Ferrari 456M GT (2002)

In 1992, Ferrari introduced the overdue replacement for the defunct front-engined 412, in the form of the Pininfarina-penned Ferrari 456 GT and 456 GTA. Inspired by the iconic styling of the 365 GTC/4, the 456 was heavily influenced by the concept and style similar to that of the ‘Daytona’.

Using a newly designed tubular steel spaceframe chassis, in combination with composite and aluminium body panels, the new 2 + 2 Ferrari weighed in at just 1690kg. Ferrari had made extensive technological advances since producing their last V12 allowing the all-new powerplant to not only be exceptionally light, but also highly compact. The naturally aspirated 5.5 litre V12 produced 442 bhp at 6,250 rpm and 404lb ft of torque; at the time the second most powerful road car ever produced by Ferrari, humbled by only the F40. 0 to 62 mph was completed in just 5.2 seconds, accelerating towards a top speed of 188 mph, making it the world's fastest production 4-seater.

The 1998 Geneva Motorshow introduced the 456 Modificata. Cosmetically the 456M featured a wealth of changes over that of the original car; a new smoother bonnet, a new, more pointed front bumper featuring a wider intake aperture and inset spot lamps, as well as a redesigned rear bumper with an integrated fixed rear spoiler.

The interior was also revised, notably moving the radio ahead of the gearstick, introducing a new three spoke steering wheel, revised dashboard layout with three round air vents instead of the preceding rectangular units.

Mechanically the 'M' saw revised front control arms, larger front brakes from the 550 Maranello, uprated ABS with new ASR traction control system. The engine remained the same, although the firing order was revised, improving smoothness.

In 2001, the 456M gained further options including Scuderia shields as fitted to this example. The split between manual and automatic was about 50/50 although skewed towards manual, with 688 of the former and 650 of the latter. For the UK, just 33 RHD manual examples were delivered with 138 automatics.

This example was supplied new on 1st January 2002 by Maranello Sales Egham a man with a penchant for a V12 Ferrari, Mr Eric Clapton. Optioned as many of his cars were in Argento Nürburgring, this example sports a Beige interior with the critical, open-gated manual gearbox. Bringing some warmth to the cabin, this example also received rich and classically sporting Bordeaux carpets.

DK Engineering handled the sale of this car to its second owner in November 2003; Clapton having tasked us with the sale whilst restoring his 275, 365, and 250 GT SWB! In 2019, we once more handled the sale of this example having remained in the care of its second owner for some 15 years.

Since 2019, this wonderful 456M has resided within our storage facility and used on a handful of occasions covering just a couple of hundred miles. Notably in 2022, this example was treated to Ferrari’s Premium Program through official Ferrari dealership Meridien Modena. The accompanying invoice in the file documents over £15,500 worth of work replacing componentry subject to wear and tear alongside an annual service.

In March 2024, in preparation for sale from its fastidious owner, this example further received a major service including cambelts in our workshops along with remedying the common sticky switches at a total cost of a further £15,000. Today this example presents superbly with just 25,400 miles from new, accompanied by its history folio, original book pack, Ferrari red book Classiche certification, complete original luggage set, two keys, radio code, and key code.

• Supplied new to Eric Clapton
• Argento Nürburgring over Beige with Bordeaux carpets
• One of 33 UK RHD examples of the 456M
• Recently treated to Ferrari's Premium Program at a cost of £15,500
• Ferrari Classiche Certified
• Full luggage set
• Major service in March 2024 by DK Engineering, including sticky switches overhaul at a further cost of £15,000
• Just 25,400 miles from new
• Accompanied by history folio, original book pack, Ferrari red book Classiche certification, complete original luggage set, two keys, radio code, and key code