Ferrari 456 GTA

Why it matters

Introduced in 1996, the 456 GTA brought an automatic transmission to Ferrari's new-generation V12 grand tourer for the first time. The A identified a four-speed automatic transaxle mounted at the rear, preserving the front-mid-engine car's balanced weight distribution while providing effortless long-distance performance. Its 5,474 cc, 65-degree V12 retained four valves per cylinder and Bosch Motronic management, producing 442 hp at 6,250 rpm and carrying four occupants at speeds approaching 300 km/h. Pininfarina's restrained body remained essentially unchanged from the manual GT, combining concealed pop-up headlamps, an automatically deploying rear spoiler and a graceful fastback roofline with genuine rear seating. Electronically adjustable dampers, self-leveling rear suspension, anti-lock brakes and a lavish leather cabin reinforced the GTA's dual role as both Ferrari flagship and continental express. Only 403 examples were completed before the updated 456M arrived, making the original GTA substantially rarer than the manual 456 GT and an important milestone in Ferrari's development of sophisticated automatic V12 grand tourers.