Before the opportunity for blue-shaded carbon fibre trims and buttery-smooth suede seat inserts were the hottest ticket items on Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme, there was one car that started it all, a car renowned for its understated nature, its effortless road presence while retaining the brand’s iconic V12 howl. It was, the 456M GT, and in this case, the lesser known ‘Bicolore Scaglietti’ edition. It is found in the iconic "Schumacher Edition" configuration, now deemed as a true collector’s item and a true classic of the future for lovers of motorsport and some of the more understated Maranello machines.
At the 2002 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari presented its first model from the Scaglietti personalization program: the special Bicolore Scaglietti version of the 456M GT, with only 30 cars produced, featuring perforated brakes, a new Hi-Fi system, and satellite radio navigation. Of these, only 10 were reportedly produced with a manual gearbox. The 456M GT on display in Geneva is intended directly for Michael Schumacher and is distinguished by its two-tone Grigio Nuvolari and Grigio Scaglietti colour scheme, which extends to the wheels and grille. The interior is upholstered in Grigio Scuro extended leather with Bordeaux stitching.
A whole decade prior to that unveiling, the Ferrari 456 GT was born, and marked Ferrari's return to the 2+2 coupes segment, where this model was seen as somewhat of an indirect successor to the 412. It embodied elegance, with lines designed by Pininfarina. Aimed at customers seeking a luxurious GT that could be used on a daily basis without sacrificing performance, it offered high levels of comfort for four occupants and significantly improved build quality. It evolved into the 456M in 1998 and was produced until 2003.. Approximately 3,289 examples of the 456 GT were assembled in Maranello, all boasting the naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V12 producing 442 hp at 6,250 rpm, with only a select few being mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Weighing a mere 1,690 kilograms, a featherweight by modern sportscar standards, the 456M GT could launch from zero to 60 in just 5.2 seconds, and onto a staggering 186 mph, all whilst retaining a silky-smooth ride and was perfectly suited to long journeys, while retaining the mechanical nobility singular to Ferrari V12s! With some of Maranello’s creations of the millennium starting to show their true collectability, we expect the 456 will soon follow in their footsteps!
