The introduction of the 456GT in 1992 marked the return of the classic front engined V12 layout to Ferrari ultimate road car. It was also exactly what most people dreamed a Ferrari should be, a very beautiful fast, amazingly sharp handling, and dauntingly expensive for all but the extremely rich. Not since the demise of the Daytona in 1973 had the fastest Ferrari had a front engine. In some senses the 456, with its 2+2 seating, was also an overdue replacement for the old 412 coupe, Maranello’s famous last V12 model. Pininfarina was commissioned to do the styling for the 456, and clearly took inspiration from the chunky, elegant, tapering profile of the Daytona. Looking at the rear view especially, there were strong echoes of the old car. Under the 456’s bonnet was a new four camshaft V12, delivering its power to a rear mounted, six speed transaxle to perfect weight distribution. Classic double wishbone suspension was matched to advanced electronic damping and power steering, so the 456 combined thoroughbred cornering poise with a deliciously supple ride. As you expect, the 456GT also had a beautiful crafted interior, combining soft, boldly colored leather with high quality detail, the big chrome topped gear lever was a powerful evocation of 1950s Ferrari Grand Tourers.
It was a designed that skillfully echoed the whole glorious heritage of Ferrari and yet was at the same time unobtrusively but very stylish modern. The 456 was joined in 1996 by the front engiend 550 Maranello. This move confirmed Ferrari’s commitment to producing front engined layouts for its fastest cars, making them much easier to drive and much easier to live with.
