IMO, the 456 is far more elegant, far more refined, far less in your face. (In the right color it's a keeper.)
I think that for a lot of people the 456, and especially the M because it lacks hood scoops, is too plain. It is the most elegant, the cleanest design of the modern era, (as the Lusso was 50 years ago) but its high level of restraint is a turnoff for people who want the visual visceral excitement of a Ferrari. The Maranellos, with their hood and right rear fender scoops, glass headlamp covers and gills, are far more exciting looking.
It reminds me of the Espada. http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2009/07/17/13/23/1968-lamborghini-espada-pic-46144.jpeg
I've had a few. The 456 M is in a class of it's own, not unlike the Lusso, I have also just bought an Aston Martin DB-7 another one of a kind. These cars are part of a wonderful era. Enjoy them, and DRIVE THEM .
the pic above of a 456 appears to be a pic of a 1:18 model - which is why the panel gaps seem out of proportion. the 456 is a subtle shape. currently very few people seem to appreciate it. if your carrying costs are low, and your patience is high, then buying a few now will yield a good investment in about 10 years.
I couldn't agree more. The M is a sophisticated Ferrari for those that don't mind subtle but still having it where it counts - the V12 on these are a monster and so fun to drive. Plus, with the custom luggage (just remarried mine to a set) and a real trunk - you can actually go places!. Also, I'm not a purist and they do need bigger wheels to help them look a little more current and aggressive - thankfully a prior Fchatter put Novi's on mine before I bought... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
nice luggage. i have the same but in black. i have 18"s on mine, but have been wondering about 19"'s. did you lower it as well? now that she is back from the shop, i kind of like her again.... Image Unavailable, Please Login
Very nice indeed - we should organize a meet somewhere in Switzerland. Maybe in the coming spring and share our love/hate stories with our 456's.
456s look great with either 18" or 19" wheels. Really updates the look. My 18" 575M wheels are on one 456M and my 19" Novitecs are going on another one. Here is what they look like with 19" Maranello wheels, which have gotten very expensive. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
My 575M has FHP, so not a noticeable change. You would have to ask the 456/456M owners. A lot of it depends on tires. The new Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires are noticeably better riding and quieter than the Pirellis.
The car rides only slightly harsher, but the 19" Bridgestones are noticeably noisier than the 17" Nittos I was running. I do like the look with the new O.Z. Racing wheels though. This pic, my avatar, is my favorite. Image Unavailable, Please Login
yep the photo is of a scale model. I was trying to get the same colour and angle as the lambo photo and the model photo is all I could come up with
That is a beautiful 456 and love those wheels! I think even better than the Novi's. They are 19's and I think a slight lowering, although the wheels being larger and wider would give that effect too. Taz, do you know if Frenchie lowered?
She drives and rides beautifully. I could easily spend hours and be happy...I use mine as a DD, already put 2x the miles in 8 months what the prior owner did in 2 years...
No, I do not think Frenchie lowered her. She looks about stock to me. Those big wheels and huge tires just fill up the wheel wells and make her look lower.
Have both of the above (456, DB7 vantage volante v12) and drive them both as much as I can. Both are a design that will not age badly. I have BIG wheels on the 456 and it handles perfectly.
The new Lambo looks like the Miura, which was the point. The 456 is cool, but it's not THAT cool. Even in the correct color. Cheers, George Image Unavailable, Please Login
