Ferrari 360 Modena: The Automatic V12 Bargain That Proves Gearboxes Matter
Marcus Vance
2 minutes read
A Ferrari 456 GTA just changed hands for $65,000 on Bring a Trailer, and the price tells a sharp story. The Ferrari 456 is a V12 grand tourer that most enthusiasts have forgotten. Its automatic gearbox explains why.
Automatic Badge, Manual Soul Lost
This car has sold twice before. In 2018 it fetched $57,500 with 8k miles, then returned in 2025 with 3,000 more miles and a $65,000 price tag. Like the ISO Grifo, it is a grand tourer that trades on character, not convenience.
Mechanically, the paperwork looks clean. The timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs were all refreshed in November 2023. Still, the alarm siren and radio display don’t work, and the door leather is creased.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 5.5L F116 V12 |
| 🐎Power Output | 436 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 549 Nm (405 lb-ft) (est.) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 4.5s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 192 mph (309 km/h) (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 4-Speed Automatic / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $65,000 (BaT sale, April 2025) |
The 4-speed automatic is the problem. Its wide ratios and torque converter soften the response of the 5.5-liter F116 V12. On paper, the car is effortless in traffic. In reality, the throttle feels lazy when you want the engine to sing.
The Ferrari 456 Value Trade-Off
Ferrari buyers have always priced gearboxes differently. Cars with the F1 paddle system sell for $80,000 to $150,000, and gated manuals push higher still. Later 612 Scaglietti manuals likely won’t sell below $200,000.
Even so, the automatic 456 is a cheap entry into Maranello’s V12 world. Its heavy depreciation is the market’s punishment for a gearbox that purists reject.
Is $65,000 Really a Bargain?
Yes, and it isn’t close. This price buys a Ferrari V12 that rarely gets driven, and maintenance should stay manageable with a specialist. Expect the 456 GTA to become a sleeper, with manual cars pulling away from automatics over the next decade.
Ultimately, this is a Ferrari that rewards the patient buyer. Just don’t expect it to feel like the car the badge promises.
Read more at Auto News Magazine.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
View all articles by Marcus Vance →
