One of Three Ferrari 456 GT Convertibles by Straman on Sale for $74,950

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 456 coupe, produced from 1992 through 2003, has to be one of the most understated models to roll out of the brand’s Maranello factory in modern times, and while the Italians never bothered with a convertible iteration of the four-seater, Straman took care of that with the 456 GT Cabriolet.

Some of you may recall the independent, California-based company from the Ferrari Testarossa Spyder builds back in the 1980s.

Straman produced only three examples of the 456 Convertible, one of which is said to have been for retired professional boxer Mike Tyson. We don’t know who owned the one you see pictured here, but it could be yours for “$74,950 or best offer”.

However, before you jump on Craigslist to sell your ride and call your banker for a new loan on your house, you should take a close look at the car’s history provided by the seller at Ferraris-Online.

Bypassing the sections where we are informed that the 1995 Ferrari 456 GT was acquired brand-new for $207,030, with the conversion to a convertible adding another $50,000 in 1996, you’ll find some hefty service prices (think sub-compact car) including, but not limited to, a $16,243.28 bill…

By John Halas

History from the seller:

S/n ZFFSP44A7S0101250. 456 GT. 6 Speed. USA model. New in Rosso Monza with tan leather.

1995, January, build date. Assembly No. 18308.

1995, 29 June, sold new by Continental Auto Sports, 420 E. Ogden Ave., Hinsdale, IL, 60521–3611 to Donald Kirk Corporation, 201 Juniper Court, Streamwood, Illinois, 60107. Window sticker price $207,030.

1996, 07 Nov., oil service by Continental Auto Sports. No charge. Mileage: 5,525.

1996, December, delivered by enclosed carrier to Straman’s shop in Costa Mesa, CA. Converted by Straman into a 456 Cabriolet. One of three cars done, s/n 100281 in black with tan was the first car. 456 s/n 100890, in blue with tan, was the second car. This car, s/n 101250, in red with tan, was the third and last 456 Cabriolet built by Straman. Cost of conversion in 1996: $50,000.

1997, June, cabriolet conversion finished at Straman’s shop. Picked up by the owner who drove it home to the Chicago area.

1997, 10 July, Tubi exhaust system and fuel valve fitted by Continental Auto Sports, total invoice: $4,195.89. Mileage: 8,133.

1997, 08 Oct., warranty work including A/C, front suspension squeak, seat back handle, by Continental Auto Sports, no charge. Mileage: 9,616.

1999, July, identified as 456 GT on FNA Notices of Recall 167 and 168.

1999, 09 Sept., fuel line update, heater line update, spoiler operation actuator, trunk release, by Continental Auto Sports. Total invoice: $1,669.78. Mileage: 12,327.

2001, 22 May, replace battery, by Continental Auto Sports. Total invoice: $163.09. Mileage: 12,723.

2002, 23 Apr., check wire loom assembly on right side of dash for ignition switch into dash, replace wiring loom and ignition switch, suspect internal failure in switch causing wires to get hot. Replace internal electrical portion of switch, test complete electrical system for proper operation and overloads, replace removed trim. Includes sublet complete interior for all new leather. Test fuel gauge and tank, replace fuel sending unit, by Continental Auto Sports. Total invoice: $16,243.28. Mileage: 13,214.

2002, 24 Apr., repaint front and rear bumper, repair all dents, scratches and imperfections on entire body as needed, for a dent–free, scratch–free, as–new body, by Custom Cars Unlimited, La Grange, IL. $10,156.63

2003, 08 Sept., repair left rear power window, by Continental Auto Sports. Total invoice $1,751.25. Mileage: 14,076.

2004, 03 Aug., repair power top wiring at relay box, check rear spoiler light, replace spoiler lift motor assembly, adjust passenger side window, repair wiring from key buzzer to power seats, by Continental Auto Sports. Total invoice: $2,674.46. Mileage: 14,276.

2005, November, Ferrari 456 GT Cabriolet conversion s/n 101250 offered by Continental Auto Sports, authorized Ferrari dealer for Hinsdale, IL. Rosso Corsa with beige interior. Full power top, full timing belt service is included with the purchase, books, tools and records. 14,900 miles.

2005, 17 Nov., 30k belt service completed by Continental Auto Sports. Hinsdale, IL. Total invoice just under $7,000.

2005, December, sold to Carlo Cervino, a restaurateur, in the San Francisco area.

2006, 09 Dec., sold to M. Sheehan by Ferrari of San Francisco.

2006, 11 Dec., pre–purchase inspection, excellent compression, from 195 lbs – 210 lbs with leakdown at 2% – 6%, by Dino motors, for M. Sheehan. Total invoice: $497.50. Mileage: 16,785.

2006, December–2007, January, four new Pirelli 255 x 45 x 17 ZR front and 285 x 40 x 17 ZR rear P Zero tires fitted. Full 30k cam belt and cam seals service done. New rear shocks and shock actuator fitted. Right rear power window motor rebuilt. Four wheel alignment. Total invoice: $10k. Mileage: 16,810

2007, January, offered by Mike Sheehan’s www.Ferraris-online.com with recent major service work.

2007, 23 Feb., sold to previous owner. 16,850 miles.

2009, October – 2010, January, 30k cam belt and cam seal, all fluids serviced, side windows and folding top mechanism fine tuned by Rod Drew’s F.A.I., Costa Mesa, CA.

2010, January, sold by Mike Sheehan’s www.Ferraris-online.com, 17,203 miles.

2010, 14 July, serviced at Moorespeed, 2131 Theo Drive Austin Texas 78723. Invoice number: 3598. Check engine diagnostics, hook engine up to computer to retrieve errors and fix. Total invoice: $100.00.

2011, 30 Apr., serviced at Moorespeed. Invoice Number: 3874. Install fuel pressure gauge to system, R&R enough of rear trunk assembly to access fuel tank and fuel pump wiring, route and connect fuel pump harness, run car and verify proper pressures, evacuate A/C systems and recharge, towing. Total invoice: $673.77.

2013, 04 Oct., serviced at Moorespeed. Invoice number: 6192. Install mid-tronics vat tester, check and verify CCA as specified, verify charging system with and without loads within specifications, verify diode ripple test, check general condition of battery, replace battery, check engine light, cel, diagnostics, and pull codes. Total invoice: $573.04.

2013, December, on consignment with Mike Sheehan’s Ferraris-online.com.

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