456M is trimmed in buttery tan Connolly leather throughout, and the upholstery remains in good condition. It benefits from having had some re-connolising and refurbishment work carried out during the previous ownership. There are minor marks as you would expect from a car that turned 20 years old earlier this year, but again it is in generally impressive order. The circular air vent bezels of the ‘Modificata’ hark back to the style of the 1960s Ferraris, and the factory-fitted equipment includes electric windows, air-conditioning, and a ‘Sport’ mode button that firms up the suspension.

This car has evidently been well maintained from new, as shown by the summary below. For around the last decade, it has been cared for exclusively by Foskers, where the team has carried out regular servicing and three cambelt replacements in that time.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in August 2020, which was a full service that included renewal of the cambelts, so the car is ready to enjoy with this major maintenance item already completed. Prior to this, it was also serviced in July 2019, which included a cooling system flush and refill, a replacement offside front brake pipe, new front brake ducting, and handbrake adjustment; and in May 2018, which was an annual service and inspection.

A variety of other maintenance has been carried out in the last four or five years, during which time the car has only covered around 3,000 miles. This has included renewal of the handbrake shoes, work to certain brake lines and brake discs, repairs to the air-conditioning and heating system - including an overhaul of the compressor - refinishing of some internal switches and trim, and a detailed machine polishing session.

The most recent MOT test was on 23 July 2020 at 42,242 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories - the same result as each time since 2012, covering some 7,000 miles on the road. The wheels are shod in the correct fitment Bridgestone Expedia tyres on all four corners, which appear to have a good level of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car is the leather book wallet, owner’s manual, dealer directory, and a replacement maintenance record from Maranello Concessionaires, which has been filled out with details of all known services to date – which are summarised below. The Ferrari tool kit is also present.

This Ferrari 456M GTA is understood to be one of just 171 examples built in right-hand drive, so it is not only a stylish long-distance grand tourer, but also a very rare GT. While nobody should make the mistake of believing a 12-cylinder Ferrari can be run on a budget, these cars do represent remarkable value compared to their contemporaries, and are great fun to drive on fast open roads. This particular example has been very well maintained over the years – with recent attention to some paintwork imperfections – and comes with an extensive history file, which makes it a tempting prospect for both collectors and first-time Ferrari buyers alike.

Summary of service history:

• 21/01/2002 - 6,131 miles (Maranello Egham)
• 14/03/2003 - 9,652 miles (Maranello Egham) inc. belts
• 24/01/2004 - 10,780 miles (Rosso Corsa Kew)
• 06/04/2005 - 17,421 miles (Rosso Corsa Kew) inc. belts
• 19/06/2006 - 27,185 miles (Dick Lovett Swindon)
• 16/10/2007 - 29,608 miles (Fiorano Cars) inc. belts
• 19/09/2008 - 30,459 miles (Fiorano Cars)
• 30/07/2010 - 34,292 miles (Foskers) inc. belts
• 01/08/2011 - 35,551 miles (Foskers)
• 27/03/2013 - 35,689 miles (Foskers) inc. belts
• Undated - 37,034 miles (Foskers)
• 07/11/2014 – 37,399 miles (Foskers)
• 31/03/2016 - 39,375 miles (Foskers) inc. belts
• 27/04/2017 - 40,516 miles (Foskers)
• 17/05/2018 - 41,420 miles (Foskers)
• 25/04/2019 - 42,052 miles (Foskers)
• 28/07/2020 - 42,244 miles (Foskers) inc. belts

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history where available. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.