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?
Located in: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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.
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?
Sold $51,417. 43 bids.
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??