Ruminations of a mad car market

People are scared of what they don't know and understand. Someone who has tinkered with old American iron figures they can fix what breaks and assume the parts will be available. One with no knowledge of European brands assumes the exact opposite: they could never understand the problem, never figure out how to fix it, and if they could, just assume they would not be able to find parts for it.

That mindset SIGNIFICANTLY affects values.

 

If you can accept an opinion of an outsider, the only 2 thoughts that go through my mind when a 456 is brought up are the styling is bland (not ugly (FF), not awkward (Mondial), just plain....) and the auto transmission has a horrible reputation.

I think a lot of buyers choose a California instead since they are migrating well under $100k. When the “T” gets to that point I will be in that market.

 

Who says the automatic transmission has a horrible reputation?

 

It is a slight misnomer and urban legend but there were lots of people who stayed away from the car due to expensive transmission failure and limited parts. Which is dumb

 

Agreed, it really is annoying when people randomly repeat it as fact.
With authority no less.

 

Anyone who has ever attempted at getting one smogged in California if the ECU has updated software.

 

Not being a wisenheimer, can the smog station tell if the ecu had been flashed? I assumed the smog station only connects to check for CEL and emission related parameters and then if none a clean check is provided?

unless it’s got OBD1 and or MY1999 and older then they conduct a tailpipe test?

always interested in learning.

 

With the updates the ECU will not have a 'ready' status because of communications with the trans. . . and there is not a fix for it.

 

Updates of what ECU?

 

Actually, I don't think it was an update for the diagnosis computers (or SMOG computers), not to the ECU itself. I think the issue is if a newer Ferrari computer is connected to the ECU it triggers a fault or something in the ECU to search for transmission computer readiness, which the car doesn't have, and the code cannot be cleared. It's something that is non-reversible and a major issue for 456 autos in CA.

 

I have a 456 auto in CA and I’ve never heard of that.

 

Jeff- Me, either.

 

It's definitely a thing. I suggest speaking with your local dealer or independent prior to going in for smog check.

 

Hi,

Well we call that “elegance”, no need to show off. Just look at the new Roma, I am sure it too will drop in value as it is designed for a mature taste. Maybe I can own one some day.

I didn’t think back in 1992 that I could ever own a 456GT but here we are, seventh year together.

And there is a market also outside the USA, I’m not saying it’s bigger, or that it’s better or anything like that, I’m just saying that it exists.

Cheers!

 

If you watch this video. You will see the new Roma carries so much design language from older elegant Ferraris (456)

 

Wait. Did you try and flaunt your wealth by buying a 456 and become disappointed that nobody batted an eye at it?

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The 456 looks pretty from every angle unlike many other 2+2 cars. Prettiest rear end in my opinion and so elegant from the front and sides. Not loud in a look at me way. Interior looks very nice and classic too. Unlike the 2+2 versions of the XKE, ZX, or R107 cars compared to their 2 seater variants that made them look a bit awkward, proportions of the 456 profile are not much different or more elongated than its 2-seater cousins the 550 or 575 proportions. For my driving style and what I'm looking for in a car the 456 would be an excellent car to have. That's why I have them, in manual version, on my radar screen.

 

Apples and oranges comparison....

First let me preface by saying the 456 is my favorite Ferrari 2+2 made in the last 50-60 years. I agree it’s very underappreciated in the market for what it is.

I also have had now two E31 series (M62 840 and m73 850)

They are very very different cars in execution. E31s from factory are very plush cushy cruisers. They are very heavy as well.

That said they are far more durable + solid In construction than 456s. Early cars had some reliability issues particularly with poor upkeep or deferred maintenance. Later and sorted cars are much more reliable.

The cost of upkeep is also comparatively much much cheaper, with parts about an order of magnitude less expensive.

As for rarity, production numbers for later cars (M73 850s, S70 850CSis) are in the low hundreds... these cars particularly for well-kept examples are the ones that command any type of premium over a 456.

The 456 is a far more athletic and nimble car, particularly with minor tweaks. The 456M is an infinitely better car than the earlier iteration (although I prefer the front hood of the early car with it’s Daytona style vents) but is really held back by it’s tragic four-speed auto.

 

Not at all. Good luck with caring about what others think about your purchase. lol