Ferrari 456 GT (1994)

Blue Swaters with Blue interior · Only 24,117 km · First paint · Highly Original

The Ferrari 456 GT Experience

The Ferrari 456 GT represents one of the last truly elegant analogue Ferrari grand tourers: a refined front-engined V12 berlinetta combining understated design, long-distance comfort, and genuine 300 km/h performance.

Designed by Pininfarina, the 456 GT marked Ferrari’s return to the classic formula of a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V12 2+2 coupé. Beneath its discreet and beautifully proportioned bodywork lies a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V12 delivering turbine-like smoothness, effortless high-speed cruising capability, and the unmistakable character of a traditional Ferrari twelve-cylinder.

Capable of exceeding 300 km/h, the 456 GT was among the fastest four-seat production cars in the world at the time of its introduction, while remaining remarkably comfortable and usable for grand touring.

Model Context & Significance

The Ferrari 456 GT was officially unveiled in September 1992 at the Palais du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium, during celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary Garage Francorchamps, founded by Jacques Swaters—one of Ferrari’s most important historic importers.

Although publicly launched internationally at the Geneva Motor Show the following year, the model’s very first unveiling took place in Belgium.

The 456 GT was significant for Ferrari for several reasons:

• Return to a traditional front-engine V12 GT layout

• One of the most aerodynamically refined Ferraris of its era

• Combination of luxury, usability, and true high-speed performance

• One of the final Ferraris developed before increasing electronic integration in later generations

Production Figures

Total Ferrari 456 production (all variants) amounted to 3,289 cars:

Totals by gearbox :

• Manual: 2,236 cars

• Automatic: 1,053 cars

  
  

This example belongs to the highly desirable first-series 456 GT, prior to the later “Modificata” facelift.

Identity & Configuration

• Model year: 1994

• Chassis: ZFFSD44JPN0099967

• Engine number: 37456

• Specification: Japanese-market delivery

• Transmission: 6-speed manual

• Exterior colour: Blue Swaters Metallizzato (FER 513/C)

• Interior: Blue leather

  
  

The car retains:

• Matching colours

• Original factory assembly markings

• Original Ferrari glass throughout

• Original interior configuration

Original factory details still present include:

• Assembly plate: 17080

• Inner bonnet stamping: #F115.647

• Original paint sticker: Blue Swaters Met. FER 513/C

Blue Swaters is particularly significant, being the official launch colour presented at the model’s original unveiling in Brussels in 1992.

History, Provenance & Documentation

This Ferrari 456 GT was delivered new in Japan by Cornes & Co. Ltd., Ferrari’s official Japanese importer.

The car benefits from a remarkably complete and coherent documentation file, including:

• Original owner’s manuals

• Original service booklet

• Both sets of keys

• Original Ferrari Hi-Fi system warranty card

• Original Japanese service records from Cornes

Known history includes:

• 16/10/2001 – Service by Cornes Japan at 13,888 km

• 20/12/2003 – Service by Cornes Japan at 15,321 km

• 08/12/2013 – Service by Cornes Japan at 23,016 km

• 08/12/2015 – Service by Cornes Japan at 22,349 km

• 31/07/2017 – Exported from Japan (plate 330X456)

• 01/04/2018 – First registration in the United Kingdom, Philip P., Kings Langley, UK

• 10/05/2018 – Service in the UK by SB Race Engineering at approx. 24,000 km

• 29/08/2025 – Major works carried out in Belgium (€15,000 invoices on file) at 24,046 km

The car today shows only 24,117 km from new.

The car currently benefits from a Belgian road registration.

Condition & Presentation

This Ferrari 456 GT presents as a highly original and remarkably preserved example.

The car is still original paint, with paint-meter readings generally ranging between 150 and 250 microns, values consistent with Ferrari’s period hand-finished paint process. (Please note, measurements cannot be taken on the composite bonnet or plastic bumpers.)

Additional originality details include:

• All original Ferrari-stamped glass

• Original carpets, protected by over-mats

• Fully original leather interior in very good condition

• Tinted rear side windows and rear screen

  
  

The interior presents particularly well, retaining its authentic appearance without excessive restoration or re-trimming.

The well known problem of sticky buttons has been professionally taken care of.

Mechanically, the car has recently undergone significant works with independant Ferrari specialist in Belgium in 2025, with approximately €15,000 in works (invoices on file).

Minor Points / Cosmetic Details

As with many highly original cars, a few minor details remain:

• Toolkit and spare wheel are missing (can be sourced if required)

• Tyres should be replaced (can be done prior to delivery if required)

• Upper cam covers would benefit from repainting (can be adressed)

• Small paint chip on rear boot lid (can be adressed)

• Minor wear visible on driver’s seat (can be corrected if desired)

• Front ashtray remains open and does not latch shut (can be fixed)

  
  

These minor items do not detract from what remains an exceptionally original and honest Ferrari 456 GT.

Collectability & Market Position

The Ferrari 456 GT has increasingly emerged as one of the most elegant and undervalued modern Ferrari V12s.

Early first-series manual cars are particularly sought after thanks to:

• Pure Pininfarina design

• Traditional gated six-speed gearbox

• Naturally aspirated V12

• Analogue driving experience

• Low production numbers relative to other Ferrari GTs

This example stands out further thanks to:

• Extremely low mileage

• Rare and historically significant Blue Swaters specification

• Japanese delivery with extensive original documentation

• High degree of originality throughout

• Matching factory details and preserved presentation

Increasingly appreciated by collectors seeking discreet, usable, and truly elegant Ferrari V12s, the 456 GT represents one of the final expressions of Ferrari’s traditional grand touring philosophy.

Summary

A beautifully preserved and highly original Ferrari 456 GT, offering:

• Rare Blue Swaters specification

• Extremely low mileage (24,117 km)

• Extensive original documentation

• Japanese Cornes history

• Matching factory details and highly original presentation

An increasingly collectible analogue Ferrari V12 grand tourer, combining elegance, usability, and understated exclusivity.

Location & Viewing

Viewings are available by appointment, and international transport or export assistance can be arranged upon request.