1995 456GT manual

A bittersweet moment for me: I just found out we're expecting our first child (yay!), so my newly acquired 456 regrettably has to go (boo!) as I just won't have time to drive it as it should be driven.

It's an original 1995 456GT manual Japan-delivered model, the VIN ZFFSD44JPN0101501, currently at 11300 kms (about 7060 miles). Argento Nurburgring on Grigio Scuro, the last year of Pininfarina production.

I am the second owner, having purchased it from the original Japanese owner through Balcom, a dealer in Hiroshima, Japan. I imported it to Vancouver, and had it trained to me near Toronto, Canada. It is registered under my name with a clean and clear Ontario title, and has been registered as an import under the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, so future ownership transfers and emissions tests are conducted as if the car were originally Canadian.

I will do my best to be fully transparent: it has a few of the issues endemic to the 456, most prevalently a poorly-fitting passenger window (the driver's fits impeccably) and slight discolouration in the corners of the rear windshield. There are a couple of very minor stone chips in the front end and some wear on the handbrake lever base due to the previous owner rubbing a shoe buckle against it. There is a very slight dent in the rear edge of the driver's door, almost imperceptible. Two of the small enamel pieces on the crossed flags emblem on the console are missing. The rear console shocks are dead.

That said, the car is a great example of a GT Ferrari. It shows and drives very nicely, all electrical elements function perfectly. For anyone who hasn't driven a 456, it is an excellent balance of comfort and effortless power. The adjustable dampening makes driving in town one minute and cruising on a highway the next a breeze.

It sits on a set of refinished 18” 575M wheels and near-new Continental Y-rated tires, in my opinion among the best upgrades to a 456. The original 17" wheels and original (from 1995!) tires are also included. Spacers are inbound this week. The headlights were expertly retrofitted to HID (and proper projectors).

The car has a full set of manuals in the appropriate pouch (I added an English version) and a complete tool kit with case, including spare belts, fuses and bulbs.

The car is undergoing a comprehensive service this week in the capable hands of Tom Bakowsky at Cross Avenue in Oakville (tbakowsky on these forums), all belts and fluids will be changed. I had the alternator replaced as a preventive measure with an original Denso unit due to voltage fluctuations, and the typical bubbled HVAC panel overlay has been replaced as well.

Documentation includes every Shaken inspection report from Japan covering the car's entire life, and will include Tom's service as well (which I believe to be the first full service on the car). I've included a few sample pictures, I have a couple hundred more pictures from a professional shoot available to view as well.

I'm looking to sell the car quickly if possible. I've listed it in a few places asking in the mid-100s CDN, but I'd rather sell it to a FerrariChat user for 95,000 USD.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things, but I'd be happy to chat about the car with anyone interested. I can PM my phone number or email on request. I can assist with exporting the car to any country worldwide as well at a reasonable cost. I will of course provide Tom's full report when he is done with the car.

Thanks for reading!
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Thanks guys. I'd love to keep it, but going to have to buy a house first and need the cash...don't worry, there will be more Ferraris in the very near future.

 

I looked very briefly at import laws. What Chris wrote is accurate re: the letter, although with a subtle difference: it needs to be 'substantially similar' to US spec, not fully US spec. The only difference between Japan and Euro spec, for instance, is the seat belt tensioners (Japan uses a different style, which lock up sooner but also more progressively). The other concerns for US import would be a MPH speedo/odo and door reinforcement bars. Your state of residence would have an impact on the requirements as well.

The airbags aren't a concern as the law requiring them only came into effect in September 1998.

 

I did a bit more research and have a big update: this car IS eligible for import into the USA under 49 U.S. Code § 30141. The NHTSA has an exemption number (VSP256, specific to the 1995 456), under decisions NHTSA-1998-3806 and NHTSA-1998-4072. In a nutshell, this eligibility number is "based on a petition from a manufacturer or registered importer which establishes that a substantially similar U.S.-certified vehicle exists."

You will have to go through a registered importer to bring it in, but the car is eligible for entry into the USA. It is exempt from EPA restrictions due to it being 21 years old. Not sure about California though, that can get a bit complicated from my experience.

 

Had a few questions about the import status: the car is fully registered in Ontario with a complete, clean and clear Ontario title. Future transfers will be done as if the car was originally Canadian.
Also sold with a safety and e-test.

Tom suggested the valve cover and timing cover gaskets be replaced, so they are being done along with the under-plenum coolant hose.

 

Hahaha, now you've got me pretty seriously second-guessing myself! I really would love to keep it, believe me. But now I need a house, need to cover for workdays I'll miss, need...you know, practical stuff.

Truth be told, I've eyes for a 550 now...I think once the kid is a bit older I'll be getting one. The biposto layout of the 550 isn't as good, true, but I do have a couple of other toys for that.

That, or a 456 Venice. Now that I would buy in a heartbeat.

 

100% agreed! The car will be listed on Bring a Trailer shortly.

 

I'll see if I can get something from FoO in Toronto, otherwise, yes, it is as above.