In the 1970s, the Italian sports car manufacturers seemed to be churning out a fair number of GT-style cars with rear seats. For the longest time, you could purchase these V8- and V12-powered 2+2s for far less than a comparable two-seater from the same manufacturer. As prices have surged for those cars, the 2+2s are no longer cheap, but the modern day version of this story is playing out in real time right in front of us with the likes of this 2001 Ferrari 456GT, listed here on eBay with bids to just over $42,000 and no reserve.
Now, here’s a big reason for that: this is a two-pedal Ferrari. The Ferrari cars from the 70s and 80s with four seats were commonly equipped with automatics, but the 90s and 2000s were a different time. The classic gated Ferrari shifter was about as recognizable as it ever was, so buying a Ferrari when a manual was still widely available seemed like one of the silliest things you could do for future ROI. This 456GT is one of the very few I’ve seen with an automatic, and there’s two ways of looking at this.
For one, you could say the auto ‘box is perfectly suited to the GT-nature of this 456. It’s an ideal pairing, especially with an actual backseat whereby those passengers may appreciate the smoothness of a car with an automatic. There’s also a chance it was abused far less than a stick shift car tends to be, especially in a performance model that invites all sorts of bad behavior. Final thought: there’s always the potential of a manual conversion. The engine bay on this example is surprisingly dusty, no?
The color scheme is outstanding, and dark blue over tan hides is a wonderful combination and a nice change of pace from red over saddle. The seller notes mileage as being just over 30,000 and that the 456 is in good overall condition with some flaws evident. There’s some paint scratches and scrapes and some of the stitching in the interior is splitting. Overall, it’s a driver by Ferrari standards, but that just makes it even more likely someone is going to snatch a desirable V12-powered sports cars for short money relative to its future values.
Wouldn’t it be a 456GTA then?
You don’t have to be married to a beautiful woman either, but my God, if you can afford to do so, that’s what you do. :)
No, never had a doubt. Totally worth it!
Located in: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I love how every poor guy out there turns the ownership of luxury items into a socialist statement. no one needs a Rolex. No one needs a Ferrari. No one needs a beach house. I guarantee you if they hit they lottery they’re gonna be first in line at the Lamborghini dealer.
This car definitely makes a statement. A blue Ferrari with an automatic and less than 50 K. I am not sure what the statement is? I am so rich I have a Ferrari for a grocery getter or do you know anybody dumber than me?
That’s a dumb thing to say Joe –
Scott thank you. It was suppose to be funny. No more stand up for me.
Scott, Sorry! It was suppose to be funny. Are you a Ferrari guy? I am only asking because I have noticed over the years, they generally don’t appreciate my humor.
They never do. Some of the owners are afflicted with LMD.
I don’t think you’ve driven one of these and I don’t know how much the 3 speed auto box stifles the 12 cyl compared to the 456 I drove a couple of months ago with 3 pedals. It was a different blue.
“The interior looks beautiful, however there are several spits in the leather consistent with its age. The front drivers seat shows wear in the leather close to the door. There is also some shrinking and pulling back of the leather covering the dash, rear and headliner”
The interior short comings makes me think this car has been in the sun a lot more than the one I recently drove that is close to 10 years older. I remember the interior being really nice. I didn’t try it on but from looking back, I thought rear seat passengers would be pleased when they were back out the car.
The one with the gated shifter also had a wing that rose @ 90 ? mph and I can’t see that on this car.
Oil capacity: 10.5 quarts! The good news: You can do it yourself. No engine removal required.
Then there is the obvious fact. Ferrari automatics of that era were about as dependable as a coastal Florida weather forecast. If it has not been rebuilt after 30K miles, it is VERY likely that it needs to be rebuilt. Chances are the local transmission shop will decline the job. The local Ferrari dealer will take it. it will cost about $30K.
Well, I like it. BUT….
While its a beautiful car, the buyer needs to go into the deal with the clear understanding that using a Ferrari as a daily driver is an expensive endeavor. I wish I could justify the cost. But I can’t.
Still a beautiful car with a very dusty engine compartment. That part didn’t get “detailed” for the photo shoot. You don’t suspect that its been parked for an extended period, do you? Maybe with a broken gearbox?
There is no reason that a tranny rebuild should cost 7 times what an average tranny rebuild costs. Yet, owners continue to cough up cash, why?
If you can get it for under 50G who cares. It’s a Ferrari and it’s all about panache. like a Rolex you don’t care if it’s selfwinding or not it’s a Rolex.Panache Panache Panache if you can afford it buy it.
The way I look at it is this: The (affordable) purchase price of an older exotic is the cover charge. Then you get to walk in and start buying drinks.
And the joint has a 4,200 drink minimum…
Manual swap + a proper aftermarket exhaust = good times.
Many crummy Jag V12s got Chevy small blocks installed in them, perhaps that is a viable option.
🤦🤦🤦🤢
Is a manual swap actually justifiable in lower cost exotics, or is it the same cost (and a lot less time and headache intense) to just find a manual car?
Grant .. it’s a Ferrari V12 and the sound it makes .. That why people buy them!: This was the affordable Ferrari. 🐻
Grant
The 456GT that I was talking about was way less than a new Corvette and has actually been mistaken for a Mustang. It was at his work place and a customer walked in and asked him if the blue Mustang was his new car.
There’s a PT Cruiser sitting here (inherited it), I drove it a couple of winters and it’s been sitting for years. Only good thing I ever said about it was “At least it doesn’t have ABS”. 60k Mi., no or little rust and auto box. I think I’ll sell it before I do a timing belt and anything else on it.
Sold $51,417. 43 bids.
You need to drive one for awhile to appreciate the difference. Comparing a VW Passat to a Audi S7.
Or just once!
Anyone who could confuse that work of art with a Mustang don’t need bi-focals they Hellen Keller.
I had to scroll through the comments to get to yours. It seems I was censored! I’ll bet most wonder why you made that comment.
Jesse??
Winning bid:US $51,417.00 [ 43 bids ]
Located in:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania