Ferrari’s 456M GT was launched in 1998 as an upgrade to the existing 456. While Pietro Camardella’s attractive Pininfarina design was largely untouched, subtle changes made the 456M GT a significantly improved car. Carbon fiber was used for the hood, and the interior was thoroughly overhauled to make it more ergonomic. The 436-brake horsepower 5.5-liter V-12 was fettled by having its firing order changed to run more smoothly, and the car retained its claim of being the fastest production four-seater from 1992–2002.

Amongst the hierarchy of the 456 family of Ferraris, six-speed manual 456M GTs are certainly at the top. With a number of carefully considered changes to the original platform, these were the perfect mix between practicality and performance, offering the ease of everyday usability with seating for four.

This stunning Ferrari 456M GT was completed in June of 1999. It left the factory finished in the dramatic shade of Rosso Barchetta optioned with Daytona seats trimmed in Cuoio Natural Leather with Bordeaux seat piping, a Cuoio Natural Leather dash and steering wheel, and a silver dedication plate. It is one of just 640 examples produced between 1998 and 2004 equipped with the desirable gated six-speed manual transmission. The car was sold new through Ferrari of Washington, DC on 30 October 1999 to Rex Scatena, with the dedication plate on the dash commemorating his father. The car would remain in Connecticut under Mr. Scatena’s ownership for nearly a decade.

In July 2008 the Ferrari was purchased by Todd Rosenthal of Naples, Florida. He would go on to own the car for nearly two years, at which time it was acquired by a private owner in March of 2010. It would remain with them until June 2017 when it was sold to the current owner. Today the car is offered having covered 21,345 miles.

The 456M GT is one of the most attractive and well-equipped GTs of Ferrari’s late-model catalog. This example’s stunning color combination and rare gated manual transmission are surely compelling facets of its present appeal.