4-Seat Supercars

Most 456 owners go straight to the 30,000-mile service, at a “starting” cost of about $5,000 (Part II: Bring the kids. Contemporary 2+2s)

by Michael Sheehan

Modern four-seat Ferraris are user-friendly, entry-level supercars. You might compromise on the number of seats, but not on performance. Last month I reviewed Ferraris with more seats than doors, starting with the 250 GTE and going through the 412. This month, we’ll take you from the 456 to the current 612.

456 GT

The 456 GT was launched at the FF40 International Ferrari Celebrations held in Brussels and Spa Francorchamps in September 1992. Although designed as a world car, because of U.S. emissions and safety regulations, the 456 didn’t make it to North America until the summer of 1994, where it debuted at Monterey when Ferrari was the featured marque at the Historics.

Originally billed as a replacement for the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, the 456 really replaced the 365 GTC/4. The new 456 GT combined the looks and performance of a two-seat...