I've heard horror stories with the 456. Probably the most unreliable Ferrari of that era.

 

Details?

 

the passenger airbag looks like its been deployed...

 

Doubt it, just stressed leather, almost all the porsches, and Ferrari of 90's and early 2000's stress at this spot

 

I owned a 99 456m for two years. It was a fantastic car. The only thing i regretted was getting the auto tranny. If it was 6 speed i would probably still own it today

 

I actually thought 456s were attractive. Simple and classy. Unfortunately, that $40K car will cost another $40K in repairs and maintenance within a few years.

 

And I remember hearing the auto trannys were something insane like $70k to replace.

 

While there is some truth to this it is a GM gearbox (from I believe the Toronado) that is repairable by a knowledgeable auto gear box person for a whole lot less than that figure!

 

This doesn't even come close to the best Ferrari deal of the lifetime. A 1952 Ferrari 340 America (#0202) that was once featured a spider body by Vignale was purchased last year on eBay for $26,912 with a Devin body. Even if a restoration cost you $500,000 you'd still be able to pocket a cool $2.5M when sold.

 

Here is what he got for $26,912. With this little of the car left, even if he did a full restoration, it would be primarily nothing more than a glorified kit car. It would only be 10% original. The only way he will get $2.5 mil is if he puts $3 mil into it.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cont...42.8%20million.


Here is the body that hid the frame.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cont...errari%20frame.