Name me a 4 seater.......errr.....please

1. How do you want to use the car?
2. How much money do you want to spend?

Many cars out there, pros and cons to each.

 

A 456M could be a great car for you and your 4 legged friends. My Bouviers go with me every time I go. In a pinch a person passenger may accompany us. The car has fantastic torque and looks great.
Try one, the price will surprise you as the depreciation is huge.
Winston

 

I personally think the 456 is one of the most elegant 2+2s there is. Beautiful, flowing lines, nice modern interior - I just think they are great. If you wanted even more luxury, I thought the Bentley Continental R was very comfortable and nice. I sat in the back and it had more room than many mid-size sedans.

 

I agree with Zach completely: The 456 has very elegant lines, and a fantastic interior. It's my favorite "modern" front engine Ferrari.

However, you also asked about maintanence and reliability. Is price (and the associated depreciation) a factor, too?

Could I suggest a classic alternative?

It's around half the initial cost, and costs relatively little to maintain, unless you need something major. There are no electrical gremlins, the power windows have no issues, and it reallly sounds, smells and feels like a Ferrari.

Plus, according to the Ferrari Market Letter, the values are increasing rather than depreciating.

I need to take some new pictures of my 330 2+2, but take a look, and seriously consider one. They are simply fatastic.

(But I really do love the 456!)

--Matt

 

I would have to second the 330 GT 2+2.....mostly mechanical, classic, reliable. Recent issues of FORZA have discussed the 456 - many hate it. There are very-expensive mechanical issues with the 456 that non-owners are ignoring.....

The 400i cars are available - I've seen one at Ferrari of Central Florida, one at Steve Harris Imports for sale. I've talked with Ferrari Mechanics about these models, and have expressed the scarcity of parts and the self-levelling suspension was tricky and expensive to keep working. Everything else was bulletproof - the Auto Tranny is a US model (CHEAP to repair/replace), while the 5-speed is the more desired (and rarer). Carb 400s are a pain, since the carbs are side-draft and buried under lots of engine bits that must come off before you can access them. ALL 400/412s are Grey-Market.

 

Michael.C.James makes some very good points.

The automatic transmission on 400s is a modified GM Turbo Hydramatic 400. It can be rebuilt by almost anyone in the US.

The 400/400i/412 family is somewhat more expensive to work on, due to the twin camshafts. On the 400, six side-draught carbs are both complex and buried in the engine bay. On the 330, the single cam engine, complete with "twin-six" distributor (with points) and three Webers, is surprisingly straightforward to work on.

 

And the 400i/412 series has the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system, which is highly reliable for the period and can be adjusted by any mechanic that also is familiar with early-mid 80's Mercedes and BMWs that used the same system.

John

 

That 330 is stunning.

However, you could sure look into the Mondial t. Reasonable money, a lot of value there. Semi modern too.