The 456GT helped re-establish Ferrari's reputation as the manufacturer of excellent grand touring vehicles for up to four passengers with its all-new V12, classic front-engine/rear-drive arrangement, and a transaxle 'box to keep the car perfectly balanced.

When brand-new, it was Ferrari's priciest vehicle, yet it was still £30,000 less expensive than an Aston Martin Vantage or a Bentley Continental R. The almost two-ton 2+2 is propelled to 193 mph and from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds with the new gearbox, which also lacks the customary baulking. The chrome gearknob cuts through the six forward gears like a scalpel through butter.

Although the mega-muscular Vantage had an advantage in acceleration, the wonderfully modest Pininfarina coachwork (designed by Pietro Camardella) was aerodynamic and gave it a 16 mph maximum speed advantage.

70% of clients opted for the automated option once it was introduced in 1996. It was a GM vehicle that Ricardo modified for transaxle installation.

The "M" (modificata) was introduced in 1998 after a minor redesign, with an enhanced interior, traction control, and several small adjustments to make driving even more comfortable.

Almost half of M's manufacturing was automobiles. There have been several aftermarket cabrio and targa conversions, as well as seven five-door "Venice" estates with significant modifications including Porsche 928 automatic transmissions, at least three four-door sedans, and one Spyder convertible.

Some 456s were neglected when their prices plummeted as low as £20k five years ago; look for any gaps in the service records, however current full maintenance is the most crucial.

Some 456s from the newest generation of functional Ferraris have traveled more than 100,000 miles and, with regular maintenance, remain in good condition.