Ferrari Mailing List: Re: 456 gt search

[Dennis Liu (bigheaddennis]

Robert (sequoiasail [at] aol.com) wrote:

>Good Morning all from Sonoma Valley.CA?I am in the market for a 6 speed 456
gt.I am having some trouble finding one.They all seem to be automatics.The
dealears say the auto is about the same? as 6 speed please help thanks
Robert

===================

The auto is NOT the same.  Part of me wants to reply, "if you have to ask
whether an automatic is OK, then you really don't care if it's a manual or
not."  But that's a little onboxious.  :-)  Truly, I think most of us are so
in love with sports cars and enthusiastic driving that we must have a manual
transmission, at least on sports cars (or what purports to be a sports car).
Personally, I'd only ever own sports cars with a manual, but I'm happy
enough driving around in a big sedan or SUV with an automatic (like
firearms, you need the right tool for the job).

Specifically on the 456, the automatic has a VERY big downside.  Yes, it's a
modified GM transmission, but Ferrari (and its dealers) claim that the unit
CANNOT be rebuilt, and that you need to order one from them.  $20k+.
Insanity.  Now, I suspect that like any other automatic, especially one
built by GM, you can take it to any reputable shop and they can work magic
with it.  

Otherwise, I'm led to believe that the car is fairly robust.  You need the
window update ($5k+), but most should have had that done by now.  I think
there has been a 456 buyer's guide, either in Forza or in Sports Car Market,
worth checking out.

Also, there is a wealth of knowledge over on the 456/550/575 subtopic on
FerrariChat.com.  There are also usually a few 456s for sale on there (or
its ad section, FerrariAds.com), or if you're seriously looking, you can
post a "wanted" ad and you'll find out about a bunch.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Vty,

--Dennis