The international launch of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Spider took place last week. And while all driving impressions are under a very strict embargo until next week, there’s one opinion that can be shared right now: green paint and tan leather still work an absolute treat for the front engined Ferrari V12 flagship. Much as it always has, hopefully as it always will.
The road cars were the same spec, in fact, as seen at the static unveil: Verde Toscana with Terra Antica, the latter an upholstery shade launched in 2022. Maranello describes it as a ‘melange of browns that make up the plot of a tale written in an ancient land with roots deep as the earth itself.’ So now you know. Topped off with silver wheels, the launch 12 Cilindri Spiders looked absolutely stunning. It’s always nice to see Ferraris that aren’t some kind of red, just to be a little different, and especially so when they work as well as the 12C.
Exposure to a new one has inevitably meant scouring the classifieds for an old green-over-tan Ferrari; almost as unobtainable, but just as interesting. There are a few, pleasingly, proof that a few have always dared to be different when it comes to Ferrari colourways: Verde Zeltweg suits both the 360 and 355 pretty damn fabulously, though it’s interesting that the latter can now cost twice as much as the former. Anyway, both will have to wait another day for the Spotted spotlight, because there’s a 456 GT to ogle instead.
There’s not a colour combo that the 90s’ icon doesn’t suit, because it’s really one of Pininfarina’s finest Ferraris. On PH right now there’s red, silver, blue - all look great. But Verde Silverstone really is very special indeed, with tan the perfect contrast. The 456 was a dramatic departure from what had come before (let’s call the 400 and 412 of their time), but one that stood the test of time exceptionally well. Not only is it a prettier design (to these eyes) than the later 550 Maranello, the 456’s inherent rightness was really highlighted by its 612 successor; which, if easier on the eye these days, has never hit the spot quite like the old V12.
Back in the early 1990s, the 456 was notable for its then all-new 65-degree V12, the name famously a nod to the cubic capacity of each of the dozen cylinders. The six-speed manual was in a transaxle, the majority of the body panels were aluminium, plus both front and rear bumpers were composite. While its design paid homage to the past, the Daytona inspiring the look as with the 12Cilindri, the 456 was a thoroughly modern flagship.
This one has come most recently from a collection, where indoor storage has kept it looking fabulous. The ad doesn’t mention any restorative work, so it seems that the 456 really has been obsessively cared for over the past three decades. The interior in particular appears superb, once you’ve gotten over the chubby airbagged steering wheel.
The asking price here is £49,950, making it one of the more affordable 456s. That can probably be accounted for by 60,000 miles, eight owners, and the fact it’s a pre-Modificata model. Perhaps the prohibitive cost of running a Ferrari V12 of the 90s has cut some ownership journeys short; suffice it to say keeping it this good won’t come cheap. But surely a car driven and used must be a less intimidating prospect than something still showing delivery miles. And green over tan should make it very saleable for many years to come…
SPECIFICATION | FERRARI 456 GT
Engine: 5,474cc, V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 442@6,250rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406@4,500rpm
MPG: c. 15
CO2: c. 400g/km
Year registered: 1997
Recorded mileage: 61,000
Price new: £161,413 (1997, before options)
Yours for: £49,950
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