Perhaps the World's greatest GT Car ?
After discontinuing 412 production in late 1989, Ferrari had been operating without a front-engined model of any description for the first time in their history. By 1992 though, the firm were ready to re-enter the GT market with this car, the gorgeous 456.
A modern day version of the 365 GTC/4 produced for just 18 months back in 1971/72, the 456 was clearly influenced by the C/4 in concept and style along with that cars glamorous stablemate, the GTB/4 Daytona.
A 5.5-litre 65° V12 engine featured a light alloy crank, cylinder heads and oil sump, the technological progress Ferrari had been able to make since their last V12 meaning this powerplant was not only exceptionally light but also extremely compact. Displacement was 5474cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 88 x 75mm respectively, output an awesome 436bhp at 6250rpm.
Dry sumped and with Bosch Motronic 2.7 digital engine management, this four-cam, four valve per cylinder engine was mated to a rear mounted six-speed manual gearbox.
Whereas the outgoing Berlina's had gradually lost more and more ground on their mid-engined counterparts, Ferrari were keen to ensure the 456 was a match for its two-seat models. Sprinting from 0-60 in just 5.3 seconds and capable of a top speed of 186mph, the 456 could also lap Ferrari's Fiorano test track several seconds quicker than even the Ferrari 512 TR and 348.
It was no surprise that Pininfarina were commissioned to create the bodywork, the Turinese firm using aluminium panels that were chemically bonded to the steel chassis. Although the 412 had been a very fine looking car, the 456 was a much sportier looking machine, thoroughly modern yet incorporating classic Ferrari cues. More lithe and aggressive than its predecessors, the 456 looked like a four-seat Berlinetta rather than a stately GT. Pininfarina produced an exceptionally clean design, one devoid of wings, flares or blisters but nevertheless aggressive enough to hint at its massive performance. It was quite possibly the best looking GT car of all time.
Inside, the new model was luxuriously appointed with full Connolly leather and a classic open gate shift, but the 456 also introduced innovations like windows that marginally lowered when the doors were opened to allow compressed air to escape from the cockpit.
Although self-levelling rear suspension had been seen as long ago as 1967 on the 365 GT, an all-new system fitted to the 456 was state of the art. Three alternative suspension settings (Sport, Normal and Touring) allowed drivers to configure the dampers according to their mood while sophisticated Servotronic power steering electronically adjusted the assistance according to road speed and conditions.
Launched at the FF40 International Ferrari Celebrations held in Brussels and at the Spa Francorchamps racing circuit during September 1992, the 456 was an immediate hit - never before had a Ferrari of this type combined the looks and performance of a two-seat Berlinetta with an interior spacious enough for four.
Production ended in 2004 when the 456GT was replaced by the 612 Scaglietti.
