He bought this Ferrari V12, which had been abandoned for 10 years, for €11,500 and discovered why it was so cheap

A Ferrari A V12-powered car for the price of a used compact city car? That’s the completely crazy gamble that British YouTuber Autoalex has just taken. After sitting unused in a garage for more than ten years, this Ferrari 456 The 1997 model is finally seeing the light of day again. But behind its ridiculously low price lies a mechanical overhaul that could quickly turn into a disaster.

Forgotten and covered in dust for ten years

It all began in a British garage, where a Ferrari 456 was desperately waiting to get back on the road. Its owner, Mark, had bought it more than ten years earlier with the intention of restoring it. A project that never really came to fruition. Over the years, he’s only sat behind the wheel twice, without ever actually driving it.

Yet this Ferrari has some serious selling points. Built in 1997, it’s powered by a majestic 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine producing about 450 chevaux, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. A true Italian GT that cost nearly 170,000 pounds at the time. But when the Autoalex team lifts the covers, the sight is far less glamorous. The body is buried under a thick layer of dust, while the interior has been overrun by rodents. Nests, droppings, and even a cheeseburger wrapper bear witness to this long period of neglect. And the worst is yet to come—under the hood.

Incomplete V12

Upon examining the engine, Autoalex discovers a real puzzle. The engine appears to have been rebuilt several years ago, after sustaining damage possibly related to driving through water. But no one seems to have finished reassembling it. Hoses are missing, wiring harnesses are disconnected, the intake manifold is disassembled, and the exhaust is no longer properly secured.

Under the car, the situation is hardly any more reassuring. The rear suspension’s hydraulic system is leaking, the shock absorbers are worn out, several lines are corroded, and the brakes need major repairs. In other words, the 10,000 pounds spent—about 11,500 euros—is likely only a fraction of the final investment.

However, the expert report holds a huge surprise

After a spectacular cleaning job that restored much of the Ferrari’s elegance, Autoalex brought in Scott, a Ferrari specialist and host of the Ratarossa channel. His assessment brought some unexpected good news. Despite the rodents, the electrical system appears to be largely intact. The windows work, the power seats respond, the lights come on, and most of the interior features are operational.

Better yet, when the team briefly turns the starter, the V12 revs! It doesn’t actually start, since several mechanical components remain disconnected, but this first sign of life restores hope. Scott also points out that some Ferrari parts cost a fortune. A replacement hood can cost over 14,000 pounds before tax, while some electronic components run into the thousands of pounds.

A real bargain… provided the restoration is a success

For the expert, however, the 10,000 pounds invested is still an excellent deal. The body is generally well-preserved, the interior has been restored to its former glory, and the engine is showing encouraging signs. Now comes the crucial part: getting this V12 running properly and getting the Ferrari back on the road. Because while Autoalex has likely purchased one of the least expensive Ferraris in the United Kingdom, there’s no guarantee it will remain so once the repairs are complete. Somewhere between a car enthusiast's dream and a financial black hole, this 456 has yet to prove itself.