1996 Ferrari 456 GT Coupe

I’ve often told people trying to squeak into a Ferrari that if they can’t afford the best example, they really can’t afford an edgy one

by Steve Ahlgrim

Not since the 412’s demise in 1989 had Ferrari offered a 2+2, and when the 456 GT debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1992, it was obvious that the long-awaited newcomer eclipsed all Maranello’s previous four-seat Grand Tourers.

Although new from stem to stern, the 456 GT incorporated elements familiar to generations of Ferrari cognoscenti—front-mounted 4-cam V12, rear transaxle, tubular steel spaceframe chassis, and all-independent suspension—while making an appearance for the first time were electronically-controlled adaptive suspension and a 6-speed gearbox (there was also an optional automatic).

Essentially a detuned version of the engine powering the 550 and 575, the new 5.5-liter V12 unleashed no less than 442 hp. Except for the F40, the 456 was the most powerful road car developed by Ferrari up to that time.

For the 456, Pininfarina worked its magic once more to create a subtly beautiful curvaceous body contrasting with the hard...